Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

The Cedar Crossing Casino in Cedar Rapids is nearing completion with its exterior finished and 98.5% of the work done by Iowa subcontractors, according to vice president Kim Pang.

Pang said the casino will open on 2026 New Year’s Eve, hire hourly staff later this summer, and feature a separate STEM center — a planned benefit to local nonprofits.

Eastern Iowa Airport is expecting a 50% rise in passenger volume today due to Thanksgiving—nearly 3,000 passengers are projected instead of the usual 2,000.

A recent survey shows the average cost for a 10-serving Thanksgiving meal in Iowa is $55.18—5% lower than last year and below the national estimate while an expanded menu will cost $77.09.

Iowa farmers saw their net income fall 53% from 2022 to 2024 as high input costs and low crop prices continue to challenge their profitability.

A study by Hennessey Digital found Iowa ranked 7th in the nation with 69.44% of students earning college degrees, beating the national average of 60.92% — this shows strong support at local colleges.

Linn County Public Health has installed a new air monitoring site on the southeast side of Cedar Rapids—across from McKinley Steam Academy’s parking lot—to test for pollutants such as dust and wildfire smoke while providing a learning tool for local students.

It is the county’s third site aimed at expanding air quality monitoring in areas with high traffic and industry.

A central Iowa entomologist says that the thickness of a wooly bear caterpillar’s stripes may help predict winter severity—thicker orange bands signal a mild winter while larger black areas point to harsher cold.

Mitchell’s research builds on a decades-old New York study—though the small sample size means the finding is more folklore than firm science.

The Cedar Rapids IowaWORKS office moved from Lindale Mall to a new building on Kirkwood Community College’s campus—putting all its programs together for easier help—and now serves seven counties in Eastern Iowa.

It will still offer adult education classes, weekly job fairs, and support for the laid off or those with disabilities.

After more than $1 million in renovations funded by the American Rescue Plan, the Linn County Winter Overflow Shelter will open tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. at 1017 12th Avenue SW in Cedar Rapids—operated by Anaheim Security, it will offer overnight shelter until March 31.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority awarded over $23M in tax credits to 11 historic projects across Iowa.

In Cedar Rapids, a developer will use $10.5M to change a former bank building into 70 apartments and shops — while a Waterloo project will turn an old building into affordable housing for seniors.

Johnson County Public Health urged local residents to get their flu shots now—critical as holiday gatherings approach—while advising everyone to practice good hygiene and stay home if sick.

They said that although current flu activity is low, cases are expected to rise in December and January.

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.

Veterans Holiday Meal

4-6 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Building — Free — Enjoy a traditional holiday meal with fellow veterans and active military members.

Cultivate Hope Holiday Craft Fair

9 AM – 2 PM — Groundswell Cafe — Supports local youth programs — Discover local crafts, baked goods, and live music this holiday season.

Madison Capitols vs Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

4:05-5:35 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Stream available — Catch the action as the Madison Capitols face the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in this exciting hockey showdown.

Photos with Santa at PCI Pediatrics

9-11 a.m. — PCI Medical Pavilion — Free entry — Enjoy cookies and crafts while capturing a magical moment with Santa.

We The Kingdom Christmas Concert

6:00-8:00 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticketed event — Celebrate the season with festive music and fan-favorites from We The Kingdom.

Disney's Frozen: Live Theatre Production

7:30-10:00 p.m. — Theatre Cedar Rapids — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magical tale of sisterhood and adventure in a winter wonderland.

Disney's FROZEN at Theatre Cedar Rapids

11:30 AM – 2:00 PM — Theatre Cedar Rapids, 102 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA — Tickets available — Experience the enchanting tale of sisterhood and acceptance this holiday season.