Thursday, May 7th, 2026
Good morning, Cedar Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 7th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Austin Schneider and Seth Varner have been on a mission for five years — visiting all 939 Iowa towns — as they continue showcasing each town's hidden charm on their Wandermore in Iowa page. KCCI
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Sumi Sushi & Skewer now serves Japanese cuisine at 2230 Edgewood Rd SW after Red Ginger rebranded. The restaurant offers lunch on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner on weekdays and weekends (new phone: 319-640-6755). KDAT
- ➤ The District CR in downtown Cedar Rapids closed on May 1 to rebrand as Fork With It Kitchen and Bar. The historic venue at 415 3rd Street SE will reopen soon with a casual vibe, updated interiors, and a revised menu—reservations on weekends are recommended. KDAT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Orchestra Iowa will present Beer & Brass concerts on May 22 and May 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Opus Concert Café, where the Brass Quintet will play classic rock hits from the 60s, 70s & 80s with local craft beer and grilled cheese available; tickets are $30. CBS 2 Iowa
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Iowa’s unemployment rate dropped from 3.4% in February to 3.3% in March, and the number of jobless fell to 58,100—a modest decline amid overall lower employment as health care and social assistance added 1,100 jobs. CBS 2 Iowa
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Over 90 Iowa schools, including those in Cedar Rapids, join Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day today to boost exercise and ease busy drop-off lines + organized bike buses and walking groups create a friendlier morning routine. Radio Iowa
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A rare white bison calf was born at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge today and is drawing visitors with its unusual white coat that differs from the typical reddish-brown. The calf holds strong cultural significance for Native peoples. KDAT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Guard confirmed 140 Iowa National Guard soldiers have returned safely and will join a welcome home ceremony in Des Moines next week (they are part of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division), while 200 soldiers remain deployed in the Middle East. KCCI
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Dungeons and Dragons Gathering
6-7:30 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Dive into epic adventures with fellow tabletop RPG enthusiasts.
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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.
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Mother's Day Buffet at 350 First
10 AM – 2 PM — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex — $45 per person — Celebrate mom with a delightful brunch buffet featuring chef-inspired dishes and treats.
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Senior Create Hour: Painting for Fun
1-3 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free — Relax and explore painting in a friendly environment designed for older adults.
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Youth Advisory Board Meeting
5-6 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Collaborate on ideas and influence future library programs.
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Purrfect Pages Workshop
6-7:30 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Turn old books into something purr-fectly adorable!
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Hiawatha Comic Book Club
7-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Bring your favorite reads and connect with fellow comic enthusiasts.
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Dungeons and Dragons for Teens and Tweens
6-7:30 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Dive into the world of Dungeons and Dragons with adventures tailored for teens and tweens in a supportive environment.
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Cedar Rapids Pokémon TCG & Collectibles Show
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex — Entry fee varies — Explore a vibrant market for Pokémon cards, TCG collectibles, and more.
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Sci-Fi/Fantasy Writing Workshop
6:00-7:30 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Explore the infinite possibilities of storytelling in the Sci-Fi and Fantasy genres.
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
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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.
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