Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

The Cedar Rapids Haunted Garage will begin its 19th season on Oct.

25 with free admission and a request for canned food donations for charity — featuring a kids’ matinee from 1 to 3 p.m. and a full show from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Oct. 25, followed by another full show on Oct. 31.

United Way of East Central Iowa is asking for volunteers to help with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program that will run from February to April and provide free tax help to income-eligible residents in Jones and Linn counties.

The program has sites in Monticello and other Linn County locations—volunteers can work as tax preparers, greeters, or intake specialists.

Coralville city employees and leaders joined Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity on Friday to build the city's first Women Build and the first new Habitat home in over a decade at 9th Avenue—highlighting their commitment to affordable housing development.

Doctors at Mercy Medical Center treated 34 adults and 22 children for e-bike and e-scooter injuries this year—up from 29 patients in 2021—while UnityPoint’s emergency room saw cases rise from 6 to 14, including a 9-year-old airlifted after a collision in Fort Madison.

Alliant Energy is narrowing its search for a future power plant site at a property within five miles of the Big Cedar Industrial Center — where crews are building two data centers.

Developers said the site has good utility access and is well suited for natural gas-powered energy production to meet future business needs.

CenturyLink said that power issues at its Cedar Rapids office are affecting phone and internet service for 28,000 customers.

Crews are working to restore power and expect to bring service back this afternoon—customers may continue to experience disruptions until repairs are complete.

Summit Carbon Solutions filed a petition to amend its Iowa pipeline permit so it will not need permits from North or South Dakota—South Dakota’s law that stops eminent domain has led to permit denials and now puts the large carbon capture project at risk.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office is teaming with the DEA to host National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Oct.

25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 310 2nd Ave SW in Cedar Rapids—residents can drop off solid prescription drugs while liquids must remain in their sealed original bottles.

Iowa’s Health and Human Services announced that SNAP benefits might not be issued in November—due to the ongoing government shutdown—and food banks are preparing by stocking extra food for more than 131,000 households, with Linn County helping about 10,833 homes in August.

The department said new restrictions on food items will take effect on January 1 and efforts are underway to secure full funding soon.

Iowans ages three and older can now get the new COVID-19 vaccine at Hy-Vee without a prescription as updated CDC guidance now allows access for younger people using walk-in or scheduled appointments.

Patients ages 12 and up may also receive their flu shot at the same time.

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.

Home Free Vocal Band Concert

7-9 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the angelic harmonies of the acclaimed country a cappella group that took the world by storm.

Mercy Mistletoe Market

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — Mercy Medical Center Cedar Rapids — Free entry — Explore unique, handcrafted items from nearly 40 local vendors at this holiday shopping extravaganza.