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 Aug. 4, 2025 7:00 pm133d ago
See our thoughts on the top 11 new foods this year before you head out to the Iowa State Fair from Aug. 7-17 in Des Moines.
People & Places Jul. 23, 2025 9:12 am145d ago
In some ways, the boxing, dancing and singing classes from the Cedar Rapids Metro Parkinson’s Association have become a better medicine than any prescription drug on the market.
Restaurants Jul. 17, 2025 8:01 am151d ago
A new restaurant with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern options has opened in Iowa City.
Restaurants Jul. 17, 2025 5:45 am151d ago
Tickets are now available for Dinner on the Bridge, the annual fundraiser for The District: Czech Village & New Bohemia, a self-supported municipal improvement district encompassing its two namesake neighborhoods.
Restaurants Jul. 16, 2025 7:24 am152d ago
As Lion Bridge Brewing Co. looks to focus more on its signature beers, Wisconsin’s Ian’s Pizza is trading Badgers for Hawkeyes.
Restaurants Jul. 16, 2025 8:10 am152d ago
The dream project is the first venture in business ownership for Bianca Valles, Vanessa Valles and Juan Madrid, who previously lived in Colombia and Ecuador.
Restaurants Jul. 15, 2025 1:34 pm153d ago
Molly’s Cupcakes, 14 S. Clinton St., has announced plans to close its Iowa City location next month.
Restaurants Jul. 14, 2025 9:23 am154d ago
Lincoln Winebar has been around for decades. But only recently has it started to gain recognition. We give it high marks for quality and service.
People & Places Jul. 11, 2025 7:35 am157d ago
In Bill Stamats latest collection, you won’t find the same dull textures, faded colors and framing that has become a stereotype for places often called “flyover country.”
Restaurants Jul. 10, 2025 5:30 am158d ago
A new pizza concept is coming to the restaurant triplex in the MedQuarter.
Restaurants Jul. 10, 2025 5:15 am158d ago
A taqueria and tortilleria has closed in Cedar Rapids.
Restaurants Jul. 9, 2025 6:34 pm159d ago
BarTini’s, the martini bar with Mediterranean mezes in the trending Kingston Yard development in Cedar Rapids, has announced plans for a second location in Marion.
Restaurants Jul. 9, 2025 9:43 am159d ago
Staying hydrated, fitting in all the macronutrients, fueling the body and staying fit can be time consuming, confusing and pricey. But with her expansion to Iowa City, Marion’s NutriSport & Smoothie owner Julie Carfagna hopes to make it more accessible.
Minor League Sports Jul. 9, 2025 9:51 am159d ago
A big birthday bash being planned for one of Eastern Iowa’s most iconic mascots will be both corny and conical.
People & Places Jul. 9, 2025 9:47 am159d ago
For Cedar Rapids personal trainer Peyton Coffin, fitness isn’t just a lifestyle — it’s a mentality. This summer, her determination is on full display with the airing of “American Ninja Warrior.”

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