Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Hy-Vee is easing SNAP benefit delays by providing free, hot meals for children 12 and under and a $3 meal for everyone else from 4-7 p.m. Today, they serve Chili and a Cinnamon Roll and customers can round up purchases to support local food banks—Hy-Vee donated $100k to Feeding America last week.

Matthew 25 named its co-founder Courtney Ball as executive director after he served as interim since July—Ball replaces co-founder Clint Twedt-Ball, who led the organization since 2006 and was chosen from over 70 candidates.

The board expressed strong confidence in his leadership as the nonprofit continues its work in Cedar Rapids.

Many local Eastern Iowa restaurants will serve Thanksgiving meals on November 27th, offering options like buffet, brunch, dinner, and even free dining events.

Details such as prices and reservation requirements vary by restaurant—guests are advised to call ahead to secure a table.

As winter nears, Cedar Rapids is asking volunteers to join the Snow Buddy Program to help income-qualified residents who cannot clear snow from sidewalks—volunteers must be over 18 and have their own equipment.

In its fifth year, the program pairs these residents with Snow Heroes to clear paths for kids, delivery people and first responders—ensuring safe access during winter.

The Kelley family opened Wapsi Weaving in Central City to offer meaningful work to people with disabilities, inspired by Brianna Kelley's love for weaving that began on her family’s farm with sheep wool.

The business now has five weavers and holds rug-making classes on Saturdays + aims to expand job opportunities in Eastern Iowa.

Two local entrepreneurs have reopened a 43,000-square-foot former bowling center as Backyard BBQ in southwest Cedar Rapids.

The venue serves Texas-style barbecue with Asian influences and offers indoor sports like basketball and pickleball — open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Brucemore, a historic mansion in Cedar Rapids, is nominated for USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Award for Best Historic Holiday Home Tour—offering self-guided tours with festive displays and audio-visual features that highlight its holiday traditions.

Visitors will enjoy tours from November 28 through December 31 with evening sessions on Thursdays and Sundays from 5 to 8 p.m.—and votes for the award are accepted daily until December 1.

A $117 million bond measure to renovate four schools failed Tuesday when 59.3% voted yes, falling about 170 votes short of the needed 60% supermajority—district leaders must now choose new paths to fund necessary upgrades while keeping community input central.

The Linn County Board of Supervisors approved an $80,000 grant to HACAP to help residents as SNAP benefits are delayed due to a government shutdown — the funds come from the fiscal year 2026 Witwer Trust and follow a state matching program announced on Oct.

30.

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.

Waterloo Black Hawks vs Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

7:05-8:35 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Cost info not specified — Catch the action as local hockey teams face off in an exciting match.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

7:30-9 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a dazzling fusion of circus artistry and holiday music in a magical winter wonderland.