Save Morgan Valley is holding a town hall meeting from 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, in Whipple Auditorium at the Cedar Rapids Public Library, 450 Fifth Ave. SE. CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Sonja Hadenfeldt took note of several Cedar Rapids police officers at an open house held by Alliant Energy to answer questions about […]
Czech Village bar in former Sykora Baker...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — More than two months after giving customers a sneak peek, Horseshoe & Hide has announced its official opening date in the former Sykora Bakery in Czech Village. The restaurant and bar, 73 16th Ave. SW, had a soft opening in mid-May 2026 during Houby Days weekend, but has only held open […]
First cat cafe in Linn County opens in M...
MARION, Iowa — Josie LoCurto was among the crowd of feline fans streaming in during the grand opening of Familiar Cat Café. “We just like cats,” said LoCurto, of Marion, who visited the new business with her husband. “I’ve heard of cat cafés, and now that we have one, it’s pretty exciting.” Owned by Kat […]
Four locations offer inspiration during ...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The Linn County Master Gardeners will showcase four sites for inspiration during the 2026 Garden Walk. This year’s self-guided tour is set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 18. Featured locations are: Ohrt Garden: 2137 Probst Ct. SW, Cedar RapidsKazimour Farm & Orchard: 2630 Otis Rd. SE, Cedar RapidsBowersox […]
Photos: Catholic churches enter final we...
CHELSEA, Iowa — St. Joseph’s Parish has survived floods and other challenges of biblical proportions in the more than 150 years since its founding in 1867, but parishioners wonder if it can endure the major restructuring taking place in the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Under the “Journey in Faith” plan, which takes effect July 14, 2026, […]
Freedom Festival Parade marches through ...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Mary Day didn’t have to go far to watch this year’s Freedom Festival Parade. She and her friend, Vivian Baier of Cedar Rapids, sat outside of Day’s condo in Hiawatha on Saturday, June 27, 2026, to watch the floats, bands, trucks and other entries wind past her driveway. This was the […]
Czech festival celebrating beloved kolac...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The annual Kolach Festival is underway from June 12-14 at St. Ludmila Catholic Church. Celebrating the beloved Czech fruit-filled pastries, the festival begins Friday, June 12, from 5-9 p.m. on the church grounds at 211 21st Ave. SW. See photos from a past kolache bake. The festival continues from 10 a.m. […]
Mural artist creates cultural intrigue i...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Artist Thomas Agran’s murals typically cover the entire side of buildings, but customers at Lion Bridge Brewing Co., can get an up-close view of his most recent work that includes nods to Czech culture and history. “I tend to do large-scale buildings,” Agran said, as he put the finishing touches this […]
Morgan Valley power plant opponents voic...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Opponents of the proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center have approached the Cedar Rapids City Council about its role in the project, even as many of them are not allowed to speak at council meetings. Alliant Energy plans to build the 720-megawatt, natural gas power plant near the corner of Highway 30 […]
New ice cream shop opens in former Cedar...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — It’s been a soft opening this weekend for a new soft-serve ice cream shop. Dottie’s Ice Cream & Soda, 3304 First Ave. NE, opened for business on May 30, 2026. “We made it,” owner Cassie Kehe said of the opening, which achieved their target goal to open this month. Kehe was […]