Good Day
Cedar Rapids
Friday, December 12th, 2025
Good morning, Cedar Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 12th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Cedar Rapids seeks 19 volunteers for its Snow Buddies program as residents help clear driveways and sidewalks this winter. Volunteers will be notified to shovel when snow accumulates (2 inches) or more. KCRG
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Integrated DNA Technologies confirmed layoffs affecting 4.7% of its Iowa workforce as part of a restructuring plan to refocus resources for future growth. Affected workers received severance and support packages while the exact timing of the changes remains unclear. KCRG
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Cedar Rapids’ Brucemore, a historic landmark built in 1886, earned a top 10 spot for Best Holiday Historic Home Tours in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards after nationwide voting closed Dec. 1. Visitors can experience self-guided tours featuring historic décor and new audio elements until Dec. 31. CBS 2 Iowa
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At a Thursday meeting, Cedar Rapids school leaders discussed measures to address an $11 million budget gap for next school year, including cost cuts, staff reductions, and school consolidations. The district will decide on the plan by the end of January. KCRG
- ➤ At a Clayton Ridge School District board meeting Thursday night, community members pressed for transparency as state probes into ethics violations and false enrollment reporting for the Iowa Virtual Academy continued—district officials have not yet answered emailed questions. KCRG
- ➤ Coe College announced yesterday that it received a $1.3 million federal grant to lead multi-university high-energy physics research. The college will hire an instrumentation technician and host workshops for high school students as part of the project partnering with top institutions like Caltech and CERN. KCRG
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 42nd Street Northeast reopened yesterday after the city finished its 'Paving for Progress' project that replaced pavement, upgraded ADA sidewalk, water and sewer lines between Edgewood Road and Pineview Drive to aid The Pines Pizza & Pub; a second phase with road markings and sod will start next spring. KCRG
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ At a Candlelight Tribute in Ames, Cedar Rapids native Jamie Fitzpatrick shared how her late son Drew's organ donation has saved over 150 lives, aiding her in coping with his tragic death. Drew, an Iowa State engineering student — involved in a 2021 skateboarding accident — is remembered for his talent. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ Winter storms forced cancellations for blood drives, yet organizers at the Halogen Center partnered with Mercy Medical Center on Thursday continue to fill appointment slots and encourage walk-ins for life-saving donations (each donation may save up to three lives) during the holiday season. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ Three hospitals in Eastern Iowa were named among the nation’s best for maternity care by U.S. News and World Report’s 2026 list—Unity Point St. Luke's and Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids and University of Iowa Health Care in Iowa City met strict criteria based on C-section and episiotomy rates. KDAT
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Eastern Iowans shared their favorite local restaurants in 2025 during the 12 Days of Questions campaign, featuring 50 picks from small-town bars & popular dining spots. The gallery gives a look at diverse choices for food lovers planning outings next year. KDAT
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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.
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Disney's FROZEN at Theatre Cedar Rapids
11:30 AM – 2:00 PM — Theatre Cedar Rapids, 102 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA — Tickets available — Experience the enchanting tale of sisterhood and acceptance this holiday season.
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Holiday Trivia Night
6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Free to attend — Test your knowledge with festive trivia questions in a joyful holiday atmosphere.
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Holiday Movie Screening: Elf
2-6 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticket proceeds benefit Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control — Celebrate the holiday season with a festive screening of Buddy the Elf's adventures.
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Dinosaur Adventure
6:00 PM - 7:30 AM — Hawkeye Downs Speedway & Expo Center — VIP packages available — Experience a fun-filled night with dinosaurs and exclusive perks.
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Cedar Rapids Roughriders vs. Sioux City Musketeers
7:05-8:35 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Cost varies — Catch an exciting hockey showdown between local rivals on FloHockey.
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All that Glitters First Night Celebration
7-11:59 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex — Check website for ticket info — Celebrate the New Year with live dueling pianos, a festive dinner buffet, and a midnight champagne toast.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.
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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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