Good Day
Cedar Rapids
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
Good morning, Cedar Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 31st of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust and local groups reported that their one-year Landlord and Tenant Success Initiative housed 37 individuals, exceeding its 30-person goal and achieving 97% inspection success and 100% tenant education. The city plans to fund a full-time Landlord Liaison (set for 2026) to support the program. KWWL
- ➤ Eastern Iowa community events for January 2026 include a First Day Hike at Palisades-Kepler State Park on Jan. 1 and RnB Night in Cedar Rapids on Jan. 2, while other sports series and festivals will offer family fun across the region. KDAT
- ➤ After 70-year-old Barbara Pettie died in a Christmas Day fire, Basix bar organized a drag show plus silent auction in Cedar Rapids to support her family. The community came together with donations and performances to show care during a hard time. KCRG
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Iowa is on track to record its lowest car crash deaths since records began in 1925, with 259 fatalities reported in 2025 so far and officials saying that if the number stays under 261 it will set a new record thanks to improved vehicle safety and road upgrades. KCRG
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ City officials in Cedar Rapids are in talks with two grocery chains to fill the vacant First Avenue Hy-Vee building (closed May 2024). One grocer serving the Kansas City market and a Nebraska-based chain are assessing the site as USDA grant delays add complications, with a decision expected in the coming months. KDAT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Linn County Landlord and Tenant Success Initiative exceeded its goal last year by housing 37 people using a $100,000 donation from Cedar Rapids Bank + Trust and achieving a 97 percent inspection pass rate. Cedar Rapids has approved up to $100,000 to fund a full-time liaison, extending the program through 2026 as additional partners are sought. The Gazette
- ➤ Mount Vernon Road Southeast in Cedar Rapids was reduced to one lane in each direction between 19th and 20th streets on Tuesday for sewer repairs — expected to last four days. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ Linn County officials remind residents that consumer fireworks are allowed only on private property with owner permission in unincorporated areas today from 9 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. Jan. 1 (local city ordinances may differ). CBS 2 Iowa
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Fireworks will be allowed from 9 a.m. today to 12:30 a.m. Jan. 1 in Cedar Rapids as state rules ease local restrictions for New Year's Eve, and the Iowa DPS is offering $10 Uber vouchers & AAA provides free towing for impaired drivers. KCRG
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Buffalo Wild Wings in Iowa will offer six free wings with a minimum $10 food purchase if the Hawkeyes win today. The offer — available for eating in and takeout at 26 local outlets during the two days after the win — aims to reward loyal fans. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz and Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea held a press conference Tuesday morning to discuss plans ahead of today’s ReliaQuest Bowl, which starts at 11 a.m. in Tampa, Florida, with local coverage from KCRG and KWQC. KCRG
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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.
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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.
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Spanish Conversation Practice Meetup
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Vineria Wine Shop — $3 off wine and pizza — Enhance your Spanish skills and connect with fellow language enthusiasts over happy hour specials.
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BIRDCHILD Concert
8-11 p.m. — The Ideal Theater & Bar — Tickets available — Experience Birdchild's lush, joyous journey through all your favorite hits.
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Men's Caregiver Coffee
10 - 11:30 a.m. — The Chris & Suzy DeWolf Family Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia — Free — A supportive group for male caregivers to share stories and network.
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Moonlight Owl Walk
5-6:30 p.m. — Buffalo Creek Park — $5 per adult, $2 per child — Explore the moonlit path in search of chatty owls while learning about their adaptations.
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Fireside Circle: The Spirits of Winter
6-8 p.m. — Illuminations — $30 registration — Explore the prominent spirits of winter through Scandinavian, Germanic, and Celtic mythology.
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Community Writers Circle
1-2 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — A supportive environment for adults to hone their writing skills.
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
Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.
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Reveal the authorAbout 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.
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