Monday Morning Read: Balloon Glow’s historic roots, Craigslist scams, give blood to pay tickets

TODAY'S WEATHER — Partly cloudy, continued pleasant. HIgh 78, low 57.

BALLOON GLOW'S HISTORIC ROOTS — The Balloon Glow found its grounding in 1989, when roughly 100 people gathered at Brucemore to watch two balloons inflate as the sun set. In 1990, it was replicated and drew a crowd of nearly 1,000. Tuesday, it celebrates 28 years. Read more: https://www.thegazette.com/article/balloon-glow-grounded-in-freedom-festival-tradition/

CRAIGLIST SCAMS — Iowa City police have noticed a recent uptick in reports of scams associated with the online selling site Craigslist. These particular scams involve out-of-state buyers trying to use fake, fraudulent checks to steal money, and typically occur through online classifieds or marketplace websites. Read more: https://www.thegazette.com/news/iowa-city-police-warn-of-potential-craigslist-scams/

GIVE BLOOD TO PAY TICKETS — This summer, people with Cedar Rapids parking tickets can pay them off by donating blood. The Citation Forgiveness Blood Drives allow those with Cedar Rapids parking violations to help those in need while at the same time settling their fines. Read more: https://www.thegazette.com/news/pay-your-cedar-rapids-parking-tickets-in-blood/

FIRST LOOK AT NEW HAWKEYES — The opening day of the 2017 Prime Time League always does a few things. But the most intrigue around games that often are played with leisurely competitiveness comes with getting to see the newcomers. For the Hawkeyes, that means for most, a first look up close at Luka Garza and Jack Nunge, Iowa's two towering incoming freshmen. Read more: https://www.thegazette.com/sports/prime-time-league-opener-provides-first-look-at-iowas-luka-garza-jack-nunge/

QUOTABLE — 'You get to see people that you haven't seen in forever, but they all come back for Pride weekend. Being a part of the gay community, you get to hang out with family.' Nathan Kelley, IC Pride president