Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Firefighters responded at 6:30 p.m. Thursday to a house fire on the 300 block of 16th Street Northeast in Cedar Rapids and rescued several cats, dogs, and two residents who were taken to a hospital—two cats died while the cause remains unknown.

Firefighters responded on Wednesday night at 275 Lofts at Kingston Yard when carbon monoxide detectors—required by state law—alerted them to a gas leak caused by ground floor construction, evacuating residents safely with no injuries reported.

K.C. Cakes and Cajun will move from NewBo City Market to Downtown Cedar Rapids at the Armstrong Center Food Court and is set to open in early November.

Their lease ends Dec. 28—owners Krystan Proctor and Alex Cooley plan to offer more Cajun dishes and fried food.

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson has opened the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for middle and high school students in Iowa’s Second Congressional District to design original software apps.

The contest—meant to boost interest in coding—requires entries by October 30.

Kirkwood Community College previewed its Haunted Hospital on Thursday at the Katz Family Healthcare Simulation Center as the Respiratory Therapy Club prepares its third annual fundraiser.

The club will host the event this Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. + funds raised will support respiratory therapy students.

Polk County has allocated about $200K to support a water quality monitoring program after state funding cuts—this money comes from leftover study funds and American Rescue Plan dollars to cover one-third of the needed cost.

County officials plan to meet with neighboring counties to help secure the additional $600K required for long-term water conservation efforts.

Governor Kim Reynolds directed the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to keep in regular contact with food banks since a government shutdown may delay SNAP benefits for 131,000 households next month — she is also reviewing the state's food insecurity plan from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids announced that Dr. Matthew Fox will become chief medical officer in December (succeeding retiring Dr. Tony Myers) and will oversee quality, safety, and regulatory efforts while maintaining limited clinical practice.

The Loftus Apartments opened today in New Bohemia, adding nearly 200 new homes and retail space along the 10th Street Community Arts Trail—part of a $40-million project that received state tax credits as part of Iowa's largest-ever housing expansion effort.

On Tuesday, Cedar Rapids Kennedy beat Waterloo West 3-2+ the 14th ranked team advanced to the 5A Region six championship in Ankeny.

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.

Dubuque Fighting Saints vs Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

7:05-8:35 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Stream available — Don't miss the thrilling hockey showdown as the Saints take on the RoughRiders.

Orchestra Iowa: Masterworks III

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience powerful musical drama with guest conductor Damon Gupton leading orchestra classics from Walker, Mozart, and Beethoven.