Good Day
Cedar Rapids
Wednesday, March 18th, 2026
Good morning, Cedar Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of March.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Nominations for the Coolest Thing Made in Iowa contest are open until March 27 to highlight products made in Iowa; public voting will narrow the finalists with the winner announced during ABI's Taking Care of Business Conference in Coralville + Iowa City in early June. CBS 2 Iowa
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On St. Patrick’s Day, 170 students from local high schools marched in Dublin’s parade performing Katy Perry's 'Firework.' They will return on Mar. 21 to visit landmarks such as Trinity College Dublin and the Cliffs of Moher. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ Yesterday, crowds braved cold weather for downtown Cedar Rapids's 51st annual SaPaDaPaSo St. Patrick’s Parade. Sponsored by SaPaDaPaSo since 1978, the event let locals celebrate Irish spirit. CBS 2 Iowa
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ With the April 15 tax deadline coming up, experts warn against using social media for tax advice. Michael Bootsma — a tax professor at Iowa State — advises turning to trusted CPAs or volunteer income tax programs to file returns correctly. CBS 2 Iowa
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Fallen soldier Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien’s visitation will be held Friday (2-5 p.m.) at Valley Church in West Des Moines and his funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. at Iowa Veterans Cemetery; he was killed in Kuwait during Operation Epic Fury and is survived by his wife and three children. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ Kalshi (a New York company) is suing Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird after a meeting raised questions about its federally regulated prediction markets. The company seeks an injunction to bar state enforcement of its event contracts, claiming federal law gives it sole jurisdiction. KCRG
- ➤ Local business leaders are urged to support the Morgan Valley Energy Center by attending an Iowa Utilities Commission meeting on March 23 at 6:00 p.m. at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center (7725 Kirkwood Blvd SW) to help secure reliable power for economic growth. Cedar Rapids Economic Alliance
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Housing experts in Iowa say rising home prices and shifting interest rates mean buyers should start with a clear budget and trusted professionals. They advise listing essentials and securing pre-approval to simplify the home buying process. CBS 2 Iowa
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ March Madness is underway and sports betting is surging in Iowa; the American Gaming Association estimates over $3.3 billion will be wagered nationwide & officials urge bettors to use licensed platforms for safer wagers. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament first and second round sessions at Carver-Hawkeye Arena sold out — Athletics Department confirmed the news yesterday. The games are scheduled for Saturday, Mar. 21 and Monday, Mar. 23 and include matchups featuring No. 2 Iowa against No. 15 Fairleigh Dickinson airing on ESPN2. KCRG
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Scrabble Club
1-4 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Challenge your vocabulary skills in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
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Refuge City Church AYC Local Outreach
10 AM - 4 PM — Refuge City Church — Free entry — Engage in community outreach and ministry projects for Cedar Rapids residents.
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Monday Morning Story Time
10-10:30 a.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful morning filled with stories suitable for the whole family.
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Free Volunteer Tax Assistance
12-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free service — Get help with your taxes from VITA volunteers in a friendly library environment.
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Tai Chi for Well-Being
10:30-11:30 a.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Enhance your fitness and balance with a relaxing Tai Chi session.
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Cedar Rapids Festival 2026
8:00 a.m. — Paramount Theatre — Sold Out — Celebrate the vibrant community spirit at this highly anticipated event in Cedar Rapids.
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Livin' La Vida Lutheran
7 p.m. — Amana Performing Arts Center — $25 — Experience a comedic journey with the Looney Lutherans through music, laughter, and joy for a lively heart.
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Youth Advisory Board Meeting
5-6 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Contribute your ideas and help shape the future of the library.
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Almost, Maine
7:30 p.m. — Ballantyne Auditorium — Free entry for students — Experience the heartfelt comedy of love and connection in a remote town on a magical winter night.
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Good Friday Prayer Breakfast 2026
6:30-8:30 a.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex — No cost mentioned — Enjoy a morning of prayer and breakfast with keynote speaker Kyle Hunter on this holy day.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Good Day Cedar Rapids
Welcome to the Good Day Cedar Rapids, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Cedar Rapids, Iowa community. If you like the Good Day Cedar Rapids, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Cedar Rapids.
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