Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Gardner Golf Course reopened Thursday, March 26 with major renovations including a revamped clubhouse, expanded patio, a new starter shack and permanent turf on the driving range — staff reported strong community interest as tee times begin at 9 a.m. daily.

Hundreds of vendors will gather at Lindale Mall inside the former Younkers for a flea market and garage sale this weekend.

The event runs Saturday, March 28 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Sunday, March 29 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) with more than 200 vendors offering various items.

Tracy Kidder, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and Iowa alumnus, died Tuesday from lung cancer at his daughter's home in Boston.

He is remembered for his compelling narrative nonfiction that captured diverse worlds and inspired readers, and he is survived by his wife, two children, and four grandchildren.

Yesterday, residents were alerted through Severe Weather Awareness Week as the risk of damaging wind and hail increased with the end of winter—meteorologists advised using NOAA weather radios or the local app for timely storm warnings.

EDGE Investment Solutions helps Cedar Rapids residents build and protect wealth with personal financial plans and ongoing guidance — partnering with the local Metro Economic Alliance and operating from offices in West Des Moines and Davenport.

Iowa Congresswoman Ashley Hinson said the emergency E-15 waiver gives short-term relief for farmers and consumers (she is pushing for legislation to allow year-round sales) as lawmakers near a final agreement.

A report from the Iowa Environmental Council and the Harkin Institute linked environmental risks—including nitrates, PFAS, radon, and pesticides—to Iowa's high cancer rates, which rank second worst nationally.

Michael Schmidt said many Iowans lack information on the safety of their water, air, and soil.

Families lobby for a $3M bill to fund pediatric cancer research during the final legislative session as lawmakers weigh budget decisions.

The measure is in a House subcommittee and is expected within the next three weeks & aims to boost treatments for Iowa children.

The Iowa Environmental Council and Harkin Institute released a report Wednesday linking pesticides, PFAS, nitrate and radon to rising cancer cases and urging lawmakers to act (with recommendations for better water quality monitoring and enforcement of existing laws).

A nearly 20-year vacant home in Cedar Rapids is being turned into an affordable housing duplex by nonprofit Matthew 25.

The $465k renovation took 10 months to preserve the 1860s design, and the duplex will soon serve families earning 30% or less of the median income.

The Iowa Hawkeyes beat Nebraska 77-71 on Thursday, Mar.

26 to reach the Elite Eight for the first time since 1987, becoming the lowest seeded Big Ten team to do so. They will face Illinois in Houston on Saturday (5:09 p.m.) as they chase a Final Four spot.

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.

Battle Arena: Nerf War for Teens

6-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Gather with fellow teens to engage in an epic Nerf blaster battle.