Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Dozens of locals gathered Friday at Mount Trashmore for the 7 climbs for 9/11 memorial event to honor first responders (participants collected a popsicle stick at each summit to earn a commemorative t-shirt).

The event was open to all for the remainder of the day.

John Paluska, an eastern Iowa teen who ran toward Ground Zero on Sept.

11, 2001, reflected on his rescue work, military service, and volunteer efforts at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum to educate future generations (his journey shows courage and lasting impact).

Frank's Bar & Gallery is moving into the former Studio 6 Karaoke building downtown, promising a colorful venue for drinks, art, and live music.

Owner Abby Scott said the unique space will open soon — further details are pending.

RAYGUN announced Friday it is selling shirts to honor Derek Phillips, an Iowa Marching Band member who collapsed at a football game last week and died.

The shirts, designed with his family and featuring his mellophone (Do it for Derek), will support a Go Fund Me in his name.

Iowa public universities are seeking a $2M general education funding increase for fiscal year 2028 to help with rising costs, with UI, ISU, and UNI presenting their requests to the Board of Regents on Sept.

16-17 & additional proposals to relieve student expenses.

University of Iowa students honored 9/11's legacy at the Be Ready Bash on Friday, Sept.

11 by building first aid kits and learning CPR with help from local public health and safety agencies+the event was funded by a 9/11 Day of Service grant to boost emergency readiness.

Iowa Army National Guard soldiers Jared Gledhill and Rob Labios shared how 9/11 changed their lives and service 25 years later.

They recalled that the tragedy influenced their roles in Iraq and Afghanistan and left a lasting mark on their family legacy.

Iowa Business for Clean Energy has called on the Utilities Commission and lawmakers to review Alliant Energy's plans to build new natural gas peaker plants (proposed to meet rising load) because their funding through data center rate agreements might shift costs onto local households if projected use does not materialize.

An 11-year-old Cedar Rapids boy who beat a rare blood disorder will serve as the Kid Captain for the Hawkeyes versus Cyclones this weekend and will lead his family’s annual Night Watch Charity Run at Kinnick Stadium to support the hospital that helped him.

Dr. Vincent Reid (director of surgical oncology at Mercy One Eastern Division and Cedar Rapids resident) recalled his 9/11 experience in Manhattan when a sheriff’s deputy pulled him over and directed him to a triage center.

He still remembers the dust 25 years later.