Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Cedar Rapids nonprofits launched two new bike rides this fall—Barn to Farm Bike Ride on Sept 27 linked trails from a nature reserve to a permaculture farm in Marion—while Harvest Ride on Sept 28 offered a 36-mile loop ending at Bloomsbury Farm with a fall festival.

Dandelion Stompers will perform swinging jazz at CSPS Hall at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct.

11, as they revive the sound of the roaring 20s and honor their late mentor, Ira Greenstein (a key influence on their style).

Several national touring musicals are coming to Iowa in the next months — including Wicked, SIX, Chicago and The Addams Family — with shows starting October 16 in Davenport and additional dates set for Cedar Falls, Ames, Des Moines, Iowa City and Cedar Rapids.

Cedar Rapids native Lynne Waggoner-Patton will bring her youth shadow dance act The Silhouettes to the Paramount Theatre on Oct.

19 at 2 p.m.—the family-friendly show themed 'Love Happens' will feature a new shadow finale with local children from Orchestra Iowa’s Discovery Chorus and benefit underprivileged children.

Kirkwood Community College’s Respiratory Therapy Club will transform the Katz Family Healthcare Simulation Center into a hospital-themed haunted house on Oct.

25 from 4 to 7 p.m. + Proceeds will help support Respiratory Therapist students.

On Wednesday, Cedar Rapids extended the DHS property boundary on Square Drive after staff found an anomaly in deed records that had misinterpreted the public right-of-way.

Staff confirmed the correct boundary using documents (1974 recording, 2009 survey, 2018 easement) and updated official records in the Linn County GIS system.

Today the federal government shutdown forces nearly two-thirds of the Iowa National Guard’s 1,000 federal civilian employees to be furloughed and may delay pay for soldiers—including those deployed overseas—and operations continue at the Cedar Rapids Armory as officials urge Congress to pass funding by Oct. 13 while promising back pay when approved. Officials also said assistance programs are available for families facing financial strain.

Several pharmacy groups filed a brief with the United States Court of Appeals to support state regulation that sets a minimum reimbursement rate for pharmacies—an effort they say is key to keeping local stores open in rural areas.

The brief challenges a lawsuit from employers and insurers that claims the law curbs free speech and interferes with federal protections, aiming to delay Senate File 383.

Federal ICE said it sees signs of escalation near the Homeland Security building and is building a chain link fence that is 7 foot high to protect its Cedar Rapids office+protesters gathered Tuesday at the facility and City Hall to speak against the fence.

The permit for the fence will expire in about six months as ICE said it will take action if laws are broken.

Residents in Fairfax are debating a possible Alliant power plant that might be built at an alternate location after plans near the airport were dropped.

Some support the project for the tax revenue it could bring while others express concerns about safety risks—comments shared at a recent public meeting.

Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski was injured during the Indiana game but is now medically cleared and has practiced for the upcoming Wisconsin game — Coach Kirk Ferentz explained that any one of three quarterbacks could start while a recovering wide receiver remains off the depth chart.

Funniest Person in Iowa Contest Finals

5:30-8 p.m. — The Ideal Theater & Bar — $10 admission — Witness Iowa's funniest comics battle it out for the coveted crown in a night of laughter and entertainment.

Cedar Rapids Hot Cider Hustle

8:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — NewBo City Market — Registration required — Experience the fun of running while enjoying hot cider and caramel apples at the finish line.

Carson Parker Trio Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Opus Concert Cafe — Tickets starting at $37 — Experience the smooth sounds of Carson Parker Trio live in Cedar Rapids.

MercyMe and Natalie Grant Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Alliant Energy Power House — Ticket prices vary — Experience an inspiring evening of contemporary Christian music with two beloved artists.

Vibe Concert

7:30 p.m. — CSPS — Ticket prices vary — Experience the energetic sound of Cedar Rapids' own Vibe, known for their fresh take on classic songs.

The Silhouettes: Love Happens

2-3:30 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — $29 – $39 — Experience the magic of shadowdance with heartwarming tales of love from family to chocolate.

CR Sings: The Music of Bob Dylan

7:30-9 p.m. — Opus Concert Cafe — Ticket details vary — Experience live performances of iconic Bob Dylan songs in a cozy atmosphere.

Hawkeye Downs Dirt Kart Spooktacular

12 PM — Hawkeye Downs Speedway & Expo Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience thrilling dirt kart racing with family-friendly guaranteed seating.

Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons Concert

6:30-7:30 p.m. — The Olympic South Side Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons surrounded by candlelight.

Monday Morning Story Time

10:00-10:30 a.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Engage in fun stories, music, and crafts perfect for kids and caregivers.