Friday, May 15th, 2026
Good morning, Cedar Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 15th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Salvation Army in Cedar Rapids offers summer camps and weekly programs for kids in the community. These youth services are available year-round to support local families. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ Vietnam veteran Sonny Handke (a Navy frogman) joined the 59th Eastern Iowa Honor Flight on Tuesday in Washington, D.C. where he finally felt a welcome home that he had long missed after decades of service and hardship. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ A streak of light was seen in Cedar Rapids Wednesday night, likely caused by China's Zhuque-2E Y5 carrier rocket launch or fuel dump (observed at 10 p.m. central time). CBS 2 Iowa
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Loose Chain, a bicycle bar, will reopen under new management this summer at 1731 Center Point Rd NE (after a remodel following its 2025 closure) and will share opening details on Facebook (please avoid the construction area) as work continues. KDAT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ High school students in the Student Built House program unveiled their 53rd custom ranch-style home today in Cedar Rapids while working with trade experts to design a build for a returning local family. KWWL
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A flip in the weather pattern brings thunderstorm chances to eastern Iowa. Cedar Rapids may see strong storms with heavy rain, hail, and gusty winds this Saturday & additional activity through Sunday and Monday, so residents should check local forecasts for updates. CBS 2 Iowa
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ River Hills Community Health Center will close its Centerville Clinic in Appanoose County and its Richland Dental Clinic in Keokuk County on July 31—patients can still receive care at its other locations. KCCI
- ➤ Local health and pest control specialists say hantavirus risk in Iowa is low even as over a dozen people remain under observation in Omaha. They note the virus rarely spreads between people and mainly affects those exposed to rodent droppings & stress proper cleaning techniques. 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
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Reveal the authorAbout Good Day Cedar Rapids
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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