Elijah Decious

As she continues to spread her childhood literacy platform to thousands of Iowans, Grace Lynn Keller hopes to scale it to the national level as she competes for the Miss USA 2023 crown.

With 16 new food vendors and 64 new foods to try, see what the judges have narrowed down to the top 3.

Admission includes a cocktail hour with appetizers and drinks from local restaurants and breweries; a silent auction with exclusive offers from shops and services in the municipal districts; and a plated dinner from one of four local caterers set to DJ music on the river.

In life, Hector Perez was the man who was there for everyone, no matter the personal challenges he contended with day to day. After his death in December 2021, Willis Dady is ensuring that he will still be there for everyone who comes after him — in name and spirit.

The restaurant, run by two Italian brothers, is opening a second location at Westdale Town Center.

See what’s new this year at one of downtown Cedar Rapids’ largest annual outdoor events.

“For the second time this year, Iowa breweries have been recognized as some of the best and brightest,” said Iowa Brewers Guild executive director Noreen Otto. “When Iowans drink local, they’re drinking some of the best craft beer in the world.”

Practiced for thousands of years, an ancient form of therapy is finding new audiences as Eastern Iowans look for new ways to escape everyday stress.

After a rough start to 2023, the iconic Hamburg Inn has closed again in Iowa City.

Harry’s Bar & Grill, with fresh signage and an awning on its storefront at 116 E. Washington St., hopes to offer a full menu soon in the spot between Mesa Pizza and Bo-James.

Owners Kathy and Peter Kessler reopened the restaurant in January 2022 after a short closure, bringing on new Executive Chef Chris Grebner. The concept changed from a breakfast and brunch spot to a seasonal farm-to-table concept with a menu that changed weekly.

With a selection from hundreds of family recipes going back generations, those with a sweet tooth can now get their fix without driving to Iowa County.

Iowa City poet Caleb Rainey never set out to be a full-time performing artist. But as he tours the country to perform slam poetry, he’s found his stride in fostering a sense of healing and growth for the next generation of artists in Iowa City.

Oelwein’s Thyron Mathews, owner of T&T BBQ and Catering, stays humble in giving back to his community, even after a prized Netflix win catapulted his name recognition.

Plans for a location in the Iowa City area finally came to fruition after 10 years in the making.