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Rise and shine, Cedar Rapids!
In today’s planning-your-week edition: Property tax bills may drop, bus shelter art is coming, and Bert Kreischer brings the party + all our favorite events happening over the next seven days.
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.
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📰 In the news
What next year’s budget means: Cedar Rapids proposes keeping next year’s property tax rate unchanged, and a lower rollback could mean smaller bills for homeowners. The plan also raises the general fund and adds positions — get all the details.
City collaboration sparks public art: Cedar Rapids is seeking local artists to brighten up to nine bus shelters with vinyl-wrapped designs, tying into transit and sustainability efforts. Selected creators will receive a stipend per design — get all the details.
Guidance for cemetery memorials: Coralville’s spring cleanup at Oak Hill Cemetery will start Monday, March 9, and families are asked to remove floral arrangements, wreaths, potted plants, and solar lights ahead of maintenance work — see what and when to remove.
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.
Highlights this week:
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🏆 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.
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🫶 We got your back
Fresh fabric fix: In Cedar Rapids, Inspired to Sew stocks 5,000+ bolts, gorgeous quilt-friendly prints, trusty machines, and classes that actually help you finish. It’s where a “just need thread” errand becomes an idea spiral… the satisfying kind.
Classic diner comfort: When you want a no-fuss plate and a cozy booth, Riley’s on 5th serves the hometown breakfast-and-lunch vibe you’ve been missing: friendly, fast, and right for a busy weekday or a lazy weekend. Classic combos, hot coffee, and fair prices make it an instant favorite.
Banh mi break, anyone? Yummy Banh Mi bakes baguettes in-house and loads them with pork belly, grilled chicken, or a legit veggie option…crispy, herby, gloriously messy. Vietnamese coffee or boba makes a perfect sidekick, turning midweek into a small win.
What doctors wish every 65+ adult had at home: Physicians call it “long-lie,” and it’s the real reason falls are so dangerous for older adults. It’s not a broken bone… it’s lying on the floor for hours waiting for someone to notice. We dug into the options that actually solve this problem, and one stood out. See which one →
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📆 Our favorite events this 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.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🔥 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.
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📻 Cedar Rapids report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 69°F – Low: 44°F – Precip: 1%
Sunny, with a high near 69. Southwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 44. South wind around 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 68°F – Low: 36°F – Precip: 39%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Access cash without selling your home 🏠
A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your house.
Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much tax-free cash your home equity’s worth, with no commitment required.
This house is wild
This 5-bed, 5.5-bath two-story spans 4,911 finished sq ft on a private 1.01-acre lot with woods and a residents-only pond. Hardwood floors lead to a granite kitchen, breakfast nook, formal dining and living areas. A finished lower level with a second kitchen offers multigen flexibility. Multiple fireplaces, built-in sound, a porch, private deck, and a 3-car garage complete the package.
Take a peek inside →
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