ConnectCR, the community group working to bring new recreational opportunities to Cedar Rapids by revitalizing Cedar Lake and constructing a pedestrian bridge across the Cedar River, announced on Thursday it had surpassed it fundraising goal of $7 million. “I have been a big supporter of this project, and it’s just really exciting to see how […]
Cedar Rapids News
Big Grove Brewery, ice skating rink and movie theater are part of a new planned development in downtown Cedar Rapids
A public ice skating rink, family fun center, third Big Grove Brewery location and outdoor gathering area — those are just some of the attractions that could be coming to First and First West in downtown Cedar Rapids. During a virtual Cedar Rapids City Council meeting on Tuesday, councilmembers approved a resolution that authorizes City […]
Supervisor Stacey Walker on defunding the police, marijuana laws and becoming a ‘radioactive’ politician
Linn County Supervisor Stacey Walker told a crowd of more than 2,000 at Greene Square Park in downtown Cedar Rapids on June 6 to “understand the largeness of this moment” and that they are “part of a movement — a part of living history.” The protest in Cedar Rapids against police violence and racism was […]
Cedar Rapids announces road closures, other actions ahead of possible river flooding (Updated)
Update: The National Weather Service updated the Cedar River’s projected crest to just under 17 feet. On Tuesday afternoon, the city posted a list of 11 park and trail closures that will go into effect on Wednesday. Otis Road SE west of Indian Creek in Linn County was added as a future road closure. The […]
‘Spread Love Not Viruses’ campaign is raising money for the COVID-19 Disaster Response Fund
In a time of uncertainty due to a global pandemic, Jen Neumann wanted to find a way to bring some positivity to the Cedar Rapids community. She also wasn’t sure what impact COVID-19 would have on her business de Novo, a marketing agency in Cedar Rapids, and wanted a project for her team. An idea […]
Two more long-term care facilities in Linn County with COVID-19 outbreaks are now considered recovered
Two more long-term care facilities in Linn County have recovered from outbreaks of COVID-19, Linn County Public Health announced on Friday. Living Center West and ManorCare Health Services, both in Cedar Rapids, have had no new cases for two consecutive incubation periods, or 28 days. Living Center West had 81 residents and staff test positive […]
Protest march in Cedar Rapids turns into a celebration after the city council unanimously backs demands for reform
“Happy Juneteenth,” the crowd of about 150 people chanted on Friday as they marched from Cedar Rapids City Hall to the African American Museum of Iowa in light rain. June 19 — Juneteenth — is the anniversary of the day in 1865 when the news that slavery had been abolished reached formerly enslaved people in […]
Cedar Rapids Police Department fires Lucas Jones, an officer involved in two shootings
Lucas Jones, a sergeant in the patrol division of the Cedar Rapids Police Department, has been fired for violating departmental rules and policies, CRPD announced on Thursday. “Fire Lucas Jones” has been a frequent chant at recent protests calling for police reform in Cedar Rapids, but the official statement regarding Jones’ firing doesn’t mention the […]
Cedar Rapids City Council will hold special meeting on Friday to discuss Black Lives Matter priorities
The Cedar Rapids City Council is holding a special meeting Friday afternoon for a “discussion and resolution of support for a statement supporting Black Lives Matter priorities.” The meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. and will be held via Zoom due to COVID-19. The public will be able to watch on the city’s Facebook page. […]
City of Cedar Rapids asking residents to submit photos for a new art project
The city of Cedar Rapids is asking residents to submit photos that showcase the city’s buildings, landmarks or neighborhoods. The photos will be used in an art installation called Portraits of Iowa by artist John Fleming, who is based in Seattle, Washington. A sculptural piece using the photos will hang in the U.S. Cellular Center, […]
Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market will be drive-through for the rest of the season
The Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market market kicked off its 15th season this month with two drive-through markets. When the plans were announced in May, the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance said they will “continue to evaluate options and make decisions based on public health guidelines for the remainder of the 2020 market season.” That […]
‘It’s time for action’: Hundreds march in Cedar Rapids to push for police reform and other changes
About 15 minutes into Saturday’s march in Cedar Rapids, protesters stopped at the intersection of 19th Street and Bever Avenue. They used chalk to draw and write various messages in the outline of #BLM, an emblem for Black Lives Matter. Twenty minutes later, the protesters stopped again. This time it was at the intersection of […]

