Thursday, March 19th, 2026
Good morning, Cedar Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of March.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Today is Buy 319 Local Day in Cedar Rapids, with a BOGO gift card deal from the Metro Economic Alliance (a bonus card worth 50 percent of the purchase is added when you buy a gift card) and over 30 local businesses accepting the cards. KDAT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Nominations for the 2026 Coolest Thing Made In Iowa contest remain open until March 27 & voting begins on April 7, with rounds narrowing the field until the final winner is announced on June 3. KDAT
- ➤ Noelridge Greenhouse will host its annual Easter Showcase from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 4-5 at 4900 Council St. NE, where visitors of all ages can enjoy spring displays, family activities, and local gardening tips + kids can receive a free pansy plant while supplies last. CBS 2 Iowa
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Representative Shannon Lundgren plans to change a senate bill at a House committee meeting tomorrow by banning smoking on casino gaming floors instead of allowing cigar bars to sell alcohol. Lawmakers are renewing a debate over health concerns and business support. Radio Iowa
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ University of Iowa sophomore center Ava Heiden was named an AP All-America honorable mention yesterday after averaging 17.4 points and 7.3 rebounds with a 64% field goal rate, becoming the first Iowa player honored since Caitlin Clark; the Hawkeyes will face Fairleigh Dickinson in the NCAA Tournament on Saturday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ The NAIA extended its agreement with Cedar Rapids Tourism and Mount Mercy University to host the Men’s Volleyball National Championships at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse in downtown Cedar Rapids in 2027 and 2028. Mount Mercy University will continue as host + the event will attract top collegiate teams. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ Caitlin Clark, the former Hawkeye guard (returning from an eight-month injury break), was named MVP on Tuesday at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament in San Juan. She led all players in assists and will join the USA team for the World Cup in Berlin. CBS 2 Iowa
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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.
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Zeus Rebel Waters and the Ghetto Cowboys Live
8 p.m. — Moco Game Room & Hot Dog Bar — No refunds — Experience a dynamic night of music with Zeus Rebel Waters and the Ghetto Cowboys on their Gumbo Show Tour.
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
It's not about the goal. It's about growing to become the person that can accomplish the goal.
~ Tony Robbins
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