Hello Waterloo! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Baby animal surge, a dad's guide to daughter hair, and the world's largest swimming lesson + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Honoring a lasting legacy: Waterloo East High honored former baseball coach John Netty II before a game against CR Jeff, celebrating his legacy as educator and coach. The new scoreboard will carry his name -- see the coach tribute.
Baby animal season surges: Wildlife rehabilitators in eastern Iowa are overwhelmed after storms, with Anamosa caring for around 74 baby raccoons and a Black Hawk County center handling 61, experts urging patience before intervening -- read why experts say wait.
Statewide pride campaign: UNI launched Wherever You Go, UNI on June 22, highlighting graduates and aiming for signs in every county. The first sign went up at Cup of Joe in Cedar Falls -- explore the UNI campaign.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
You've traveled abroad without being able to speak the local language. You can change that in just 10 minutes a day. Most people are holding real conversations within three weeks. In fact, 92% of users improved their proficiency in just two months, with 25 million subscriptions sold -- take 55% off.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Level up your week: Need an easy win for family or friend time? Cadillac XBC packs open and cosmic bowling, a redemption arcade, and laser tag under one roof, so grab your crew, settle into a lane, and let the scoreboard sort out the bragging rights.
Splash, shoot, relax: If you haven’t checked out Gates Park lately, this week’s a great excuse. The spray pad and inclusive playground are kid heaven, lit full courts and a multi-purpose rink keep pickup crews happy, and the events amphitheater’s perfect for low-key hangs. Pack a picnic, maybe sneak a few swings at the driving range.
Local bloom fix: Petersen & Tietz Florists & Greenhouses, Inc is a third-generation Waterloo staple with fresh bouquets, hardy houseplants, and a greenhouse full of seasonal color. Swing by for an instant mood upgrade or skip the errand and get same-day delivery around the Cedar Valley.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Makeup for skin that's changed, now up to 65% off: Laura Geller has built its following on formulas made for mature skin, led by the baked foundations women over 40 keep coming back to. Right now, new email subscribers get up to 65% off plus an extra 22%. Enter your email on the page and the discount activates. *See the VIP pricing →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🚂 All Aboard @ African-American Historical & Cultural Museum | Wednesday (6/24) at 4:00 PM – Free museum day, courtesy of Waterloo Public Library, at the African-American Historical and Cultural Museum. Explore new exhibits, then step outside for Rodney’s Kitchen soul food samples, lemonade while it lasts, and kid-friendly activities, so you might actually finish a plaque, and a snack.
💇 Brews & Braids: A Dad's Guide to Mastering Daughter Hair @ Wanderlust Studio Market (Evansdale) | Wednesday (6/24) at 6:00 PM – Nothing beats learning a bump-free ponytail with a cold beer, and zero judgment, at a guys-only night. No daughters required. Practice on pro mannequins, pick up real tips for detangling and braids, then retire the school-morning panic, the lopsided elastic, and the apologetic headband.
🏊 World's Largest Swimming Lesson @ Lost Island Waterpark & Adventure Golf & Go-Karts | Thursday (6/25) at 12:00 AM – Pool season calls for more than floaties and bravado, so the World's Largest Swimming Lesson brings real water safety. It is a global effort to prevent drowning, backed by aquatics pros. Learn the basics, sharpen your skills, and keep the drama on the deck.
🎬 Movie Night! SpongeBob Squarepants: The Search for Squarepants @ RiverLoop Amphitheatre | Thursday (6/25) at 7:30 PM – Nothing beats a free movie by the river, especially when SpongeBob is hunting for his pants. Part of My Waterloo Days at the RiverLoop Amphitheatre, with kids’ activities to wear them out, the Waterloo Municipal Band to class it up, and lawn-chair diplomacy.
🎉 Cedar Valley Church Block Party @ Cedar Valley Church | Friday (6/26) at 6:00 PM – Swing by Cedar Valley Church for a good old-fashioned block party welcoming Pastors Kalen Eckenrod and Jeremy Good, plus a VBS kickoff. Expect food trucks, games, and neighbors you actually recognize. Think church social, but with better tacos, louder laughter, and kids burning off energy.
🧩 Sturgis Falls Puzzle Competition @ The Nook (Cedar Falls) | Saturday (6/27) at 1:00 PM – During Sturgis Falls weekend, teams of up to four race to finish a 500-piece puzzle on Main between 2nd and 3rd, with donuts, drinks, and a puzzle to keep. Ticketed in advance, so BYO chairs or a blanket, your reading glasses, and your bragging rights.
🐝 Bee Expedition @ Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens | Sunday (6/28) at 1:30 PM – Trade your lawn chores for a small-group bumblebee expedition at the Arboretum, where you’ll shadow a field scientist, watch gentle catch-and-release, and stroll at an unhurried pace. It’s Sundays, one family at a time, and it wraps when your questions do, not the clock.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Waterloo report Weather forecastToday — High: 81°F — Low: 58°F — Precip: 32%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 7am and 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. West wind 6 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. Northwest wind 3 to 10 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 78°F — Low: 57°F — Precip: 3%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. North northwest wind around 6 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. This house is wildThis 4-level split packs nearly 4,000 square feet, 7 bedrooms, and 4 baths into a layout with serious flexibility. A spacious entry and open staircase set the tone, while the large kitchen, expansive living area, cozy den, and attached greenhouse add plenty of character. Mature fruit trees and a generous yard complete the picture.
Take a peek inside → |
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