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
Restaurants Oct. 12, 2023 6:15 am797d ago
The Iowa Restaurant Association has named two Cedar Rapids leaders as the 2023 winners of some of the organization’s biggest awards in Iowa.
Restaurants Oct. 11, 2023 8:05 am798d ago
The three-story property also is home to a laundromat and 16 apartments. Since being created as a dance hall by Slezak, who was a dancer, it has served as a hotel, grocery store and saloon. Pagliai’s Pizza opened there in 1957.
Restaurants Oct. 11, 2023 7:53 am798d ago
The Hangry Lady’s own brick-and-mortar spot outside NewBo City Market has opened kitty-corner from Raygun in Cedar Rapids.
News Oct. 10, 2023 9:44 am799d ago
See how you can give many veterans the “welcome home” they never had on Oct. 17.
Business News Oct. 9, 2023 9:42 am800d ago
A new business registry created by CR Pride aims to help visitors and residents alike support businesses where they will be welcomed.
People & Places Oct. 6, 2023 1:48 pm802d ago
Thanks to newfound fame on TikTok, a pack of llamas have brought visitors from across the country to a wildlife preserve south of Cedar Rapids. But as liaisons to an important message, they’re more than pretty faces in costumes.
Health Care and Medicine Oct. 9, 2023 12:02 pm799d ago
As health-care providers recognize Breast Cancer Awareness month, see why this Nebraska woman drives to Cedar Rapids for her breast cancer treatment, the advice she gives to those early in their treatment journey, and tips for those who have not yet been diagnosed.
Restaurants Oct. 3, 2023 12:44 pm805d ago
After a strange pandemic dream, a former teacher’s passion has become a sweet reality.
Restaurants Oct. 3, 2023 7:39 am806d ago
“This is the perfect event to shop and dine in Uptown and see the new streetscape lit up at night,” said Brooke Prouty, Uptown Marion Main Street director.
Restaurants Oct. 3, 2023 7:43 am806d ago
After some ups and downs, fans starving for bites from the iconic diner will have a whole new menu to choose from.
Business News Dec. 20, 2023 2:20 pm727d ago
After years of planning, Big Grove Brewery is set to crack open a new taproom in Cedar Rapids and a new distribution facility in Iowa City that will increase production by more than 50% next year.
Art Sep. 30, 2023 6:00 am809d ago
Honoring the Human Form, a new art exhibit with about 70 pieces at the Schwartzkopf Gallery in Cedar Rapids’ Cherry Building, explores the human body through seven artist’s unique perspectives, including their glimpse at late model Kristina Collora Pearson over the last decade.
Restaurants Sep. 28, 2023 7:19 am811d ago
For Chef Alex Smith, food is a means to gather around with those you enjoy most.
Restaurants Sep. 27, 2023 6:15 am812d ago
Get a taste of fresh kolaches and more at the newly remodeled bakery with historic ties to the Czech Village.
Restaurants Sep. 20, 2023 7:52 am819d ago
District 23 brings a Modern take to Mexican food with a Sinaloa spin, steak, seafood and sushi in southwest Cedar Rapids.

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