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Good morning, Cedar Rapids! In today’s edition: Google data center expansion, hands-free driving enforcement, nose-to-tail cooking class, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Big Iowa build-out ahead: Google’s footprint keeps growing with plans for a data center near the Duane Arnold Energy Center and a 25-year clean power deal. It could join the Cedar Rapids data center — see what’s planned in Iowa.
What drivers should know: Cedar Rapids police are now enforcing Iowa’s hands-free driving law, in effect since Jan. 1, stopping drivers for holding devices and watching for distraction. Limited GPS use remains allowed — see what the law allows.
Promising results for renters: Linn County’s landlord-tenant pilot beat first-year goals, helping residents with credit or eviction issues find housing. Cedar Rapids has committed to funding a full-time landlord liaison in 2026 — read the full story.
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
Community space takes shape: An anonymous $2 million gift is enabling construction of Cedar Rapids’ first senior center since the 2008 flood. Work will begin in February, with completion expected in 2027. Plans include a pickleball court, library, movie theater, classroom space, and a café open to all. See the plans and timeline.
Your midweek nature lab: When your brain needs a mini reset, Indian Creek Nature Center pours out curiosity with hands-on programs, seasonal events, and miles of wanderable trails through prairie, woods, and wetlands. Come solo for a quiet recharge, or bring the crew for an easygoing, screen-free afternoon.
Smothered-burrito craving, solved: Midweek burrito mood? El Super Burrito & Lupita’s brings from-scratch comfort with the original Burrito Ahogado and other hearty plates. Think rich sauce, generous fillings, and that instant exhale… the long day suddenly feels easy, the table warm, and your craving finally satisfied.
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 weekend
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🕯 Hygge Take and Make @ Hiawatha Public Library | Friday (1/9) at 9:00 AM – Swing by, snag a Take and Make kit, and lean into peak hygge without leaving your slippers behind. It’s comfort, calm, and creativity in a bag, perfect for a cozy night with tea, a playlist, and zero pressure. No glitter explosions, promise.
🎨 Expressive Arts @ Cedar Rapids Public Library | Friday (1/9) at 10:00 AM – Downtown Library is hosting a kid-sized arts mashup with Tanager, geared to pre-K through second grade. Think theatre games, clay sculptures, creative movement, and ukulele songs, all about processing feelings and healing. They process, you exhale, your living room stays clean.
🖼 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.
🧺 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.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Cedar Rapids report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 49°F – Low: 36°F – Precip: 100%
Rain after 11am. Mostly cloudy. High near 49, with temperatures falling to around 47 in the afternoon. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Later: Rain. Cloudy, with a low around 36. West wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
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Tomorrow – High: 43°F – Low: 29°F – Precip: 21%
A slight chance of rain and snow before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 43. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
This house is wild
This rare in-town acreage in a quiet Cedar Rapids neighborhood delivers nearly an acre of peaceful, country-like living. The 3-bed, 1-bath charmer leans into character with beautiful built-ins and two wood-burning fireplaces. A renovated kitchen blends modern updates with timeless appeal, while a three-season breezeway links the home to an oversized attached two-stall garage suited to Iowa weather.
The partial basement handles laundry and opens to the yard with a handy walkout. Outside, a large fenced-in area keeps things contained and easy. Deer and turkey wander through on the regular. Quiet country vibes meet city convenience, a best-of-both-worlds setup.
Take a peek inside →
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