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Good morning, Cedar Rapids! In today’s edition: A natural gas pivot by Alliant Energy, Rooted: Labor, Land, & Legacy, Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Sustaining safety at local center: Linn County supervisors approved funding to keep existing security at the 24/7 Mental Health Access Center, renewing $250,000 a year for three years for measures like cameras and keycard locks — see what the funding covers.
Safeguarding minors at checkout: Cedar Rapids Police and the Iowa Department of Revenue are participating in I-PLEDGE, which will conduct retailer compliance checks and offer online clerk training, with Iowa’s tobacco compliance over 90% — get all the details.
Sales tax behind street gains: Cedar Rapids completed more than 50 street projects in 2025 through Paving for Progress, in its twelfth year, with over $250 million invested since 2014 and officials praising roadway maintenance — get all the details.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per 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.
Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Energy shift takes shape: Alliant Energy is moving ahead with plans to stop burning coal at Cedar Rapids’ Prairie Creek Generating Station and switch to natural gas. The public comment period is open through Jan. 28, and the Iowa DNR will hold a hearing on a proposed plant in southwest Cedar Rapids. Get details on public input.
Cider + cozy farm vibes: When January needs a lift, Wilson’s Orchard & Farm pours hard cider pressed from its own apples with farm-to-table pizza. It’s easygoing and local, ideal for catching up with friends while you sample flights and argue which flavor deserves a spot in your fridge.
Give your space a glow: From consignment gems to pre-owned furniture, artful accents, and antiques, Top Drawer is where Cedar Rapids quietly elevates its living rooms. Their tag sale savvy keeps the mix fresh, perfect for a quick browse that… somehow turns into “yep, that’s coming home.”
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.
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📆 Around town this week
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
🌳 Rooted: Labor, Land, & Legacy @ African American Museum Of Iowa | Tuesday (1/6) at 12:00 PM – At the African American Museum of Iowa, this new exhibit digs into how farming fuels Black resiliency, activism, and community. Smart, grounded, and refreshingly honest, it is the kind of show that sticks with you. Also, reminder, Iowa is more than corn and caucuses.
🖼 Sam Weis – Gallery Opening @ CSPS Hall | Friday (1/9) at 5:30 PM – CSPS is giving Sam Weis the run of the place, with Under the Knife filling all three galleries like it owns the deed. Pop in for the opening reception, stay for sharp conversation, familiar faces, and that just-did-something-cultured feeling you secretly love.
🎸 Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts @ CSPS Hall | Friday (1/9) at 8:00 PM – Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts are lighting up CSPS Hall with tight four-part harmonies, songs that roam from tidy pop to slow-burn jams, and road-tested charm. General admission, seated. $20 advance, $25 at the door, consider it your Rusted Herd tryout.
This weekend
🧺 Market Basket @ Indian Creek Nature Center | Saturday (1/10) at 9:00 AM – You’re making a handled rib basket built for the farmers market, not wall decor. In a class with Mary Kopecky, you’ll learn rib-style basketry and leave with a sturdy haul-all. Because those veggies deserve better than a crumpled tote, and so do your shoulders.
🔮 Intuitive Medium Readings @ Illuminations Cedar Rapids | Saturday (1/10) at 10:00 AM – One day only on Sat, Jan 10, guest intuitive medium Dani Worrell is offering 30-minute sampler readings at Illuminations for $45. Think calm clarity, soft nudges, and that feeling you were hoping your horoscope would deliver. Spots go fast, call 319-775-0117, cash or Venmo.
🥩 Nose-to-Tail: Learning to Cook with Beef @ NewBo City Market | Sunday (1/11) at 12:00 PM – Curious about the whole cow? This NewBo class turns bones, marrow, suet into tallow, and beef bacon into weeknight wins, saving money and boosting kitchen confidence. You leave with recipes and a $10 ABC Acres credit, plus fewer leftovers pretending to be dog treats.
🍲 Outreach Potluck @ First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids | Sunday (1/11) at 5:00 PM – Craving a Sunday evening that does more than dishes? Bring a covered dish, the family, and join Anne and Pr. Keeyon Carter from Wellington Heights to talk gathering spaces, lighting and sidewalks, and access to food resources. Eat, meet neighbors, and find ways to help.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Cedar Rapids report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 47°F – Low: 32°F – Precip: 6%
Partly sunny, with a high near 47. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 32.
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Tomorrow – High: 51°F – Low: 36°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 51. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.
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