Good Day
Waterloo
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
Good morning, Waterloo. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 21st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The University of Northern Iowa hosted its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service by organizing the Pack the Dome event on Monday, where over 1,500 volunteers helped pack 60,000 backpacks for children in need across Cedar Valley. The food bank and local businesses continue to support the cause. KWWL
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Iowa Irish Fest in Waterloo features Gaelic Storm as its headliner from July 31 to Aug. 2; the event offers a giveaway for tickets to their March 4 show at the Englert Theatre in Iowa City (enter by noon Jan. 23; drawing Jan. 24). KWWL
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Four Waterloo Community School District FIRST Tech Challenge teams advanced to the Iowa State Championship after strong showings at the Stonehenge League event. The teams (Astrowizbots, H2O Loo Bots, Sea of Electrons, and Bunger's Robo-Wolves) will compete in Coralville Feb. 27 and 28. KWWL
- ➤ UNI received a $2.4 million grant from the Mellon Foundation to launch the Humanities Hub, a five-year plan that will offer 250 paid internships for humanities students—starting with 30 this first year and increasing to 60 in later years (connecting students with local nonprofits and employers). KWWL
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Waterloo officials warn homebuyers that the city will never request payment via wire transfer for tax abatement applications. Residents are urged to treat any urgent payment demands as suspicious. Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Red Cross urges Waterloo donors to give blood as severe weather and a flu surge cut supplies by 35 percent last month. Donors before Jan. 25 enter a Super Bowl trip drawing and those donating between Jan. 26 and Feb. 28 receive a $20 e-gift card (eligibility applies). KWWL
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SAFe® 5.1 Lean Portfolio Management Training
Jan 22-23 — Waterloo Iowa — Early Bird $1299 — Acquire vital tools for Lean Portfolio Management to enhance your organizational effectiveness.
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Adult Open Hockey
12:15-1:30 p.m. — Young Arena — $10 admission — Lace up for some fun on the ice with fellow hockey enthusiasts.
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Farmers Market Workshop
9 AM – 3 PM — Waterloo Center for the Arts — Free entry — Connect with vendors and learn about farmers market opportunities in the Cedar Valley.
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Public Skate Session
1-2:30 p.m. — Young Arena — Admission $7, Skate Rental $5 — Enjoy a fun and safe public skating experience for all ages.
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Teen Lego City Series
4:30-5:30 p.m. — Waterloo Public Library — Free entry — Build a sprawling city or a pirate ship with Lego and showcase your creativity.
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Oelwein vs Aplington-Parkersburg Boys Varsity Basketball
6:15-7:30 p.m. — Aplington-Parkersburg High School — Check for ticket costs — Cheer on the home team as they face off against Oelwein in a thrilling conference basketball matchup.
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Tech Class: Internet Basics
11 a.m. — Waterloo Public Library — Registration required — Learn the essentials of internet browsing in this focused session for adults.
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Roland-Story vs. Dike-New Hartford Boys Varsity Basketball
7:45-9 p.m. — Dike-New Hartford High School — Free entry — Enjoy an exciting non-conference high school basketball game under the lights.
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Benny Gambaiani Chair Yoga
1:30-2:30 p.m. — Benny Gambaiani Public Library — Free entry — Engage in accessible chair yoga designed to promote flexibility, strength, and mindfulness.
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Craft Your 2026: A Planner & Junk Journal Workshop
10 AM – 12 PM — Waterloo Public Library — Registration required — Get inspired for the year ahead with vision boarding, junk journaling, and planner prep.
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.
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Reveal the authorAbout Good Day Waterloo
Welcome to the Good Day Waterloo, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Waterloo, Iowa community. If you like the Good Day Waterloo, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Waterloo.
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