116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401

Elijah Decious
The first time I learned how to ask good questions was at age 5, when I learned Santa Claus was not real. “Whose lap have I been sitting on all these years?!” was the first question I asked, according to my mother.
I’m a features reporter for The Gazette, which means I have the opportunity to get to know folks on a more personal level, show people the best parts of life and demonstrate how daily news affects members of the community. In addition to covering restaurants and food news, I serve on The Gazette’s Fact Checker team and have a particular passion for human interest pieces as well as stories focusing on marginalized communities.
Sometimes, taking a moment to listen to others and reflect on what they say — even those who might not think they have much of a story to tell — really puts things in perspective.
When I’m not reporting, I like to travel, go bird watching, search for new items to add to my Peanuts collection and keep my cat from scaring away the cardinals on my balcony.
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Latest Articles by Elijah Decious
Food & Drink Jan. 10, 2022 7:37 pm
A longtime a fixture in the local LGBTQ community, Belle’s Basix at 3916 First Ave. NE in Cedar Rapids will close on Feb. 1 unless someone else buys it to keep it open, the owner says.
Restaurants Jan. 6, 2022 12:59 pm
Over the last decade, Sean Keller has forged a new barbecue tradition unique to Iowa with all the hickory smoke but none of the mystery that legendary flavors are often shrouded in.
Restaurants Jan. 5, 2022 6:00 am
Six months after BurgerFiend closed its second location in northeast Cedar Rapids, owner Omar Igram is planning to open the Breakfast Barn and Lunch House.
Restaurants Jan. 3, 2022 10:14 am
At first, Joe Sample of Cedar Rapids started posting photos of his takeout orders to Facebook as a way to get out of the house and support local. But nearly two years, 200 restaurants and $20,000 later, he’s still at it — and wants you to join him.
Restaurants Jan. 4, 2022 4:46 pm
As MIX Sushi leaves for Marion, Izumi fills the old Wasabi spot with a new concept offering unlimited sushi, hibachi and more.
People & Places Dec. 30, 2021 10:01 am
As the Cedar Rapids Public Library celebrates 125 years, patrons can see the library’s history and evolution on display starting Jan. 15.
Health Care and Medicine Dec. 29, 2021 6:23 pm
Johnson and Linn counties are seeing their highest weekly totals for COVID-19 cases in 13 months as positivity rates continue to trend up, according to data released Wednesday by the Iowa Department of Public Health.
Restaurants Dec. 28, 2021 9:29 am
Local franchisees Alexandra and DeAngelo Seay expand to Cedar Rapids from Coralville.
Restaurants Dec. 28, 2021 9:16 am
See the most popular food stories of 2021 — a year that couldn’t stop dozens of new openings in the Corridor, despite myriad challenges.
Religion & Belief Jan. 3, 2022 12:15 pm
The United Methodist Church will contribute $30 million to a fund compensating sexual abuse survivors, according to terms of a settlement reached in the Boy Scouts of America’s bankruptcy.
Crime and Courts Dec. 23, 2021 5:26 pm
Jwan Trevelle Roush is charged with first-degree robbery and theft after court documents said he beat Ali Mason unconscious and stole $450.
Crime and Courts Jun. 21, 2022 3:02 pm
Tyson Peppard Hale Jr., 19, was charged in a Dec. 2 shooting after admitting he fired at the victim but “didn’t intend to kill” him.
Restaurants Dec. 22, 2021 7:04 pm
Cedar Rapids has a new breakfast option on the northeast side, including vegan options, with Cruz’s Cafe. The restaurant moved into the former Riley’s Cafe.
Restaurants Dec. 22, 2021 7:03 pm
The Pink Umbrella Bakery opened its first store front in Coralville. Heather Sitzmore started the business by serving her grandmother’s family recipes under a pink umbrella at farmers markets and upgrading to a food truck in 2015.
Restaurants Dec. 22, 2021 7:04 pm
Owners Lesley Rish and Veronica Tessler close shop in Iowa City after seven years in business, citing numerous pandemic-related challenges.