CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — More than 18 years after floodwaters inundated Cedar Rapids and upended numerous lives, Ajai Dittmar and Greg Vail remain in a state of suspension. Uncertainty over the future of their home along the Cedar River hasn’t necessarily changed with a decision by the Cedar Rapids City Council to establish the fair […]
Experts to address impacts of power plan...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — A community conversation to discuss the effects of gas-fired power plants and data centers will feature two environmental and health experts. Hosted by the grassroots Save Morgan Valley organization, the free Water Facts Before Development event will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, at Ushers Ferry Lodge, 5925 Seminole Valley […]
Select pieces of history saved in Czech ...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — As work progresses on changes to Czech Village, at least some pieces of the past are being saved. Sidewalk tiles, advertising former Czech Village businesses and organizations, started being removed in late July from a pedestrian walkway next to the former Sykora Bakery, 73 16th Ave. SW, with some still in […]
Emotions run high at Morgan Valley town ...
NOTE: Save Morgan Valley will host a free presentation by environmental experts from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, at Ushers Ferry, 5925 Seminole Valley Trail NE to address water, environment and health issues of data centers and power plants. CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Advocates with the grassroots Save Morgan Valley shared facts about Alliant […]
‘Naked Ladies’ make annual appearance in
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Known under several names, Naked Ladies began popping up this week in Eastern Iowa. The perennial flowers, also known as magic lilies or surprise lilies, rise in synchronicity like clockwork. If you see them popping up in one part of town, you’ll likely see them in another. The easy-to-grow plant sports […]
Alliant power plant meeting raises furth...
Save Morgan Valley is holding a town hall meeting from 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, in Whipple Auditorium at the Cedar Rapids Public Library, 450 Fifth Ave. SE. CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Sonja Hadenfeldt took note of several Cedar Rapids police officers at an open house held by Alliant Energy to answer questions about […]
Czech Village bar in former Sykora Baker...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — More than two months after giving customers a sneak peek, Horseshoe & Hide has announced its official opening date in the former Sykora Bakery in Czech Village. The restaurant and bar, 73 16th Ave. SW, had a soft opening in mid-May 2026 during Houby Days weekend, but has only held open […]
First cat cafe in Linn County opens in M...
MARION, Iowa — Josie LoCurto was among the crowd of feline fans streaming in during the grand opening of Familiar Cat Café. “We just like cats,” said LoCurto, of Marion, who visited the new business with her husband. “I’ve heard of cat cafés, and now that we have one, it’s pretty exciting.” Owned by Kat […]
Four locations offer inspiration during ...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The Linn County Master Gardeners will showcase four sites for inspiration during the 2026 Garden Walk. This year’s self-guided tour is set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 18. Featured locations are: Ohrt Garden: 2137 Probst Ct. SW, Cedar RapidsKazimour Farm & Orchard: 2630 Otis Rd. SE, Cedar RapidsBowersox […]
Photos: Catholic churches enter final we...
CHELSEA, Iowa — St. Joseph’s Parish has survived floods and other challenges of biblical proportions in the more than 150 years since its founding in 1867, but parishioners wonder if it can endure the major restructuring taking place in the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Under the “Journey in Faith” plan, which takes effect July 14, 2026, […]