Good Day
Cedar Rapids
Thursday, September 25th, 2025
Good morning, Cedar Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 25th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A calendar of major events will be released this October across Eastern Iowa—featuring concerts, festivals, markets, sports and art shows in Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls and other local areas. Organizers say the events will include rides, performances and themed parties with set dates, times and ticket prices. KDAT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Smiley's Soup & Sandwiches updated its menu at NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids, keeping its mission to honor late friend Dustin Smiley with favorites like Philly cheesesteak, smoked brisket, and homemade sides. Owner Nick Fitzgerald said the family business started in a food truck—and now plans to open a brick-and-mortar store to expand its reach. The Gazette
- ➤ SmartphonesPLUS is a Cedar Rapids company that helps people trade in used electronics for secure recycling — it now serves customers nationwide and was named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies. Cedar Rapids Economic Alliance
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Iowa State University fired Caitlyn Spencer after she posted that conservative activist Charlie Kirk 'got what was coming' after his shooting death—her remark broke ethical rules as a financial aid professional. The Board of Regents is checking other similar posts while Gov. Reynolds said employees who seem to celebrate a death should face termination. KCCI
- ➤ New figures from the Iowa Department of Education show that chronic absenteeism among public school students dropped nearly six percentage points after state policy changes—local schools now send letters to parents after eight absences and require meetings when absences reach 12 days. KCRG
- ➤ Governor Kim Reynolds said that Iowa’s K-12 reading, writing and math skills improved during a news conference at the statehouse on September 24. Test scores showed an 11% rise in reading proficiency among last year’s third graders and over 100000 students received online tutoring — state education officials noted gains in early literacy, science and attendance as support increased. Radio Iowa
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Leaders of Iowa’s largest food bank are angry that USDA ended the national food security survey—calling the move unconscionable and a setback in tracking hunger across the state. The final report will be released on October 22 and comes as studies show 12% of Iowans and nearly 17% of Iowa children face food insecurity. Radio Iowa
- ➤ Sen. Mike Klimesh from Spillville was elected as Iowa Senate majority leader on Wednesday, replacing retiring Sen. Jack Whitver. He said he will work to lower taxes and expand the economy — a shift that Gov. Kim Reynolds and other leaders welcomed. KCRG
- ➤ Sen. Joni Ernst visited Benton and Linn Counties Wednesday afternoon, marking her first stop in eastern Iowa since she announced she will not seek reelection in 2026. At Bloomsbury Farm, she presented the Small Business of the Week award and told reporters that over the next 15 months she will focus on the Farm Bill, national security, and the federal budget. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ Linn County Emergency Management will host CERT events for National Preparedness Month in Marion as it teams up with the Marion Fire Department to boost community readiness. The CERT Rodeo will take place on Sept 27 at Lowe Park Arts and Environment Center — a community open house is scheduled for Sept 30 at Fire Station No. 1 with a free three-day CERT Basic Training course set for Oct 10-12. CBS 2 Iowa
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Iowa DNR confirmed that bird flu was found among Canada geese in Dubuque and added that other birds like ducks and pelicans may also get sick—officials urged people to keep a safe distance from any ill birds. KCCI
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Master Gardeners Fall Talks: Get More From Your Yard
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Discover the art of gardening with tips on vibrant plant choices for every season.
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Home Free Concert
7-9 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of captivating vocal harmonies from the talented Home Free ensemble.
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Not Quite Brothers Cover Band
7:30-9 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Cost TBA — Experience Central Iowa's dynamic cover band known for their electrifying performances and eclectic setlist.
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Cedar Rapids Hot Cider Hustle
8:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — NewBo City Market — Registration fee applicable — Run the Cedar Rapids Hot Cider Hustle while enjoying hot cider and caramel apples at the finish line.
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
Your calendar reflects your priorities better than your Twitter feed.
~ James Clear
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