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It’s Friday, Cedar Rapids! Let’s finish this week strong.

In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Historic 1846 house still standing, Bugs Bunny at the symphony, and maple syrup workshop + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.

Today’s sponsor (FinanceBuzz) built a free comparison tool that helped me cut my car insurance premiums in half. It took about 3 minutes, and honestly… I wish I’d done it sooner. If you haven’t shopped around in a while, you can easily check the best rates here.

📰 In the news

Backed by state and local support: Sewer Equipment Company of America plans to establish fabrication operations in Vinton, a $3 million expansion expected to create 30 jobs, with components headed to Illinois for assembly and testing — get all the details.

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.

Cities team up on redesign: Construction is underway to replace intersection at Forevergreen Road and Jasper Avenue in Johnson County with a roundabout, North Liberty leading and Tiffin contributing to ease congestion and improve safety — see funding and design details.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Someone Googled you this week: Whether you’re dating again, selling something locally, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up. Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.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 all that up – learn more here.

Highlights this week:

• Build bone terrariums in vintage vessels
• Rock that outfit for birthday shopping
• Craft stained glass mosaic sun catchers
• Over 62? See how to turn home equity into tax-free cash

🚗 Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance?

Together with our sponsor FinanceBuzz

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I learned that the hard way. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, I saw the charges come in every month and never thought twice about them. Turns out I was paying well above the national average ($175/mo) for a single car… for years.

This free comparison tool lets you check rates from multiple insurers in just a few minutes. It costs nothing to look, and it could save you hundreds this year.

🫶 We got your back

Plant-based lunch, solved: At The Full Bowl, scratch-made, globally inspired rice-and-bean bowls come with easy vegan swaps and big, satisfying flavor. Perfect for a quick, feel-good bite between errands, or a midweek reset when you’ve been coasting on coffee… and optimism.

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.

Less makeup, more you: Ideal Cosmetic Ink creates natural-looking permanent makeup, think balanced brows, soft eyeliner, and lip color that actually stays. Weekday mornings feel calmer and coffee somehow tastes stronger. Retire the brow pencil and enjoy a real “I woke up like this” vibe.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

📆 Around town this weekend

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.

🛍 Black-Owned Business Market @ NewBo City Market | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – NewBo City Market is hosting a Black-Owned Business Market, a treasure hunt of handcrafted, curated goods from talented local entrepreneurs. Think less big-box, more neighbor-made. Bring a tote, your coffee, and your gift list, then spend your money where it actually matters.

👣 In Her Steps: Women’s History Tours @ Brucemore’s Carriage House | Saturday (3/7) at 10:30 AM – Women’s History Month at Brucemore means a 90-minute tour that actually makes the mansion’s history feel alive. Meet Caroline Sinclair, nod to Margaret Hall, and trace the Cedar Rapids threads of labor, class, and philanthropy, plus a few jaw-dropper stories you somehow never heard.

🍁 It’s Maple Syrupin’ Time @ The Barn | Saturday (3/7) at 12:00 PM – Swap cabin fever for maple fever at a hands-on syruping session. Tap a tree with a sugarmaker’s tools, tour the Sugar House, and taste the good stuff, then brag to the grandkids. Outdoors, boots required, $5, meet at Penningroth Barn at Otis and Bertram, pre-register.

🎶 Chorale Midwest Hit Parade Gala @ St. Ludmila Catholic Church | Saturday (3/7) at 1:00 PM – Craving doo-wop with your good deeds? This fundraiser spins the best of the ’50s and ’60s, with a silent auction and diner-inspired treats that taste like Saturday nights used to. Tickets are $25 through Chorale Midwest folks, at the door, or online: https://www.choralemidwest.org/event-details-registration/hit-parade-50s-and-60s-gala

☘ St. Practice Day @ The Ideal Theater & Bar | Saturday (3/7) at 6:30 PM – Think of it as St. Patrick’s Day training: Wylde Nept leads the ritual with roaring reels, cheeky banter, and Guinness-friendly singalongs. It is their only Cedar Rapids holiday show, tables are unicorns, expect standing room, and yes, you should click buy before your cousin does.

🐰 Pops III: Bugs Bunny at the Symphony @ Paramount Theatre | Saturday (3/7) at 7:30 PM – Bugs Bunny and friends take over the Paramount as Orchestra Iowa plays scores live to 16 classic Looney Tunes on screen, including What’s Opera, Doc?, Baton Bunny, and The Rabbit of Seville. Bring the kids or your inner rascal, it’s high culture with anvils.

🌿 Moss Wall Art in Gold Frame Workshop @ Moss: Plants, Gifts, Decor | Sunday (3/8) at 11:00 AM – Whether your houseplants fear you or you just want less screen time, craft lush, low-maintenance art in a gilded 10.5-inch square frame using preserved moss, bark, and pods. Materials are provided, bring foraged extras if you’re fancy. $75, advance registration required.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/6 Barb Francisco @ Checkers Tavern & Eatery – 7:00 PM
• 3/6 Guys and Dolls @ Theatre Cedar Rapids – 7:30 PM
• 3/6 Bad Rumor @ Moco Game Room & Hot Dog Bar – 8:00 PM
• 3/6 Sugar and Spice Trio @ Otis’ Tailgators Sports Bar – 9:00 PM
• 3/7 Art & Soul @ CSPS Hall – 9:30 AM
• 3/7 Chorale Midwest Hit Parade Gala @ St. Ludmila Catholic Church – 1:00 PM
• 3/8 Rahlan Kay @ North Point – 2:00 PM

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.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account
• Treat yourself: Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

📻 Cedar Rapids report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 68°F – Low: 37°F – Precip: 97%

Rain and a chance of thunderstorms before 2pm, then a chance of thunderstorms and a chance of rain. Mostly cloudy. High near 68, with temperatures falling to around 66 in the afternoon. South wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Later: Rain and a chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 46°F – Low: 34°F – Precip: 9%

Partly sunny, with a high near 46. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 34.

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It might be your AC, your water heater, your fridge… doesn’t matter. Every major system and appliance has an expiration date, and when it goes, you’re staring down a repair bill that can climb into the thousands fast.

It never happens at a convenient time, and most homeowners just eat the cost because they don’t realize there’s a better option.

American Home Shield covers repairs and replacements on most of your home’s major systems and appliances — old or new, no inspection required.

The best part? Select plans are 50% off now through March 9th.

This house is wild

The Lewis floor plan delivers a thoughtful two-story layout built for modern rhythms. A main-level home office pairs with an open, social living zone for effortless daily flow and entertaining. Upstairs features four generous bedrooms including a private primary suite, plus a versatile flex space. Currently in framing, select finishes remain customizable for a personalized touch.

Take a peek inside →