Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Market After Dark returns this Saturday, Aug.

29 from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. in downtown Cedar Rapids with over 120 vendors, live music on two stages, yard games at Greene Square Park and an open container policy for select vendors.

Students returned to class Tuesday as Cedar Rapids Community School District began its final school year before shifting to an intermediate model next year — six school buildings will close by year’s end and renovations are planned for new facilities.

Jackson County libraries honor Dolly Parton’s legacy—her Imagination Library program delivered over 100,000 free books to children since 2009 and continues to nurture young reading habits.

Residents can support the effort by contacting libraries in Preston, Maquoketa, Bellevue and Sabula.

Cedar Rapids schools approved a new strategic plan for 2026 to 2031 that focuses on academic advantage, extracurricular edge, connection, and long-term sustainability.

The district will track progress with clear performance measures to help every learner be future ready.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Cedar Rapids mailed its 500,000th book this June and nearly 9,800 children have graduated after turning five since it started in 2018; the country music icon (80) passed away Tuesday.

The latest USDA report shows 47% of corn is in the dent stage and 90% is in the dough stage, while soybeans setting pods reached 88% with most crops in good to excellent condition.

Agriculture officials expect near-normal rainfall into early September to help advance the busy fall harvest season.

Iowa health officials urged families to check vaccination records as children returned to school amid a rise in measles cases and declining immunization rates, with Iowa reporting 17 cases and evidence of spread from one person to another (a trend seen since 2019).

They stressed that vaccines are the most effective protection against measles.

Cedar Rapids athlete Andrew Chupp is urging adults to try gymnastics to keep active — he says that simply showing up builds strength, flexibility and mental challenge.

His message redefines gymnastics as a sport for all ages.