Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

The final section of the Alliant Energy LightLine Tower is now in place in Cedar Rapids, standing 164 feet tall (featuring rusted Corten steel) to honor the city’s industrial legacy.

Interior LED lighting will be added later, and the project is expected to complete in 2027.

On Tuesday, the 61st Eastern Iowa Honor Flight brought local veterans back from Washington, D.C. to Cedar Rapids where loved ones, a flag line, a military band + first responders welcomed them.

This Saturday, the 6th Annual Dogs Forever Chili Cook-Off will take place at the Wendler Building near NewBo City Market from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; for $5, attendees will sample 15 chilis and support local rescue pups via auctions, merch, and baked goods (all proceeds go to Dogs Forever).

Iowa drivers are urged to slow down as fall harvest and the November time change raise the risk of deer collisions on local roads — the Iowa DNR recommends leaving extra space and staying alert for deer moving out from cleared fields.

Soul & Vibez, a new soul food restaurant at 1323 1st Ave SE, shifted from a soft opening last weekend and now serves during set hours.

Customers can call 319-280-8904 or order via Uber Eats to try a soft menu featuring catfish, chicken wings, and fried shrimp with classic sides.

Farmers made progress with the harvest last week as five-and-a-half dry days allowed soybeans to jump from 5% to 31% despite being 28% behind the five-year average.

Corn harvested doubled to 14% but remains 20% behind average levels.

The DeWolf Family Foundation (of Cedar Rapids) has given $3.5 million to boost the University of Iowa’s Tippie Thrive program, which helps business students build stress management and communication skills.

The donation will create an endowment and fund a dedicated space in the expanded Pappajohn Business Building.

Today, Sierra Club Iowa Chapter and Physicians for Social Responsibility warned that growing data centers near Cedar Rapids may strain electricity and water supplies and raise pollution and health concerns; they urge state and local officials to increase transparency and enforce safeguards (including banning NDAs) before more projects proceed.

Gov. Kim Reynolds proclaimed October as Manufacturing Month in Iowa to honor 3,400 companies and over 214,000 workers (a key sector supporting nearly 14% of the state’s workforce).

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry launches its Elevate Iowa Manufacturing Tour to showcase innovation and career opportunities statewide.

Homeowners in Cedar Rapids can prepare their properties for winter by disconnecting outdoor hoses, cleaning gutters, sealing cracks, insulating pipes, and stocking winter supplies to avoid damage.

These measures help lower energy costs and prevent frozen pipes as temperatures drop.