Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Trajuan West, a 28-year-old Cedar Rapids man, pleaded guilty in November for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and was sentenced to over nine years in federal prison + three years of supervised release.

49-year-old Christopher Kern, accused of shooting at Cedar Rapids police during an overnight stand-off at a Valor Way Southwest apartment, pleaded guilty on Friday to three charges of attempted murder of a peace officer—14 other charges were dropped—and is set to be sentenced on April 11.

The Webster Theater is set to reopen next month after a fire in late 2023 caused major smoke and water damage—workers completed interior repairs and the owner seeks donations to replace old windows and doors—and a grand reopening ceremony is scheduled for May 2.

Union leaders at the Amana Whirlpool plant said 650 workers will be laid off on June 1 — and they are upset over cuts to unemployment benefits from 26 to 16 weeks passed under House File 2355.

Governor Reynolds’ office said the plan has reduced the average time on benefits to 9 weeks — and meetings will be held to help affected workers return to work.

MidAmerican Energy filed a request with the Iowa Utilities Commission to add a capital investment charge to the natural gas bill of Iowa residential customers (a fee of .4% or about 17 cents monthly).

The charge will cover costs such as pipe relocation and compliance changes and could start showing on bills in June if approved.

The U.S. Department of Justice said one part of the governor’s energy bill might cut competition and raise prices by giving major power companies—MidAmerican and Alliant—the first chance to build new transmission lines.

House Speaker Pat Grassley said lawmakers are discussing the rule as they work to balance disaster response with fair market choices.

Dine Out - Taste of India

5-8 p.m. — Taste of India — Vegan-friendly dining experience — Enjoy a range of excellent vegan options in a semi-private setting with fellow enthusiasts.

Green Bay Gamblers vs. Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

6:59-11:05 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting hockey showdown between the Green Bay Gamblers and the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders.

Coralville Chaos at Cedar Rapids River Kings

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Alliant Energy Power House — Tickets starting at $22 — Experience an exciting night of hockey with the River Kings in Cedar Rapids.

Mercy Auxiliary Spring Bazaar

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — Mercy Medical Center Cedar Rapids — Free entry — Browse unique handcrafted items and support patient care services at this vibrant spring bazaar.

Good Friday Prayer Breakfast 2025

7-9 a.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex — Early Bird Tickets $34 — Gather in prayer and fellowship over breakfast with keynote speaker Chris Norton.

CAR SHOW at R&W Auto Detailing

3 PM — Summit View Village — Free entry — A delightful Cars and Coffee event featuring collaborations with local community groups.

The Cher Show

7:30-9 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Tickets available — An inspiring journey through the life and music of Cher with vibrant performances and costumes.

The Rapids

7-8 p.m. — Mirrorbox Theatre — Ticket prices may vary — Enjoy an improvised soap opera comedy where audience suggestions drive the hilarity.

Cooking for a Cause: Italian Night with Chef Craig

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Groundswell Cafe — $25 per person — Learn to cook a delicious Italian dinner while supporting a great cause.

Murder Mystery Dinner Show

6-9 p.m. — 101 1st Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA — $ — Put on your detective hat and enjoy a thrilling interactive murder mystery dinner experience.