Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Big Grove Brewery and its Foundation donated $24,000 to support Midwest food banks and local homeless shelters — $12,000 was divided equally among three regional food banks and an additional $12,000 went to local shelters during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week — in response to a SNAP funding lapse. The brewery will also offer free meals to veterans, active duty service members and gold star family members on Veterans Day, November 11.

Today, YouTube TV dropped KCRG-TV9 from its service after a dispute between Google and Disney (owner of ABC) affected all ABC affiliates.

The station urges both companies to resolve the issue quickly while noting that viewers can still access local news via free over-the-air broadcasts or its streaming apps.

Collins Aerospace confirmed on Thursday it will lay off a small number of workers as part of a restructuring plan—aimed at reducing costs and streamlining operations.

The company did not specify the number of jobs or when the layoffs would take effect.

Czech Village Antiques in Cedar Rapids will close on December 7 after 35 years as Pam and her husband retire and offer discount sales for remaining merchandise—some of the mall’s 18 dealers are also retiring while a new owner plans to remodel the building.

Hy-Vee will offer a $30 Thanksgiving meal that feeds up to six, Aldi will serve a $40 dinner for 10 featuring a 14-pound turkey, and Wal-Mart will present a meal bundle with a Butterball turkey for under $40.

The Hy-Vee offer will run from November 3rd through 26th, giving families affordable options for a traditional holiday dinner.

Paramount Theatre is operating as normal today despite emergency repairs on its southwest side from water damage.

The city installed a temporary three-beamed support structure—costing $132,320 and funded by its management company—as a safety measure while scheduled events continue.

Nearly a month into the government shutdown, health care workers in rural Iowa report that hospitals are missing national disease data while facing growing care challenges as respiratory virus season nears—officials warn that paused SNAP benefits may worsen food insecurity and lead to higher costs when patients get emergency care.

Governor Reynolds has ordered the Iowa National Guard to prepare for food distribution missions—food banks expect high demand when tens of thousands of households miss their SNAP benefits Saturday due to the federal shutdown.

The state will match up to $1 million in donations starting Monday and is recruiting volunteers through the Department of Health and Human Services and Volunteer Iowa.

Linn County launched an interactive map that shows food pantry locations with details on hours, contacts, and directions.

The county also offers veterans Fareway gift cards for food when SNAP benefits pause after November 1 — a move made through a partnership with HACAP.

Residents facing high winter electric bills can apply for help through the LiHeap program starting Saturday+applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Interested households should apply early+to secure the available funds.

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!

Hockey Match: Muskegon Lumberjacks vs Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

7:05-8:35 p.m. — Cedar Rapids Roughriders Hockey Club — Check local listings for ticket prices — Watch an exciting junior hockey face-off between two competitive teams.