Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

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).

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.