Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

On Sunday, Theisen’s hosted their annual Dog-O-Ween contests in Cedar Rapids and Coralville to raise funds for local rescues and shelters—partners included Tails in Transit and the Cedar Valley Humane Society.

The event featured dogs in creative costumes and crowned winners in several categories.

A crash on I-380 northbound between Swisher and Cedar Rapids slowed Monday morning traffic — the left lane near Exit 10 was blocked — so drivers were advised to take alternate routes.

On Sunday, October 26th, Comfort Food 154 owners announced they would close the food truck after seven years of service—saying they wanted more time to relax and now put the mobile kitchen on the market.

Google signed a 25-year deal with NextEra Energy to buy nuclear power from the Duane Arnold Energy Center to support its growing data centers and artificial intelligence work.

NextEra will restart the plant by early 2029—pending regulatory approvals—and the plan is expected to add around 400 jobs.

The Eastern Iowa Airport posted record passenger numbers for the ninth month in a row with September showing a 3.2% rise over last year and an 8% increase year-to-date.

Airport director Marty Lenss said additional seats for holiday travel — with November and December capacities increasing 16% and 14% — could drive CID to its third annual record in total passengers.

Linn County approved a $130,000 contract with the University of Iowa to complete three water quality studies and is now seeking a partner for a water balance study focused on water quantity.

County staff will work with local researchers over the next year—creating maps for aquifer vulnerability, contaminant plumes, and surface water sampling—using the results to guide future water management plans.

The government shutdown is entering its fourth week and many in Cedar Rapids worry that SNAP food benefits may be lost.

Local food pantries and nonprofits are buying more food and asking neighbors for donations to keep supplies steady through December+ SNAP benefits will restart only after the shutdown ends.

The Iowa Water Quality Information System appeared before Linn County supervisors Monday to ask for local funding after state support was cut in 2023—state funds were reallocated to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

The group has funding until July 2026 and needs about $600,000 each year—Polk County has already pledged $200,000 and Johnson County will be asked next month.

Construction began in Czech Village as beams are placed for Cedar Rapids’ Lightline Loop project.

The $13.84 million plan — featuring the Roundhouse, Festival Street, a pedestrian promenade, a new 18th Avenue SW connection, a parking lot with over 100 spaces, and improvements to A Street SW with part funding from a $3 million Destination Iowa Grant — will be completed summer 2026.

A new addiction treatment center held its open house and ribbon cutting ceremony Monday afternoon in Cedar Rapids — attended by Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell and Governor Kim Reynolds.

The 68-bed Radix Recovery Center on 17th Street SE offers inpatient and outpatient rehab along with an art therapy room, spa, gym, and yoga room — services designed to aid recovery.

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.

Cranksgiving Cedar Rapids 2025

11 AM – 5 PM — NewBo City Market — $20-$40 recommended donation — Participate in a bicycle scavenger hunt to collect food for those in need.

NJCAA Division III Volleyball Championship

9:00 – 10:30 AM — Alliant Energy Power House — Check event details for pricing — Catch the excitement of NJCAA women’s volleyball at the 2025 Division III Championship!

Needle Felting Workshop

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Cedar Rapids Public Library - Ladd Library — Cost varies — Discover the art of transforming wool into beautiful 3D creations with needle felting.

NJCAA DII Women's Volleyball Championship

9 AM – 12 PM — Alliant Energy Power House — Ticket prices vary — Catch the excitement of NJCAA volleyball at the DII women’s championship!