Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

A growing health café opened its fourth location on April 14 at 5500 Fountains Dr, NE—next to Hotworx.

The café will host a grand opening event with promotions and giveaways on April 26.

Cedar Rapids Police released body-cam footage of a February 19 standoff when officers tried to serve an arrest warrant on Christopher Kern who barricaded himself in an apartment on Valor Way and fired at officers — police returned fire with no injuries reported and Kern later pleaded guilty to attempted murder of a peace officer.

On Wednesday, April 17th, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced the launch of Iowa Cold Case playing cards that list details from over 400 reviewed cases such as unsolved murders, missing persons, and unidentified remains—prisons and county jails will receive the decks in hopes of sparking new clues.

The USDA Crop Progress Report said that by April 13th, 11% of Iowa corn was planted amid dry, windy weather affecting 80% of the state.

Iowa State forecasts a record harvest with 15.585 million bushels expected, up 5% from last year (farmers remain hopeful despite drought concerns).

Air Force Veteran Kevin Techau (former Iowa Commissioner of Public Safety and U.S. Attorney) announced his campaign for Congress in Iowa’s Second Congressional District on Thursday.

He said he will challenge Washington to make government work for Iowa families.

Iowa homes rank first for high radon levels above EPA standards, and nearly 1,500 Iowans will die from lung cancer this year with more than 25 percent of those cases linked to radon exposure.

Lawmakers are considering bills that would offer a up to $1,000 tax credit for mitigation, require radon systems in new homes, and supply free testing kits.

UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids and Mercy Medical Center – Cedar Rapids are warning residents about a phone scam in which callers pretend to be hospital staff and ask for Social Security numbers, financial details, or money.

The hospitals said they never make such calls and urge anyone who receives a suspicious call to hang up and verify through official channels.

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.

The History Center Museum Hours

12-4 p.m. — The History Center — $8 — Discover the legacy of Mercy Medical Center and the story of National Oats Company at this engaging new exhibit.

Tchaikovsky Discovers America - Family Discovery Day

7 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a delightful exploration of Tchaikovsky's music tailored for the family.