An eye-catching, destructive insect has been identified in southeast Iowa. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is asking Iowans to be on the lookout for the spotted lanternfly. Read more from the department’s Oct. 24, 2025, notice, below: DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) is asking Iowans […]
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Year: 2025
Challengers say Cedar Rapids School Boar...
UPDATE Oct. 24, 2025: Cedar Rapids Community School District spokeswoman Heather Butterfield said there are no set plans in place for the Taylor and Grant elementary buildings, should those students be combined at the Wilson Middle School building. “A plan will be developed following the bond vote, should it pass,” Butterfield said. “In the case […]
Late first frost forecast for Iowa
After experiencing summerlike temperatures earlier in October, Iowa could see its first widespread frost of the fall season this week. The National Weather Service notes that temperatures could fall to the freezing mark on Wednesday night, Oct. 22, into Thursday morning, Oct. 23, 2025. Some parts of the state may experience a light frost, but […]
Thousands join peaceful ‘No Kings’ prote
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Thousands of demonstrators lined Eighth Avenue SE in Cedar Rapids to peacefully protest the Trump administration during a nationwide “No Kings” day on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. Chanting “this is what democracy looks like,” an estimated 4,000 people waved American flags and carried signs reading “No kings in America,” “Democracy not […]
Mount Pleasant School Board moves closer...
MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa — The Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Education rejected pleas from community members and an offer to repurpose the beloved P.E.O. Memorial building, instead voting to move forward with demolition plans. Allowing another entity to repurpose the building could save the School District nearly a half-million dollars in demolition costs, […]
Late bloomers: Lilacs make out of season...
It’s not often that migrating monarchs can gain sustenance for their long journey on lilacs blooming in Iowa, but the past few seasons have proven otherwise. Even in October, the pale purple blossoms are offering a respite for the butterflies on their seasonal migration. Typically an early season bloomer in Iowa, lilac bushes that have […]
Closing beloved Cedar Rapids restaurant ...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — It was her dream restaurant, but the owner of Runt’s Munchies in downtown Cedar Rapids looked to the reality of the bottom line in making the difficult decision to close. The final day for the restaurant, at 118 Second St. SE, is Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to […]
Advocacy group calls Cedar Rapids map co...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — After dozens of people attended the Cedar Rapids City Council meeting on Tuesday to protest the city giving a fence permit to the Department of Homeland Security, city officials on Wednesday said they are correcting a mapping “anomaly” to no longer require that permit. The immigrant advocacy group, Escucha Mi Voz […]
GROWFEST at Kazimour Farm and Orchard in...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Unseasonably warm temperatures didn’t deter visitors from a fall celebration with deep roots. GROWFEST, an event to support the nonprofit GROW programs, was held Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Kazimour Farm and Orchard, 2630 Otis Rd. SE, with sales of fresh apples, pumpkins, cut flowers, baked goods and family-friendly activities. Visitors […]
Alliant Energy backtracks on switch boxe...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Alliant Energy will remove the massive switch boxes installed without warning earlier this month in northwest Cedar Rapids, after neighbors raised concerns. Spokeswoman Melissa McCarville said the equipment, called pad mounted switchgear, “was part of a necessary project to relocate energy assets, prompted by the growing needs of Cedar Rapids’ west […]