Good Day
Cedar Rapids
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Cedar Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of April.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Starting in July, Iowa students must pass a new civics test focused on U.S. Citizenship questions to graduate high school; schools will offer the exam annually and provide accommodations for students (including those with IEPs, 504 plans, English learners, and significant disabilities). KDAT
- ➤ Vanessa Kelley has been named the next principal of Xavier High School and will begin on July 1, succeeding Lynn Holverson. She was Dean of Students at Prairie High and brings valuable experience to serve the local community. CBS 2 Iowa
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents in Cedar Rapids and nearby communities raised concerns over a proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center natural gas plant at a Linn County Board of Supervisors meeting yesterday. They urged more local studies on health and environmental impacts as the project could affect a ten-mile radius (including downtown Cedar Rapids). CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids was fined more than $14.8 million by HHS for violating the Civil Monetary Penalties Law (the hospital may have allowed an investment company to avoid paying bills), underscoring rules to stop special financial favors to doctors. KCRG
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ St. Luke’s Health Care Foundation is awarding 50 AEDs through its Heart Saver Grant program, with eligible community organizations (from several nearby counties) urged to apply by May 11 and recipients to be announced in July. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ The Red Cross urges Cedar Rapids donors to give blood or platelets as spring travel reduces available inventories. Incentive details call for a $15 e-gift card for donations through April 30 and a $20 Amazon gift card for those donating from May 1 to May 17 — appointments available online. CBS 2 Iowa
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Eastern Iowa residents have nominated their favorite pork tenderloin spots on Facebook to decide the winners of the annual 2026 Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest; popular local nominees include The Blind Pig and The Double Z Bar and Grill in Cedar Rapids. KDAT
-
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.
-
Dungeons and Dragons Gathering
6-7:30 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Dive into epic adventures with fellow tabletop RPG enthusiasts.
-
Pied Piper Concert for Young Children
9:15-9:45 a.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Delight in a lively brass instrument concert tailored for young children.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Good Day Cedar Rapids
Welcome to the Good Day Cedar Rapids, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Cedar Rapids, Iowa community. If you like the Good Day Cedar Rapids, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Cedar Rapids.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Cedar Rapids and across Iowa. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Good Day Cedar Rapids
A free Cedar Rapids community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://gooddaycedarrapids.com/sitemap