Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Cornell College announced on Friday that a student died unexpectedly — local authorities are investigating the cause while support services remain available as students are on winter break.

Linn County Conservation Board approved two wetland projects on county land — one at a low-lying site near Wickiup Hill Learning Center in Toddville and another near Morgan Creek Park — set to begin construction next year with support from federal and local groups.

Starting Jan. 1, Iowa Medicaid recipients must prove their eligibility twice a year by submitting physical documents at local health centers.

Local enrollment coordinators say the new rule may confuse some applicants.

The DNR is asking the public for help to identify a deer poacher after a deer was illegally taken from a wildlife refuge north of Sutliff on the Johnson/Linn County line between Tuesday evening & Wednesday morning.

Iowa lawmakers are drafting a resolution for Capitol Hill to honor Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar and Sergeant Nate Howard, two National Guardsmen killed in Syria last Saturday (the measure also recognizes a civilian interpreter and injured service members and supports their families).

NextEra Energy advanced efforts to restart the Duane Arnold Nuclear Power Plant in Linn County by removing an over 200-ton generator rotor (a process that took weeks) and shipping it to New York for refurbishment, while the county board reviews a new zoning ordinance.

State inspectors fined a Cedar Rapids nursing home on 33rd Avenue $500 for leaving resident gift cards unsecured between June and August, 2025 and not reporting abuse and neglect promptly; similar fines were issued to facilities in Shelby and Traer for related violations.

Before holiday parties this weekend, pediatric allergist Dr. Samantha Knox advises parents to speak with hosts about potential hidden allergens in dishes so children with food allergies stay safe + prepared, and she recommends bringing safe food options when needed.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Chris Thile Concert

7:30-10 p.m. — The Englert Theatre — $30 – $68 — Experience the genre-defying musical genius of Grammy Award-winner Chris Thile in an evening of captivating performances.

Waterloo Black Hawks vs Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

7:05-9:05 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Check the FloHockey broadcast for all the action as the Black Hawks take on the RoughRiders in a thrilling hockey matchup.