Good morning, Dubuque.

The Dubuque County Drug Task Force collected 207 pounds of medications and 175 pounds of sharps on Saturday at the National Drug Takeback Day Event — adding to 554 pounds gathered from drop boxes between October 2024 and April 2025 — from local law enforcement centers.

Officials say — for those who missed the event — that a Prescription Drop Box is available at the Law Enforcement Center lobby with extra boxes at Dyersville, Farley, Peosta and Asbury City Hall.

Dubuque Police said a two-vehicle crash at West 9th and Bluff Streets on Sunday at 12:45 p.m. injured Catherine Kavers, who was taken to Finley Hospital after running a red light, and a Saturday night collision on the Northwest Arterial at 10:30 p.m. left Tracey Leppert seriously injured and in need of hospital care—authorities reported.

Local officials report 4-5 sightings this month of one black bear—likely coming out of hibernation and looking for food—and conservation experts warn residents not to feed bears—stressing that secure food sources like closed garbage and indoor pet servings keep the animals wild.

After several public hearings, the Dubuque City Council voted unanimously last night to approve the Fiscal Year 2026 budget that will raise property taxes and various utility fees.

The plan increases property taxes by 3.9% while water and sewer rates climb 9% and trash and storm water fees rise 5% plus it sets aside funds for key sewer and civic center improvements.

Lawmakers advanced a bill to change the school bullying rule by replacing a list of traits with a rule that targets repeated and targeted behavior—now headed to Gov. Reynolds for her signature.

They also moved forward a retirement savings plan that requires employers without plans to set up payroll deductions and removed a provision that would let lawmakers carry firearms everywhere—sending the measure back to the House for further review.

AmeriCorps programs in Dubuque and across the country were shut down after city officials received a letter from the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service on Monday, ending over $400 million in federal grants.

Local leaders are now working to replace lost support for youth programs and summer initiatives—current AmeriCorps members were told to stop work immediately—as they try to fill the gaps.

The Iowa Senate approved a bill on Monday that requires pharmacy benefit managers to use a pass-through pricing model, pay small pharmacies a dispensing fee, and offer an appeals process for reimbursement disputes—steps aimed at lowering prescription drug costs while protecting rural pharmacies. The bill must now pass the Iowa House before it goes to Gov Reynolds for approval.

Martinelli’s voluntarily recalled over 170,000 10-ounce apple juice bottles sold in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and 25 other states on March 18th after patulin was detected as a mold toxin that can cause nausea and vomiting.

The FDA classified the recall as Class II on April 22nd — customers are advised to return any bottle with a Best By date of December 5.

High school track teams statewide are preparing for a series of invitation meets and qualifiers—events that will lead to state championships in three weeks.

Top contenders include Waukee Northwest in girls 4A and Cedar Falls in boys, while close contests are expected in other classes.

Vintage Torque Fest 2025

May 2-3 — Dubuque County Fairgrounds & Event Center — Tickets required for entry — Celebrate vintage lifestyle with classic cars, live music, and good food, all for a great cause.

Dubuque Dances with the Stars 2025

6-10 p.m. — Mississippi Moon Bar at Diamond Jo Dubuque — Tickets required — Experience a dazzling evening of dance showcasing local talent for a good cause.

Swan Lake Ballet Performance

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Heritage Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the timeless beauty of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake performed by the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra and Heartland Ballet.

Turn To Stone - ELO Tribute

7-8:30 p.m. — Five Flags Center — Experience the nostalgia with the unforgettable hits of Electric Light Orchestra!

Jump: A Tribute to Van Halen

8-9:30 p.m. — Q Casino + Resort — Tickets available — Enjoy two hours of classic Van Halen hits performed by a fresh young band.

The Australian Bee Gees Show

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Mississippi Moon Bar at Diamond Jo Dubuque — Ticket prices may vary — Experience a lively tribute to the Bee Gees with a long-standing Las Vegas favorite.

Lunch & Learn: Gardening in Raised Beds

12:00 p.m. — Convivium Urban Farmstead — Free entry — Discover the joys of raised bed gardening with expert tips from Farm Manager AJ Shultz.

Virtual Tour of Trustwell Living

9 a.m.-7 p.m. — Trustwell Living at Eagle Pointe Place — Free event — Explore a senior living community known for its exceptional care and dining options.

Johnnie Walker at Yardarm Riverfront Bar & Grill

1-5 p.m. — Yardarm Riverfront Bar & Grill — Enjoy great food, drinks, and live music with Johnnie Walker.