Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Today, eighty-eight veterans left Cedar Rapids on the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. despite the government shutdown.

They will visit the usual sites and are expected to return late tonight with music beginning at 7:15 p.m.

The CPKC Holiday Train will visit New Albin, Lansing, Marquette, Guttenberg, and Dubuque on Nov 24 and Bellevue on Nov 25 to spread festive cheer and support local food banks — donations will be accepted at each concert stop.

A new Iowa Scarecrow Festival will debut Saturday, Oct.

18, at Hawkeye Downs Expo Center in Cedar Rapids alongside the Made in Iowa Fall Market, which draws over 150 vendors from across the state. Admission costs $5 (includes market entry, free parking, and access to creative scarecrow displays) while 10% of door proceeds will support Together We Achieve (a nonprofit fighting food insecurity).

Construction is underway at Hoover Elementary, and local residents say noise, dust and a loss of privacy have become a concern.

The school district said it is working with neighbors to design screening with fences—landscaping and tree preservation—to lessen disruptions as the new building will open in August.

Over 150 immigrant workers, clergy and community members gathered at the Cedar Rapids ICE office Tuesday morning — demanding the release of Waterloo mother Doris Morales, who was detained for two hours and then released with her 15-year-old son while a West Liberty meatpacking worker awaits an ICE follow-up next year.

A possible bobcat was spotted in southwest Cedar Rapids—photo evidence taken between 1st Ave and 16th Ave SW shows an animal with a short tail.

Wildlife officials have not confirmed the sighting—but they note that bobcats in eastern Iowa have increased by 7% per year.

Environmental groups sent a letter to the EPA urging it to restore the nitrate impairment designation on seven Iowa river segments that supply water to communities like Cedar Rapids.

The letter said that removing the ruling will drive up water treatment costs and risk public health — a decision that must be reversed.

Twenty Israeli hostages were reunited with their families on Monday and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners were released under a ceasefire deal + Cedar Rapids Rabbi Todd Thalblum of Temple Judah expressed hope that this step will help end a conflict that lasted for over two years.

Hy-Vee announced it will offer weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy for 50% off to self-pay shoppers who lack insurance — the discount will come through a partnership with telehealth and online pharmacy GoodRx and will set the price at $499 per month instead of $1,000.

Ramsey Mazda's general manager said winter's big temperature swings will stress your car’s battery, suspension, and tires—so a full multi-point inspection is needed.

Car owners should also check tire tread with a penny test, top off fluids, and wash off salt to prevent rust.

7-year-old Micah Norby, who got gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, will serve as Kid Captain at Kinnick Stadium during the Iowa Hawkeyes game against Penn State on Saturday—he is honored through a program by the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital.

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.

Iowa BIG Visit Day

8 AM – 4 PM — Cedar Rapids Downtown District — Refunds available — Learn about Iowa BIG and how it empowers students for real-world impact.

The Rocking Dead Halloween Night

8-11 p.m. — Penguin's Comedy Club — $22 — Enjoy a spine-tingling night of live music with a thrilling costume contest.

Dia de los Muertos Celebration

6 p.m. — CSPS — Free entry — Honor loved ones with traditional music, dance, and vibrant altars at this cultural event.