Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Familiar Cat Cafe will open in June at 935 6th Ave in Marion next to West End Diner so visitors can enjoy adoptable cats + coffee and locally-sourced art while supporting shelter adoptions; the venue will also host public events and private parties for the community.

Local restaurants can be nominated for the annual Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest, open for nominations until Monday, June 1 at 11:59 p.m. Held by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (since 2003), top contenders will be judged in October for cash prizes and plaques.

Gas prices in Iowa fell to $3.55 per gallon over the past week (a 13.7-cent drop), but experts warn that rising oil prices from global unrest may push them higher within 48 hours.

NextEra Energy opened a training center in Hiawatha to ready future employees for the planned reopening of the Duane Arnold Energy Plant by 2029.

Former plant operators now train new workers using modern simulators—part of upgrades expected to bring over 400 full-time jobs to our community.

UnityPoint Health will cut 207 IT positions across Iowa later this year, including in Hiawatha and Des Moines (with roles chosen to minimize interference with patient care) as part of a restructuring aimed at reinvesting savings in community health.

The Cedar Rapids Community School District is suing the state after $18 million in funding was cut for programs that support at-risk students.

District leaders plan to cut $12 million from the budget and hold a school board vote on possible consolidations next Monday.

Eastern Iowa communities and volunteer groups can apply for the Iowa DNR's 2026 Tree Planting Grant today to secure $10,000 to $30,000 for planting trees on public lands — the program will improve tree health, provide shade, and help reduce stormwater runoff.

Covington Road between Chain Bridge Road and Lone Tree Road will be closed to through traffic starting today for a four-month bridge replacement, so local drivers near Palo should follow the detour along Blairs Ferry Road and Collins Road.

Cedar Rapids property owners in the historic 2nd and 3rd Avenue District and Redmond Park-Grande Avenue District may get grants covering up to 75 percent of eligible exterior improvement costs, with awards up to $10,000 to preserve the city's character.

Applications are accepted until May 29.

Sen. Chuck Grassley is recovering from a gallstone removal he had over the weekend in Cedar Rapids + he praised local health care providers and looks forward to returning to Washington soon.

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.

EcoFest Cedar Rapids

10 AM – 3 PM — NewBo City Market — Free entry — Celebrate Earth Day with family-friendly activities, local foods, and live music at the Corridor's top eco festival.

Sci-Fi/Fantasy Writing Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Dive into the realms of sci-fi and fantasy while honing your storytelling skills.

2026 NAIA Men's Volleyball Championship

10 AM – 1 PM — Alliant Energy Power House — Visit NAIA Volleyball site for tickets and bracket — Witness the excitement of the NAIA men's national championship.

2026 NAIA Men's Volleyball Championship

10 AM – 1 PM — Alliant Energy Power House — Ticket prices vary — Experience thrilling collegiate volleyball action at the championship match.

NAIA Men's Volleyball Championship - Saturday

5-8 p.m. — Alliant Energy Power House — Ticket prices vary — Witness thrilling competition as top teams battle for the championship title.

Expressive Arts: The Art of Music

4-5 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Explore the unique characteristics of various music genres in a community setting.

Dungeons & Dragons Adult Club

5-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Engage in an adventurous Dungeons & Dragons campaign tailored for adults.