Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

A diverse lineup of festivals, concerts, and markets is scheduled across Eastern Iowa in September.

Cedar Rapids locals can kick off with the Night Meet at Hawkeye Downs on Friday, Sept. 4 at 5:30 p.m.+ various events in nearby counties cater to all ages.

Union workers at John Deere rejected a two-year contract extension — citing job security concerns that were not addressed by the offer.

The current contract lasts through October and new negotiations will start next fall.

Better Business Bureau spokeswoman Khesha Duncan warned young adults that con artists using social media linked fake job offers to requests for bank account information (often leading to identity theft).

She urged job seekers to research employers thoroughly to protect their personal finances.

Multi-platinum violinist Lindsey Stirling returns to Cedar Rapids for her Snow Waltz Tour at the Alliant Energy Powerhouse on December 9; general tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug.

28.

Gas prices in Iowa have increased by 15.8 cents per gallon this week to average $4.08, with AAA noting similar rises.

Prices in Cedar Rapids align with nearby cities (Davenport, Iowa City) as analysts expect supply challenges to keep costs high.

College Community School District welcomed students back Monday as superintendent Doug Wheeler outlined priorities on a ten year strategic plan to add skills for success beyond academics + keep safety with staggered start times, and the district welcomed 1,100 new students at Prairie Creek Intermediate School.

A new Iowa law gives teachers more power to remove disruptive students from class starting the upcoming school year.

School districts have begun drafting policies as guidance is available in a 14-page FAQ by the state education department — detailing procedures for both nonviolent and violent disruptions.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services listed places where measles exposure occurred as 17 cases have been confirmed, and it urges residents to watch for symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose, rash) and seek help if needed.

UnityPoint Health urged parents to vaccinate kids as measles cases spiked, with 17 cases confirmed locally and over 2,700 reported nationwide.

The advisory comes as school resumes, reminding everyone to update their vaccine status.