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Hi Cedar Rapids, hope you’re having a great weekend!

In today’s in-case-you-missed-it edition: An 1846 house that survived the derecho, The Ten Tenors’ 30th anniversary show, and the Gather Iowa buildout + the top stories from this week & a sneak peek at next week.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Cedar Rapids protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 Most-clicked stories this week

From pioneers to preservationists: Cedar Rapids’ oldest west side house at 1860 E Ave NW, built in 1846, still stands after the 2020 derecho as Susan Merck and her husband keep restoring its antique charm — read the full story.

Legacy of service recognized: Ron Corbett, former Cedar Rapids mayor and Iowa House speaker, is retiring from Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance after four decades of service. A community celebration is planned March 26 — read the full story.

Inside the 10-acre buildout: DCI Group has been picked to manage construction of Coralville’s Gather Iowa, a mixed-use hub with shops, dining, and 295 apartments, with phase one underway and completion expected in 2027 — see what’s planned and when.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

All the crowd favorites:

• Enjoy Family Night with free Kid’s Meal
• Build bone terrariums in vintage vessels
• Craft stained glass mosaic sun catchers
• Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

🏆 Gold and silver are heating up

Together with our sponsor American Hartford Gold

Gold just posted its strongest run in decades… and the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility.

While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning.

If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, AHG has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now.

It’s free and worth reading before the next move.

🫶 This week’s top finds

Small plates, big vibe: Tribute Eatery & Bar leans into shareable snacks, bright salads, and solid comfort mains, perfect for a midweek “let’s graze” plan. Mix a couple picks from the Snacks & Shares lineup with a well-made cocktail, and dinner solves itself without overthinking, just easy, tasty momentum.

Treasure-hunting made easy: Craving a refresh without a full reno? Village Antiques & More mixes primitives, Victorian, and mid-century gems, plus a playful Man Cave stocked with tools, toys, and clocks. Ideal for a Saturday wander that somehow becomes a “Wait, where did this cool lamp come from?” moment.

Globetrotting burger fix: The Map Room makes weeknights interesting with travel-inspired burgers and perfectly salty fries that vanish fast. When you want familiar but not boring, it delivers juicy patties, smart toppings, and cozy, no-fuss vibes, a craveable combo that hits the spot.

Thinning hair? It only gets worse: A few months ago, I noticed my ponytail getting thinner. I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, etc.) but mostly just hoped it would fix itself… until I learned that active follicles can permanently go dormant if you don’t do something about it. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn more about my favorite online options here.

📆 Sneak peek at next week

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🚲 Community Workshop: Spring Bike ABC Maintenance @ Chain Reaction Bike Hub | Wednesday (3/11) at 6:00 PM – Think your bike is spring-ready, or just hoping the squeak is “character”? Join a hands-on ABC tune-up, covering air, brakes, and chain, with tools, friendly guidance, and neighborly know-how. Bring your own ride, borrow one if needed, free with an optional $10 Chain Reaction donation.

👣 In Her Steps: Women’s History Tours @ Brucemore’s Carriage House | Thursday (3/12) at 5:30 PM – Visit Brucemore for a 90-minute, staff-led look at the women who shaped it, from Caroline Sinclair’s mansion to Margaret Hall’s gift. Exclusive to Women’s History Month, it ties Cedar Rapids history to labor, class, and philanthropy, and upgrades your tour-guide bragging rights.

🎤 The Ten Tenors @ Paramount Theatre | Friday (3/13) at 7:30 PM – Think tenors mean naps? These Aussies will wake you right up. The Ten Tenors swing through after sold-out runs abroad for their 30th with big harmonies, cheeky charm, and mashups of classical, Neapolitan, and classic rock, plus new medleys just for us.

🥞 31st Annual Metro Pancake Breakfast @ Metro Harley-Davidson Suzuki | Saturday (3/14) at 9:00 AM – Think you can stack ’em higher than last year? The 31st Annual Metro Pancake Breakfast brings all-you-can-eat flapjacks, sizzling griddles, and Metro H.O.G. hospitality. Roll in hungry, linger for the chatter, leave fueled for chores, nostalgia, and maybe a Sunday cruise.

💎 Spring Reveal @ Hidden Gems | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – If you need an excuse to swap flannel for florals, Hidden Gems is resetting the entire store for spring. Expect 100% new inventory, thoughtfully styled clothing, décor, and kitchen finds, and the bonus that every purchase supports CareNetworkCR, so your spree comes with purpose.

🃏 1st Annual Spring Break Card & Collectibles Expo @ DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex | Sunday (3/15) at 9:00 AM – Forget the beach, our Spring Break is cardboard, comics, and nostalgia. Hit the second-floor Grand Ballroom for a sprawling card and collectibles expo, 80-plus tables of treasure. Skip the skywalk maze, use the hotel lobby, then ride up and hunt.

🌞 Stained Glass Mosaic Sun Catchers @ NewBo City Market | Sunday (3/15) at 1:00 PM – If you’ve been meaning to add something cheerful to that sun-starved window, come make a stained glass mosaic sun catcher. Pick a pattern, learn the satisfying rhythm of tiling, and leave with a kaleidoscope-worthy piece, no experience, glue trauma, or glitter necessary.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Industry-leading home warranty protection ($150 off right now)
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• 62+? See how much tax-free cash your home could unlock → free calculator
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Cedar Rapids report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 64°F – Low: 44°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny. High near 64, with temperatures falling to around 62 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 44. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 69°F – Low: 45°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 69. Later: Clear, with a low around 45.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

Most popular house this week

In Woodland Estates, this Buresh-built brick two-story sits on 2.45 wooded acres at a quiet cul-de-sac’s end. Ten-foot ceilings, oversized moldings, and a sunlit great room set the tone. A cherry-clad office complements a maple kitchen flowing to a four-season sunroom. The home offers a main-floor suite, a party-ready lower level with bar, a heated four-stall garage, and dual generators.

Take a peek inside →