Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

The University of Iowa International Writing Program received a $250,000 donation from investor and lawyer Hugh F.

Culverhouse Jr. after the U.S. Department of State ended nearly $1 million in grants in February; the gift helps the program plan a larger Fall Residency and develop new programming—supporters are encouraged to match the donation.

The Cedar Rapids Community School District holds a special bus driver hiring event today at Kingston Stadium from noon to 4:30 p.m. The district aims to fill 20 vacancies—including van drivers for transporting vulnerable students—and applicants only need a valid driver's license as training will be provided this summer.

At Eastern Iowa Airport, four high school teams from Prairie and Alburnett pitched ideas to improve Delta's gate experience— the winning team from Alburnett chose more private and comfy seating with tinted windows.

Stride Autism Centers opened a new Cedar Rapids clinic today to offer full-day, five-day-a-week autism care tailored to each child's needs.

The clinic will hold a grand opening soon + it aims to ease waitlists and train more therapists for families in eastern Iowa.

Jody Puffett pushed Iowa for more mental health resources after her son's violent episodes led to hospital stays and a court charge.

She said the state, which has the fewest psychiatric beds per person, must open a long-term care facility for children with mental illness—her son will appear in court next month.

A list of Mother’s Day events and restaurant specials has been released for Eastern Iowa, offering markets, craft workshops, and special dining options from May 3 to May 11 — a variety of ways for families to celebrate.

Cedar Rapids residents can pick events that best suit their plans for an enjoyable holiday weekend.

Greg Warren Live

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Penguin's Comedy Club — Check for updates — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedian Greg Warren as he shares his unique storytelling flair.

Steve Trevino Live

7-8:30 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy the laughs with 'America's Favorite Husband' on his continued Good Life tour.

Business Breakfast: Data Centers in the Corridor

7:30-9 a.m. — The New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative (NewBoCo) — $5 — Engage in a thought-provoking panel on the impact of data centers on the local economy and environment.

Vintage Market Days® of Eastern Iowa

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Hawkeye Downs Speedway & Expo Center — $10 — Discover a curated collection of vintage-inspired treasures and handcrafted goods.

Breakthrough T1D Walk

8 AM – 12 PM — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Registration fee required — Walk, enjoy family activities, and support the T1D community.

U.S. Open Local Qualifying Tournament

All day — Cedar Rapids Country Club — Registration required — Participate in the local qualifying round for the prestigious U.S. Open golf tournament.

1 Million Cups Cedar Rapids: Iowa Running Co.

9-10 a.m. — Geonetric — Free entry — Engage with local entrepreneurs and hear the inspiring journey of Iowa Running Co. in promoting an active community.

Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show

6-9 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids — $61.95 + taxes & fees — Experience North America's largest interactive murder mystery dinner show while enjoying a fantastic meal.

The Rapids

7-8 p.m. — Mirrorbox Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience a hilarious improvised soap opera comedy full of quirky characters and unexpected drama.

Friday Night Music – Airwaves

6-9 p.m. — Cedar Ridge Distillery — Free entry — Rock out with Eastern Iowa's premier classic rock cover band, Airwaves, playing hits from the 70s to the 90s.