Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

The Corridor Business Journal released the 2026 Best of the Corridor winners (with over 15,000 votes cast by local residents) featuring top businesses in several categories, including banks, home builders and new entries in fitness and veterinary services.

Alliant Energy submitted a rezoning request to Linn County for a proposed 720-MW natural gas facility near US 30 and Benton-Linn Road west of Cedar Rapids.

The project may create 200 jobs and nearly $90 million in construction output, and air permit review will follow (public input is expected).

Cedar Rapids Police say Otis Road SE is closed between the Cargill south entrance and Prairie Park Fishery because flooding from the Cedar River has made the road unsafe — access to the nearby facilities remains while officials wait for river levels to recede.

Kirkwood Community College Board voted Thursday to place an $88 million bond referendum on the November 3 ballot for upgrading classrooms, labs, and learning spaces.

The bond will benefit high-demand programs; property owners may face roughly $9.35 per year per $100,000 of assessed value.

The Iowa Utilities Commission held a scheduling conference on the Morgan Valley Energy Center, reviewing proposed site plan changes and gathering input from Alliant Energy — local governments and intervenors, with a written order to set the official timeline to be issued later.

It remains part of the state's ongoing review process.

MidAmerican Energy warns customers not to use search engine results for its contact number because scammers use paid ads to show fake numbers (found when browsing online).

Customers should visit the official website or check their bills to get the correct number (8884275632).

Doctors at Mercy Medical Center and UnityPoint Health St. Luke’s note that Cyclospora infections remain common in produce nationwide, though no local cases are seen.

They advise washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly and seeking care if diarrhea and dehydration persist—especially if fluids cannot be kept down.

Hawkeye Downs will finish its current asphalt season before switching its quarter-mile track to dirt later this fall in Cedar Rapids to boost attendance after dirt events last year attracted larger crowds — the half-mile oval will remain asphalt.

World Cup 2026 Final Watch Party

2-5 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Reservations recommended — Catch the excitement of the World Cup final on the giant screen while enjoying your favorite brews.

Computer Skills Training Workshop

2:30 – 4:30 p.m. — Cedar Rapids Public Library - Ladd Library — Free — Enhance your digital literacy and gain essential computer skills with personalized guidance in an interactive setting.

Cypress Hill Concert

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — McGrath Amphitheatre — Ticket prices starting at $82 — Experience the iconic sounds of Cypress Hill live in Cedar Rapids.

Explore ChatGPT & Other Conversational AI

12:30–1:30 p.m. — Cedar Rapids Public Library - Ladd Library — Free entry — Dive into the fascinating world of conversational AI with insights and practical examples.

Tyrus - Stand-Up Comedy Performance

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Building — Tickets from $27 — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedian Tyrus in Cedar Rapids.