Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Hy-Vee is offering free meals for kids ages 12 and under at its stores from Nov.

3—7 between 4 and 7 p.m. to support local families amid rising food bank demand, while also selling a $3 meal option and promoting budget-friendly recipes and donation bundles for community food banks.

Fareway Stores, Inc. launched a month-long program to help families facing food insecurity by offering pre-bagged SNAP-eligible food and donation options at its 142 stores across seven states.

The company will match all monetary contributions for November — funds that will be used to buy food for local banks and pantries.

Two local bakeries are stepping in to help residents during the SNAP benefit halt by giving away extra bread for free.

Bread and Buttered Bakery baked about 35 loaves in one day while Great Harvest Bread Company set up a sharing shelf—both will keep helping as long as the need continues.

BHFO, a Cedar Rapids online fashion retailer, announced its closure due to rising inflation, shipping costs, and interest rate challenges.

Forty-six employees were laid off Tuesday and additional layoffs occurred in May—staff cuts will be effective November 26 after 23 years in business.

Governor Kim Reynolds announced today that Iowa will provide interim support to HACAP and five regional food banks amid rising food pantry demand as SNAP benefits end—HACAP noted rising donations will not fully bridge the gap left by SNAP.

ConnectCR’s Alliant Energy LightLine bridge project will replace a washed-out railroad bridge to provide a safe Cedar River crossing and link Newbo with Czech Village district — while the city's Lightline Loop will create a multipurpose space at Mount Trashmore with rebuilt event areas, paths, and parking. The bridge project is funded mostly by private donations and will open later-summer, whereas the loop, backed by a $3 million Destination Iowa Grant, is expected to open mid-summer.

Governor Reynolds is urging local residents to donate to food banks today as federal food benefits are cut off due to the government shutdown.

The state will match donations up to one million dollars—doubling each contribution—and the Iowa National Guard will help with food distribution.

Linn County launched an interactive map to help people find food pantries and assistance programs.

The online tool shows details like operating hours, services and directions — including the nearest bus stop.

Today, open enrollment for Affordable Care Act health insurance begins, and more than 100,000 Iowans risk paying up to 25% higher premiums if federal tax credits expire—raising monthly costs by $800 to $1200.

Health officials stress that without renewed subsidies, many families may face tough choices between proper care and other essentials.

Open enrollment starts tomorrow for tens of thousands of Iowans buying ACA plans—premiums may more than double if federal subsidies are not extended.

Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen advised enrollees to get help from a professional agent as insurers plan to raise rates.

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.

Thanksgiving Eve Dueling Pianos

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Olympic South Side Theater — $25 — Experience a night of musical requests from classic hits to today's favorites.