Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Donations are being collected for TSA agents at Eastern Iowa Airport, where staff have not received pay due to the government shutdown.

The airport accepts non-perishable food items, household essentials, and gift cards for gas and groceries during weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Madam Chef’s Delicacy Global Fusion will hold its soft opening at NewBo City Market on Wednesday, April 1, serving an international menu.

The vendor will operate Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Kalona Historical Village is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with a year-long exhibit that shares local veterans’ stories through artifacts dating back to the Civil War (curated by historian Mike Huston), highlighting sacrifices made during past wars.

The University of Northern Iowa launched three-year degree pathways for over 30 majors on Monday, giving students an accelerated plan in the College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences to finish studies faster and enter the workforce sooner.

Eastern Iowa students in the EagleBots robotics team are preparing to take their FIRST Tech Challenge robot to an international competition in Houston while raising $32,000 in donations; they are partnering with 4H and donating their STEM children's book to local libraries (they recently earned the Inspire Award).

Residents are advised to prepare for severe weather as the First Alert Weather Team holds Awareness Week today and storm spotter trainings starting March 25 at 10 a.m. Additional sessions run in early April while climate change and earlier floods underline the need for readiness in Cedar Rapids.

Alliant Energy and the Iowa Utilities Commission met with residents to discuss the proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center south of Highway 30 near Linn-Benton Road, marking the first review step.

The meeting raised concerns over safety + traffic impact, and officials said public input will continue.

Iowa men's basketball team reached the Sweet 16 today by beating Florida 73-72, ending a 27-year wait for the milestone — a win that marks a new era for Hawkeye fans.

Following an incident during the Friday game in Cedar Rapids on March 20, the American Indoor Football league imposed penalties by suspending seven Titans players and an assistant coach for the season while fining Wyoming Cavalry for conduct violations after reviewing game footage and official statements.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Youth Advisory Board Meeting

5-6 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Contribute your ideas and help shape the future of the library.

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.

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.

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.

Community Writers Circle

1-2 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — A supportive space for adults to explore creative writing and storytelling.

Cedar Rapids Titans vs North Michigan Muskies

7-10 p.m. — Alliant Energy Power House — Special ticket prices for students and essential workers — Catch the thrilling matchup between the Titans and Muskies.