Good Day
Cedar Rapids
Saturday, May 16th, 2026
Good morning, Cedar Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ More than 80 veterans on the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight visited Washington Tuesday — they recalled their Vietnam War service by visiting memorials to honor fallen comrades near national landmarks. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ In Cedar Rapids, city officials launched the Carry In, Carry Out initiative following Earth Month to help keep parks, trails and facilities clean by asking users to take their trash with them — trash cans remain available in select locations as part of broader stewardship efforts. CBS 2 Iowa
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Three Eastern Iowa manufacturing companies, including Cedar Rapids' Sub-Zero Group, will receive nearly $21 million in state tax credits under Iowa's Business Incentives for Growth program (BIG program). Sub-Zero's 225,000 sqft expansion will add over 300 jobs while Cambrex and Feldmeier Equipment expand their operations. KCRG
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Iowa community colleges increased enrollment by 3.1% this academic year to more than 123,000 students and recorded 21,367 degrees, certificates, and diplomas awarded. The report shows credit hours near pre-pandemic levels and notes shifts toward shorter programs with health sciences leading. Radio Iowa
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Severe thunderstorms with damaging winds near 60-70+ mph were forecasted Friday night in Eastern Iowa. Residents were advised to prepare as storms moved quickly from northwest to southeast, with Cedar Rapids expecting winds around 9-10 p.m. CBS 2 Iowa
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Cedar Rapids officials broke ground this morning on Phase 1 of Reach 4 - a nearly 2,000-foot flood wall designed to protect homes and businesses near the Cedar River. The project, part of a broader flood control system, is planned to be completed in two years. KWWL
- ➤ Iowa regulators sanctioned 10 Walgreens stores for recordkeeping failures. Eight stores in central Iowa face five-year probation (ending late Aug.) with required audits and inspections, while Sioux City and Waterloo stores got warnings needing a six-month electronic record upgrade; settlements were approved on May 1 and 5, 2026. KCCI
- ➤ Palo Planning and Zoning Commission advanced an ordinance for a planned Google data center near the Duane Arnold nuclear power plant that defers water regulation to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Residents have voiced concerns over water protections since the facility could use more than 10 million gallons a day, and the council may add rules later. KCRG
- ➤ The Eastern Iowa Airport received $6 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to upgrade its baggage handling system as rising travel demand calls for more efficient operations in Cedar Rapids. KCRG
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Iowa Athletics bought the NCAA Houston Regional Elite Eight court and will install it at Carver-Hawkeye Arena for the next basketball season. Installation begins May 18 with work continuing until June 6 to update Mediacom Court, and the old floor will be preserved for commemorative memorabilia (made by Connor Sports). CBS 2 Iowa
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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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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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