Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center in Cedar Rapids will open mid-November, moving its launch ahead from New Year's Eve; the facility, part of a $275 million development along the Cedar River, will begin hiring in September and feature 700 slot machines & 22 table games.

Rip's Bar & Grill takes over Jerseys Pub & Grub at 5761 C St SW and will host its grand opening today at 1 p.m. with music from DJ Mikey Z and a menu of classic bar fare for neighborhood sports fans.

Cedar Crossing Casino announced concerts and comedy shows for its Event Center and Jocko's Comedy Club with acts like The Pork Tornadoes and Brooks Wheelan; tickets go on sale Friday, Aug.

7 at 10 a.m., and the grand opening celebration is set for Dec. 4–5 due to early construction progress.

Families face rising school supply costs as local officials offer back-to-school events to help ensure kids have needed supplies + save money for lunches and uniforms.

Iowa’s News Now will host a supply drive Wednesday, Aug. 5 from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 600 Old Marion Road NE.

Iowa health data released Thursday shows 226 cyclospora cases recorded since spring, almost four times as many as in the past four years; officials link many cases to national outbreaks and note 47 involved international travel while urging proper food safety practices.

Iowa Health and Human Services reports 226 confirmed cyclospora cases across 48 counties, and officials are gathering food and travel details to track the outbreak (Polk County health teams are monitoring trends).

Cedar Rapids drag racer Mike Melsha competes in Iowa with his extensively modified Plymouth Duster 10 to 12 times a year and has raced since Gerald Ford’s presidency; at 67, he plans to continue as long as his health holds.

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.