Tuesday, May 12th, 2026
Good morning, Cedar Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 12th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Kouessiba Anato, who once received help, now volunteers at Salvation Army events to translate for community members — boosting communication at free meals and assistance programs in Cedar Rapids. CBS 2 Iowa
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ David Arquette from the 'Scream' series will host a Q&A session and anniversary screening at the Paramount Theater on Sunday, Oct. 25. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 15th, at 9 a.m. KDAT
- ➤ The Freedom Festival parade moves from Cedar Rapids to Hiawatha for the first time in its history. It will take place on Saturday, June 27 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. CBS 2 Iowa
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ AAA projects that over 3.7 million Midwest travelers will travel at least 50 miles from home for Memorial Day weekend from May 21 to May 25, with most driving and Iowa gas prices now averaging $4.20 per gallon. Drivers are urged to plan routes and check vehicle readiness. CBS 2 Iowa
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ American White Pelicans are migrating across Iowa this spring, and locals can see large flocks near lakes — such as Coralville Reservoir, Saylorville Lake and Red Rock Reservoir — as the birds use warm air currents to travel toward Canadian mating grounds. KDAT
- ➤ At Monday’s meeting, Linn County supervisors approved a step to update air quality rules to match state law & emphasized the changes are separate from a disputed Fairfax power plant, but residents remain concerned while Benton County officials noted that locals near the county line were not consulted. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ Iowa Secretary of Agriculture announced Monday that $1.24M in state funds, with over $2.1M in local investment, will support urban water quality projects in Belle Plaine and Hiawatha (Belle Plaine gets $410K for wetland restoration; Hiawatha gets $395K for a stormwater pond) to improve runoff management. CBS 2 Iowa
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Reynolds will sign House File 2754 today at Des Moines Prep Charter School—raising charter school funding by over $1,200 per student and granting the University of Northern Iowa authority to approve new charter schools. KCRG
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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.
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American Mahjong Open Play
2-4 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Engage in friendly games of American mahjong with fellow enthusiasts.
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Throttle & Throwbacks
7-10 p.m. — Hawkeye Downs Speedway & Expo Center — $0 – $15 — Experience the excitement of local NASCAR racing with fan-favorite classes and live action.
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Midwest Shredfest Drift Event
8 a.m. — Hawkeye Downs Speedway & Expo Center — Fees vary — Experience the thrill of drifting with beginner-friendly support and on-site food options.
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
The reward for conformity is that everyone likes you but yourself.
~ Rita Mae Brown
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