Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

The closed cafe at the library will reopen this summer under Horizons + A Family Service Alliance, which was awarded the management contract after a board proposal approved a start-up plan with low initial rent; it is set to open in early June with menu plans still in progress.

Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre has accepted a $20,000 grant to support its Smith Young Artist Program that trains rising opera singers—funded by congressional appropriations to the National Endowment for the Arts for fiscal year 2026.

An attorney for Professional Educators of Iowa said that vague ethics rules have caused public worry over teachers’ interactions, including a Beckman Catholic teacher who received a written reprimand and must attend an ethics class after messaging that his players were 'like family'.

Bridge repair work will begin on Monday, closing the east half of the 3rd Avenue Bridge for concrete, frame wall, and deck repairs until October — detours will direct traffic to the 2nd Avenue Bridge while access to the Linn County Courthouse remains available.

Iowa National Guard soldiers returned from the Middle East on Thursday where they served in support of Operation Inherent Resolve—families reunited with them during a formal welcome home ceremony in Cedar Rapids.

At Better Living’s Apple Valley assisted living center in Clear Lake, a family video showed a resident who fell at 2 a.m. on Oct.

21, 2025 and remained on the floor for four hours, prompting the firing of an employee while advocates push to allow family cameras in Iowa homes.

Iowa Football holds an open practice on April 25 at Kinnick Stadium with gates opening at 9:45 a.m. and practice starting at 10:45 a.m. (Fans may sit in the south and west stands with free parking available on hard surface lots.)

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.

Spring Book & Bake Sale at Hiawatha Public Library

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Discover wonderful books and delicious baked goods at this community event.

Climate Future Film Festival

12-2 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Experience a captivating mix of films reflecting diverse responses to climate change.

For the Love of Plants

4-5 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Engage in plant-themed crafts and connect with fellow teens who share a passion for gardening.

Doodlebugs: Art with Words

10:30-11 a.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Engage preschoolers in creativity through art-based storytelling.