Thursday, November 20th, 2025
Good morning, Cedar Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Cedar Rapids police held their annual Santa Cop event on Wednesday, pairing children with officers on a holiday shopping trip at Target on Blairs Ferry Road NE—more than 100 kids received seasonal clothing, gifts, and essential items from the Cedar Rapids Police Protective Charity. The program aimed to bring local families the spirit of the holidays while strengthening connections with law enforcement. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ Cedar Bend Humane Society is offering a holiday adoption special by lowering fees to help residents open their homes to pets this season. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ A Cedar Rapids family started a community pantry in an alley behind their home three months ago to offer free food and clothing to neighbors in need. Donations increased since November—when a government shutdown disrupted SNAP benefits for about 130,000 residents—and they now seek winter clothing contributions. KCRG
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ After two years at NewBo City Market, K.C. Cakes & Cajun moved to Armstrong Centre Food Court on November 10, where owners Krystan Proctor and Alex Cooley offer a wider menu mixing bakery treats with Cajun dishes. They closed the old location on November 16 to focus fully on the new space—bringing later hours for local late-night food options. The Gazette
- ➤ Coyle’s Hibachi Chef opened its new Cedar Rapids location at 555 Gateway Place SW—replacing the old El Bajio restaurant. Owner Jeff Coyle began his business as a food truck in 2021 and opened his first spot on Dec. 22, building on his hibachi and sushi menu. The Gazette
- ➤ Dua Pie, a family-owned restaurant, opened its doors yesterday at 375 3rd St SE after Gianna’s Italian Beef closed—serving handmade pizzas, pastas, and subs that bring a taste of New York to local diners. The eatery will fine-tune its operations over the next few weeks as it prepares for its official grand opening. KDAT
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A study by Johnson Consulting found that the Iowa State Fair and year-round activities at the fairgrounds generated about $629.2 million in economic impact in 2024—supporting 81,400 hotel room nights, 4,880 jobs and $211.9 million in wages for the state. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ According to the American Farm Bureau Federation survey, Thanksgiving dinner prices dropped 5% from last year as stores offered holiday deals to ease inflation worries. Hy-Vee offered a $30 holiday meal deal that provides dinner essentials for up to six people — a move designed to help shoppers cope with rising economic pressure. CBS 2 Iowa
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency reminds residents to flatten and break down cardboard (empty, clean and dry) before recycling it at the Resource Recovery building on County Home Road in Marion. The agency warns that contamination with non-recyclable items can cause fires and damage recycling equipment. CBS 2 Iowa
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Coe Road NE between E Avenue and A Avenue NE remains closed through November 26 — repair crews work on curbs and sidewalks. Drivers are urged to follow the posted detour — extra travel time is recommended. CBS 2 Iowa
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Fire officials in Cedar Rapids warn that Thanksgiving is the busiest day for home fires and instruct residents to handle kitchen appliances with care—calling emergency services even if they believe a fire is out. Emergency room doctors stress the need to cook food at safe temperatures and seek prompt care for burns or other injuries during the holiday. KCRG
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ An ongoing effort to renew the iconic Guaranty Bank building got a $10.5 million boost in historic tax credits from the state — part of a $23 million statewide plan. Developer Steve Emerson will create 70 market-rate apartments and commercial spaces while keeping historic features — the $40 million project is slated to finish in summer. The Gazette
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Hockey Match: Muskegon Lumberjacks vs Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
7:05-8:35 p.m. — Cedar Rapids Roughriders Hockey Club — Check local listings for ticket prices — Watch an exciting junior hockey face-off between two competitive teams.
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Thanksgiving Eve Dueling Pianos
7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Olympic South Side Theater — $25 — Experience a night of musical requests from classic hits to today's favorites.
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Waterloo Black Hawks vs Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
7:05-8:35 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Cost info not specified — Catch the action as local hockey teams face off in an exciting match.
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Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
7:30-9 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a dazzling fusion of circus artistry and holiday music in a magical winter wonderland.
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Veterans Holiday Meal
4-6 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Building — Free — Enjoy a traditional holiday meal with fellow veterans and active military members.
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Cultivate Hope Holiday Craft Fair
9 AM – 2 PM — Groundswell Cafe — Supports local youth programs — Discover local crafts, baked goods, and live music this holiday season.
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Madison Capitols vs Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
4:05-5:35 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Stream available — Catch the action as the Madison Capitols face the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in this exciting hockey showdown.
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Photos with Santa at PCI Pediatrics
9-11 a.m. — PCI Medical Pavilion — Free entry — Enjoy cookies and crafts while capturing a magical moment with Santa.
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We The Kingdom Christmas Concert
6:00-8:00 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticketed event — Celebrate the season with festive music and fan-favorites from We The Kingdom.
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Disney's Frozen: Live Theatre Production
7:30-10:00 p.m. — Theatre Cedar Rapids — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magical tale of sisterhood and adventure in a winter wonderland.
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
All progress depends on the unreasonable person.
~ George Bernard Shaw
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