Good Day
Cedar Rapids
Friday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, Cedar Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ On April 2, Cottage Grove Place's van driver failed to secure a resident in her wheelchair for a cardiology appointment run — state inspectors later noted inadequate training on using lap and shoulder seatbelts — causing her to be ejected and later pronounced dead. KCRG
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ CSPS Hall unveiled a new marquee in Cedar Rapids' NewBo district after years without safety signage. Interim executive director Paul Julius said the sign helps visitors find the historic 100-year-old building — a hopeful symbol of the nonprofit's turnaround — while a new executive director is expected by early summer. KCRG
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of Iowa is hosting its spring commencement starting May 14 for over 6,000 degree candidates, including 4,189 undergraduates and 1,923 graduates (with students from 84 Iowa counties and 64 countries). CBS 2 Iowa
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ 83 groups, including some from Iowa, signed a letter urging the EPA and HHS to tackle nitrate pollution after studies (by the Iowa Environmental Council and Harkin Institute) linked high nitrate levels with cancer risks. The groups asked officials to identify pollution sources and provide funds for safer drinking water. KCCI
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced new SNAP rules set to take effect this fall; stores must stock seven staple food types — proteins, grains, dairy, and fruits and vegetables — to boost healthy options. The rules may help rural shoppers but force small retailers to invest in new equipment. KDAT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Patients facing cancer treatment in Cedar Rapids struggle with unexpected costs and lost income — financial toxicity burdens household budgets, experts say. Navigators at UnityPoint Health help manage bills and insurance challenges while advising residents to review coverage details early. KCCI
- ➤ Dr. Jonathan Platt (University of Iowa) advises parents to monitor teens’ social media use as classes end, noting that healthy sleep and face-to-face time (instead of constant online feedback) can boost resilience during summer break. CBS 2 Iowa
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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.
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Story Time at Stillwater Coffee
9:30-10:00 a.m. — Stillwater Coffee — Free event — Enjoy a cozy story time with engaging books, lively songs, and joyful movement activities for little ones and their grown-ups.
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
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.
~ Edgar Degas
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