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Hey Cedar Rapids, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s edition: A $438 million FAA radar upgrade, casinos moving to land, Dolly Parton’s birthday party, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Airspace modernization takes shape: Collins Aerospace, with major operations in Cedar Rapids, was awarded a $438 million FAA contract to deploy next-generation surveillance radars, improving safety and efficiency across the National Airspace System — get all the details.
Pilot initiative shows strong results: Linn County’s Landlord and Tenant Success Initiative surpassed first-year goals, with 97% inspection passes and minimal damage, and Cedar Rapids committed funding for a full-time landlord liaison through 2026 — get all the details.
Statewide gaming shake-up ahead: More Iowa casinos are moving from riverboats to land this year. Cedar Rapids’ casino is expected in December, Catfish Bend’s sale closes this month, and Marquette’s project targets March 2026 — see what’s planned and when.
Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.
Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had its best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
*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 commitments take shape: Linn County supervisors approved the second reading to rezone the Duane Arnold Energy Center, moving a step toward reopening the plant to power a nearby Google data center. The final reading will be held at 10 a.m. on January 14. Additional permits and approvals are still required. See what’s next and when.
Restock, then relax: When your hair and skin start a group chat, One Stop Beauty Supply has you covered with wigs, braiding hair, skincare essentials, and on-site braiders and barbers who listen. You’ll leave feeling polished enough to face January.
Keep the swing sharp: Skip the cold and get reps on Foresight Falcon simulators at Airport National Public Golf, where you can practice, play full rounds, or join leagues and lessons. Perfect for a quick tune-up between errands or an after-work session with friends.
A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).
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📆 Around town this week
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All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
🎨 Senior’s Create @ Hiawatha Public Library | Tuesday (1/13) at 1:00 PM – Trade doomscrolling for a brush and some color at the Hiawatha Public Library’s Senior Create Hour, a calm corner for older adults to paint at their own pace. Think more happy little accidents, less critique circle, and good conversation that wraps when you do.
🍴 Dinner Crawl @ Kingston Yard | Tuesday (1/13) at 5:00 PM – Make it a dinner crawl you actually want to attend, strolling Kingston Yard at your own pace. Drinks, apps, dinner, and gelato across BarTini’s, Big Grove, Pickle Palace, and Aroma Pizza, with featured items, tax, and tip included, plus a passport perk later.
🎵 Broadway Name That Tune @ Mulligan’s Pub | Tuesday (1/13) at 7:00 PM – If your brain still knows every lyric from Les Mis, bring the gang to Mulligan’s for Broadway Name That Tune. Guess the song and the show, win house cash, and free shots. Free to play, all ages, eight per team, arrive early.
This weekend
🔄 Homemakers and Homesteaders Swap @ NewBo City Market | Saturday (1/17) at 9:00 AM – Got five homemade things you’re actually proud of? Bring them to NewBo for a laid-back swap with makers, bakers, and backyard alchemists, include an ingredient list if it’s edible, and chip in $5 to keep the lights on. Real skills, real neighbors, zero MLM energy.
🍺 Pints & Palates @ Big Grove Brewery & Taproom | Saturday (1/17) at 9:30 AM – Think your core can earn its beer? Stretch, strengthen, and actually enjoy a Pilates session, then celebrate your effort with a proper pint. It is balance in action, on the mat, at the bar, and in that sweet spot between self-care and social hour.
🕵 The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show @ DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex | Saturday (1/17) at 6:00 PM – Channel your inner sleuth at The Dinner Detective in Cedar Rapids, an interactive true crime show set now and inspired by real cold cases. You’ll get a proper dinner, side-eye strangers, and solve something. Perfect for date night, friend night, or your nosy neighbor energy.
🏒 Dubuque Fighting Saints at Cedar Rapids RoughRiders @ ImOn Ice | Sunday (1/18) at 4:05 PM – The RoughRiders square off with the Fighting Saints, and you can catch every hit, chirp, and greasy goal on FloHockey. Front row from your couch, with zero parking drama, a thermostat you control, and full permission to yell like it is 2005.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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Everything you share is reviewed, and approved submissions are automatically considered for future newsletters. AKA… your business has a much higher chance of being featured in front of thousands of Cedar Rapids locals who live, shop, eat, and share good things with their friends.
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Click here to get started (it’s free) →
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📻 Cedar Rapids report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 48°F – Low: 25°F – Precip: 7%
Mostly cloudy. High near 48, with temperatures falling to around 46 in the afternoon. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 31°F – Low: 13°F – Precip: 8%
Partly sunny, with a high near 31. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 13.
This house is wild
Raised ranch steps from Kennedy High School and Pierce Elementary, with quick access to I-380 and Highway 100. The 3-bed, 2-bath layout is beautifully maintained, move-in ready, and filled with practical perks. A bright kitchen stacks cabinets and storage, plus an eat-in nook and breakfast bar. A sliding door opens to a spacious, fenced backyard. The lower level adds a roomy rec room, laundry, and more storage.
An attached two-stall garage includes a workshop area, ideal for projects and gear. All appliances stay, keeping setup simple. Convenience, comfort, and location, all in one tidy raised-ranch package.
Take a peek inside →
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