Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

The Oak Hill Jackson Neighborhood Association is holding its annual Renter’s Rights Workshop today at 6:15 p.m. at Cedar Rapids Public Library to teach tenants how to hold landlords accountable — the session comes after reports of neglectful property management that forced a single mother of three to leave her home. Attendees will learn about landlord responsibilities to keep homes safe and livable.

Charmisha Pirtle, charged in Cedar Rapids' only homicide case in 2024 after fatally stabbing Anthony Fitts (and held for over 14 months in Linn County jail), is taking a plea deal today before her second-degree murder trial begins at 9 a.m.

Gas prices in Iowa fell 10.3 cents per gallon last week to average $2.98 at over 2,000 stations, though they remained 8.3 cents higher than a month ago.

National gas and diesel prices dropped to $3.13 and $4.02 respectively—changes linked to lower oil prices, tariff concerns and rising OPEC+ production.

Iowa soybean farmers face uncertainty as China imposes a 125% tariff in response to U.S. tariffs, a move that threatens their key export market—China buys over half of U.S. soybeans.

Farmers and industry representatives worry that high tariffs will worsen trading conditions as planting season nears—politicians are urged to work on a solution.

Researchers from the University of Northern Iowa have been exploring deep caves such as Coldwater Cave to study how life survives underground—which may help NASA search for life on other planets.

Professor Joshua Sebree has led undergraduate students on 50 to 60 trips to use black light in examining glowing crystals that show changes in cave water over time.

Cedar Rapids City Council approved a rule that lets residents on housing vouchers submit a letter explaining their side if they are charged with a crime—this change will take effect July 1 so tenants can have their voice heard before a final decision is made.

A road work project that started Monday slowed traffic between Cedar Rapids and Ely as the bridge on Ely Road east of C Street Southwest closed for improvements.

The work, which includes paving, profile grinding, shoulder paving and patching, is expected to keep the bridge closed for six weeks—detours were posted.

The City of Cedar Rapids approved a $245,000 playground replacement at Fox Trail Park—set to include new accessible, nature-themed play structures and raised equipment to prevent water damage—with officials set to select a contractor soon and complete the project in late summer or early fall. The Cedar Rapids Public Library also paused its Artist-in-Residency program for next year—citing cost and staffing concerns—and will review it later if budget conditions improve.

On April 11th, Iowa pet owners sent in over 150 silly photos after a request on Facebook in celebration of National Pet Day.

The Eastern Iowa Pet Expo will take place at the National Guard Armory in Cedar Rapids on April 19th (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) with free admission and a call for donations of cat, dog, or rabbit food for local animal rescues.

Iowa Lottery is giving away two pairs of tickets for a sold-out WNBA exhibition game between the Indiana Fever and the Brazilian National Team on May 4 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

The contest (part of the Greatness Returns promotion for the lottery's 40th anniversary) began on April 14 and runs through April 24 with winners announced on April 25.

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.

Cedar Rapids Merit Badge University 2025

8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Mount Mercy University — Ticket sales start Jan 31st — Earn exciting merit badges with experienced instructors at this community-focused event.

Dubuque Fighting Saints Home Game 2

6:59 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on the Dubuque Fighting Saints in this exciting playoff match.

Dubuque Fighting Saints Home Game 3

6:59 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Ticket prices may vary — Cheer on the Dubuque Fighting Saints as they take on the Muskegon Lumberjacks in this exciting playoff matchup.