Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Cedar Rapids firefighters held their first live fire training at Marion’s nearly complete new burn building this week — they practiced hose handling and emergency response in a controlled setting ahead of joint sessions with other departments later this year.

Cassie Kehe, a 2008 Cedar Rapids Washington High School graduate, bought the former Dairy Queen on 1st Avenue near the Starlite Room.

The shop will reopen as Dottie's this late spring — details will be shared on social media.

Record Store Day will take place on April 18, fueling interest in Eastern Iowa record shops — including Cedar Rapids' Analog Vault and other local venues that will offer collectors new and pre-loved vinyl as part of the region's ongoing celebration of music.

Taft Middle School principal Jessiah Gilchrist addressed community concerns today after older social media posts resurfaced, confirming that the staff member was fully vetted+licensed and that all employees undergo rigorous background checks; an internal review found no unresolved legal issues.

Cedar Rapids City Council will vote on a tax incentive offering a $7 million break for a developer to invest $40 million in redeveloping the old Transamerica site off Edgewood Road Northeast—where the plan includes renovating two commercial buildings—and nearly all council members support the measure despite opposition from Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell.

Residents voiced concerns at a recent city council meeting over a proposed development that would add a gas station and businesses to a residential area.

They worry about rising property taxes + community impact, and council urges more neighborhood dialogue with the developer before moving forward.

A statewide tornado drill took place yesterday at 10 a.m. during Severe Weather Awareness Week; test messages on weather radios and social media helped residents practice tornado safety plans.

The Linn County Board of Supervisors approved a rezoning plan in Palo that sets aside nearly 400 acres for energy projects, potentially allowing Duane Arnold Energy Center to restart by 2029 — some residents express mixed feelings about the job prospects and safety concerns.

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.

An Evening With The Fab Four

2:30-11:30 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the ultimate Beatles tribute with incredible performances and costume changes that capture the essence of the Fab Four.

Scrabble Club Meeting

5:30-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Gather for an evening of wordplay and friendly competition with fellow Scrabble enthusiasts.