Friday, September 19th, 2025
Good morning, Cedar Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is partnering with Spock’s Sanctuary to improve training for handling reptiles—staff will receive specialized tips that help them care for every reptile’s unique needs. KCCI
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ John Deere announced layoffs affecting 101 workers at its Waterloo plant and 40 at its Ankeny plant that will take effect next month, adding to the 71 workers laid off at its Waterloo foundry effective today+ the cuts come as low equipment orders and high tariffs impact production. KDAT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On Thursday, the Czech Village New Bohemia district in Cedar Rapids unveiled the New Joza Uprka mural on the east side of the Kosek building along 16th Avenue Southwest— a copy of a painting by Joza Uprka. George T. Drost of Chicago owns the original and aims to share Central European traditions through folk art. CBS 2 Iowa
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter point, which may lower loan costs for Iowa farmers and reduce yields on savings—University of Iowa economics professor Anil Kumar said the change is part of a bigger economic shift as inflation remains high and the labor market softens. Local banks and credit unions are also watching for further impacts on loans and savings. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) reported that Iowa’s unemployment rate rose to 3.8% in August from 3.7% in July, with the number of unemployed increasing to 65,800 (nearly 10,000 more than last August) even as employers added 3,600 jobs and participation climbed to 67.5%. KCRG
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Iowa Sen. Claire Celsi—representing West Des Moines—is entering hospice care after an undisclosed illness and surgery in April led her to miss legislative votes, and her family asked for privacy during her care. KCRG
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Hundreds of volunteers in Coralville are setting up a free dental clinic that will serve 1,000 patients with cleanings, fillings, root canals and kids' care, opening today and running through Saturday — the event is hosted by Iowa Mission of Mercy and depends on over 1,300 helpers to reach those in need. KCRG
-
Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers' Market
7:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Cedar Rapids Downtown District — Free entry — Explore over 200 vendors offering local food, crafts, and entertainment at this celebrated market.
-
Fresh Conversations
1-2 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Engage in insightful discussions about nutrition, movement, and community building for older adults.
-
Market by Moonlight 2025
6:30-9:30 p.m. — NewBo City Market — Tickets include a $50 donation — Experience a delicious farm-to-table meal paired with live music under the stars.
-
Halestorm and Lindsey Stirling Concert
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Alliant Energy Power House — Last-minute tickets available — Experience an electrifying night of rock and violin at this sensational concert.
-
O.W.L.S. - Bird Watching with Jesse Ellis
1-2 p.m. — Wickiup Hill Learning Center — Free entry — Explore the world of bird watching with engaging programs designed for seniors.
-
Cole Swindell Concert
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Alliant Energy Power House — Tickets start at $42 — Enjoy a night of live country music with Cole Swindell.
-
Cedar Rapids Roughriders vs. Omaha Lancers
7:05-8:35 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Tickets required — Catch the action as the Roughriders battle the Lancers in an exciting hockey showdown.
-
Preacher Lawson Stand-Up Comedy Show
6-7:30 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night full of laughs with comedian Preacher Lawson as he shares entertaining stories and experiences.
-
The Arc of East Central Iowa Annual Meeting & Awards
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Cedar Rapids Public Library — RSVP required — Celebrate community achievements and participate in the Annual Meeting for The Arc of East Central Iowa.
-
Home Free Concert
7-9 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of captivating vocal harmonies from the talented Home Free ensemble.
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 secret to getting ahead is getting started.
~ Mark Twain
About 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.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Cedar Rapids and across Iowa. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Good Day Cedar Rapids
A free Cedar Rapids community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://gooddaycedarrapids.com/sitemap