Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Cedar Rapids Police & Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control are seeking the owner of a large iguana nicknamed Iggy Smalls after it was found on a porch last week.

Fields of Fun Daycare—partnering with local families—has full classrooms with about 150 children in summer and 100 during other months even as many moms stay home because care costs are high.

Director Haley Hollan says the center works with families to keep fees low.

Iowa soybean farmers face tougher times as trade tensions with China and harsh weather challenge their crop this season—Cambridge grower Doug Fuller says he will begin harvesting around Oct.

1 and doubts China will buy soybeans soon. Prices stay near the $10 range and a clearer picture will form when the harvest begins.

Fifteen Iowa state parks will host volunteer spruce-up events on Saturday, September 27 as part of Statewide Volunteer Day; the Iowa Department of Natural Resources invites locals to help with tasks like painting picnic tables and removing invasive species—volunteers should bring water, work gloves and weather-appropriate clothing.

The Nature Conservancy is testing virtual fencing at its Land of the Swamp White Oak Preserve where cows wear GPS collars that give tones and vibrations to keep them in place.

The new system saves farmers time and helps protect water quality+soil health.

Since 2018 the 380 Express has carried hundreds of riders between Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and Coralville, and DOT leaders say that in 2027 the $1.5 million budget will gradually shift to local agencies which may lead to fewer routes or reduced stops+DOT officials are working on new plans to keep the service effective.

A report from the Cedar Rapids Airport Commission told Alliant Energy to choose another site for its natural gas plant so that the airport stays safe—its current plan near 76th Avenue SW in Fairfax may risk aircraft operations and federal funding.

Alliant Energy said it will review other locations as it works with the Iowa Utilities Commission in October.

State and federal lawmakers are calling on Iowa’s higher education officials to impose termination on any employee who celebrated Charlie Kirk’s death online— they say the behavior undermines respectful debate.

The Iowa Board of Regents will discuss the issue in a closed session tomorrow as similar steps have been taken by universities in other states.

Hundreds will gather at Kingston Yard this Saturday for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s to raise awareness and funds to fight the disease, beginning with an 8 a.m. check-in and a 9 a.m. Promise Garden ceremony—family-friendly activities, vendors and live music will follow to honor those affected and support research.

Professor Michael J. Welsh has been awarded the 2025 Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award for his cystic fibrosis work that has helped patients live more active lives — his research has spanned nearly 45 years with strong backing from the NIH, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and industry to improve treatments like Trikafta.

Daniel Defenbaugh was a police officer in Indianola who struggled with addiction and PTSD and nearly ended his life in 2020 — a prayer saved him.

Now retired, he started the 10-42 Project, a faith-based support group that has helped 75 first responders across central Iowa.

The MOJO: Soul Sacrifice

7-8:30 p.m. — Opus Concert Cafe — Tickets starting at $52 — Experience an unforgettable tribute performance to Santana by Soul Sacrifice.

Hiawatha Public Library Comic Book Club

7-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — A gathering for comic book and graphic novel enthusiasts to share their passion and connect with like-minded fans.

Brewnost at Czech Village

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Lion Bridge Brewing Co. — Early Bird tickets available — Savor food and beverages from local and international sources while supporting a cultural mission.

Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers' Market

7:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Cedar Rapids Downtown District — Free entry — Explore over 200 vendors offering local food, crafts, and entertainment at this celebrated market.

Fresh Conversations

1-2 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Engage in insightful discussions about nutrition, movement, and community building for older adults.

Market by Moonlight 2025

6:30-9:30 p.m. — NewBo City Market — Tickets include a $50 donation — Experience a delicious farm-to-table meal paired with live music under the stars.

Halestorm and Lindsey Stirling Concert

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Alliant Energy Power House — Last-minute tickets available — Experience an electrifying night of rock and violin at this sensational concert.

O.W.L.S. - Bird Watching with Jesse Ellis

1-2 p.m. — Wickiup Hill Learning Center — Free entry — Explore the world of bird watching with engaging programs designed for seniors.

Cole Swindell Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Alliant Energy Power House — Tickets start at $42 — Enjoy a night of live country music with Cole Swindell.

Cedar Rapids Roughriders vs. Omaha Lancers

7:05-8:35 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Tickets required — Catch the action as the Roughriders battle the Lancers in an exciting hockey showdown.