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Happy weekend, Cedar Rapids!
In today’s happening-today edition: New limits on hyperscale growth, a green hydrogen breakthrough, Bert Kreischer, and more. + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
From today’s sponsor, FinanceBuzz: Many Iowa drivers end up paying higher auto insurance premiums because they don’t shop around enough. The same driver with the same car can get wildly different quotes from different insurers, so it truly pays to compare. Their free tool makes it easy.*
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📰 In the news
New limits on hyperscale growth: Linn County recently approved data center rules requiring a comprehensive water study and county agreement, 1,000-foot setbacks from homes, and a waste management plan to protect residents and the environment — see what’s in the ordinance.
Community backing hits crescendo: Brucemorchestra returns to Cedar Rapids in August after a 2023 pause. $50,000 was raised, including $20,000 from Grandon Charitable Foundation, kids 17 and under attend free while fundraising targets $100,000 — read the full story.
Nanoparticles drive clean-fuel breakthrough: In Coralville, SunHydrogen has developed solar panels that make green hydrogen using only sunlight and water, working with Honda and NREL, and says commercial testing is planned — learn how the panels work.
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.*
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. Curious about precious metal investing? GoldCo has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.*
Highlights this week:
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💎 Local business spotlight
Make some noise, NewBo: Built in 1908 and reimagined, The Olympic South Side Theater transforms a Czech fraternal hall into a lively NewBo hub, with live music, community celebrations, and text-your-friends energy. Historic bones, fresh vibe, and plenty of reasons to gather under one storied roof.
Historic nights, modern vibes: Built in 1914 and reborn for today, The Ideal Theater & Bar blends gilded-theater charm with curated live music, craft cocktails, and a screen-free, feel-good vibe. Perfect for catching a show or finally hosting that celebration you’ve been meaning to plan since last summer.
Where locals shape lines: If your bag’s been gathering dust, grab a friend and go throw at Shaver Park. The wooded disc golf course mixes gentle elevation with varied lines to keep rounds fresh, whether it’s a quick post‑work reset or the Saturday plan you actually keep.
These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.
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🫶 We got your back
Thinning hair? Don’t treat the wrong thing: When my ponytail started thinning, I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, sprays, etc.) and not one of them lasted. Turns out, most products target the strand, not the follicle… and that’s the whole problem. Once follicles go dormant, they need targeted help to come back. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn about my favorites here →
Last call for the CVS Epic Beauty Sale: Today’s your last chance to save on all sorts of self-care products at CVS, including makeup, beauty tools, skin care, hair masks, moisturizers, and more from all your favorite brands. *Shop the sale before it ends →
Paying full price is officially optional: Blu Dot just marked down dozens of their best sofas, beds, dining tables, outdoor pieces, and lighting by as much as 60%. Not because something’s wrong with them, but because every great design eventually has to make room for the next one. The deals change daily, so it’s always a new adventure. *See what’s on sale today →
Most people have no idea what’s happening inside their body: Not because the data doesn’t exist, but because no one’s collecting it. Routine annual checkups miss things like body composition, biological age, and the biomarkers that can help predict long-term patterns. The good news? HumeHealth offers tools to help you track all of that at home for less than the cost of a specialist visit. *Use code NEW20 to save 20% →
Something in your house is about to break: It might be your AC, your water heater, your fridge… doesn’t matter. Every major appliance has an expiration date, and when it goes, you’ll be staring down a repair bill that can climb into the thousands fast. An AHS home warranty covers these types of surprises + *select plans are $150 off right now →
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📆 Around town today & tomorrow
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.
♀ Made for Her @ Hawkeye Downs Expo Center | Saturday (3/14) at 9:00 AM – At Hawkeye Downs, this women’s lifestyle market turns a girls’ day out into a full-on excuse to shop, sip, and call it self-care. Think fashion shows, interactive goodies, and local brands that actually get you, not your algorithm. Rally your favorites, wallets included.
🥞 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.
🍁 Preschool Trail Trekkers: Maple Syruping @ Penningroth Barn | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Trade Paw Patrol for sap patrol and take your preschooler to Penningroth Barn for late-winter maple magic. Hear Native American legends, tap a tree, tour the sugarhouse, then taste real syrup. Five bucks per person, two and under free, register a day ahead, dress warm.
🃏 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.
📖 Grandma’s Storytime @ Lindale Mall | Sunday (3/15) at 2:00 PM – Parenting pro tip: head to Lindale Mall for a free afternoon of stories, puzzles, crafts, and cookies, and every kid or grandkid 2 to 8 goes home with a homemade craft and a book. They burn energy, you bank hero points, no glitter at home.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Cedar Rapids report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 43°F – Low: 37°F – Precip: 23%
A slight chance of snow between 7am and 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. East wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A chance of rain and snow after 7pm. Mostly cloudy. Low around 37, with temperatures rising to around 43 overnight. East wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
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Tomorrow – High: 57°F – Low: 11°F – Precip: 96%
A chance of rain before 7am, then rain and a slight chance of thunderstorms between 7am and 4pm, then rain and snow. Cloudy, with a high near 57. South wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible. Later: Rain and snow before 7pm, then snow and blowing snow. Cloudy, with a low around 11. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.
This house is wild
On a full acre, this nearly 5,000-square-foot home blends living with entertaining. The main level centers on a great room and a kitchen with an island, breakfast bar, nook, and walk-in pantry. The primary suite adds a fireplace, heated floors, and a soaking tub. A walkout lower level, deck, four-stall garage, and an eco-friendly cocoa septic system complete the property.
Take a peek inside →
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