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.
Sign up for the weekly Chew on This newsletter here to keep up with all the latest food and local restaurant news.
Latest Articles by Elijah Decious
Campaigns & Elections Nov. 6, 2024 1:36 pm405d ago
Democratic Iowa Sen. Todd Taylor claimed victory in the Linn County Auditor race as Republican newcomer Brandy Zumbach Meisheid won the District 3 seat on the Linn County Board of Supervisors.
Local Elections Nov. 4, 2024 9:33 am407d ago
This election, early voters in the county have been using a simple but effective app developed locally that’s speeding up lines.
People & Places Nov. 2, 2024 4:30 am409d ago
The Iowa Farm-to-Table Dinner Series, launched Tuesday at the Wilson’s Ciderhouse & Venue, may not be starting a new trend. But it is reclaiming what “farm-to-table” means as a new alliance of state agencies work to tell a story that is fundamentally Iowan.
Retail Nov. 1, 2024 3:43 pm410d ago
A specialty grocery store is opening in the Cedar Rapids neighborhood that became a food desert after Hy-Vee’s departure in June.
Restaurants Oct. 31, 2024 12:19 pm411d ago
A chic new duo opening this week with seating for fewer than 50 -- restaurant on one side, cocktail lounge on the other -- is delivering an elevated vision for ramen in a casual, full-service concept.
Restaurants Oct. 31, 2024 5:15 am411d ago
After 17 years in business, owners David and Susan Finley have announced the sale of the specialty grocery store with bulk Amish-style offerings, and its attached restaurant.
Restaurants Oct. 30, 2024 5:45 am412d ago
Over two years after Popoli Ristorante closed for good, a new restaurant with a familiar name is resurfacing at the same location.
Restaurants Oct. 30, 2024 4:45 am412d ago
A breakfast and lunch spot is closing in Cedar Rapids after 6 years in business.
People & Places Oct. 28, 2024 9:18 am414d ago
Mic Check Poetry Fest, Iowa’s premier celebration of spoken word poetry, is bringing big headliners to an event that fosters the dialogue, creativity and community building of spoken word poetry.
Restaurants Oct. 24, 2024 8:06 am418d ago
After manning multiple kitchens and managing several restaurants in Cedar Rapids, a crew of three new owners are bringing new food and service to a restaurant of their own.
Restaurants Oct. 23, 2024 7:39 am419d ago
Kalona Brewing Co.’s final day will be Oct. 31, but the closure may not last forever.
Local Elections Oct. 31, 2024 12:23 pm411d ago
A Republican incumbent seeking her second term faces a Democratic newcomer for Iowa House District 83 to represent most of rural northwestern, northeastern and southeastern Linn County — including Palo, Coggon, Central City, Springville, Mount Vernon and Lisbon.
Restaurants Dec. 9, 2024 5:42 pm372d ago
Captain’s Fish and Chicken, opening tentatively this month in the Mound View neighborhood, will bring a restaurant model tested in three other states.
Local Government Oct. 21, 2024 7:55 am421d ago
After a decade at Waypoint, where she served as housing services director, J’nae Peterman taking a deep dive to find unified solutions for homelessness that have vexed countless nonprofits and municipalities across the country.
People & Places Oct. 22, 2024 8:45 am420d ago
Three years ago, a book starting a dialogue on motherhood was released to the world in “Nightbitch,” her debut novel. This week, hundreds in Iowa City saw one of the first screenings of the book’s film adaptation with A-list celebrities on the silver screen.

Daily Newsletters