Good morning, Dubuque.

Today, the Dubuque Racing Association announced that 52 organizations in the tri-state area will share more than one million dollars in grant money with an average award of about $20,000.

The program supports people attraction efforts for growth, retention, and tourism and was based on a review of 140 requests—awarding higher amounts to Crescent Community Health Center, Camp Albrecht Acres, and Dubuque County Historical Society.

Jessica Erickson, a 44-year-old from Florida, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl in Dubuque — an act linked to a death from a May 2024 investigation and followed by 5 years of supervised release.

New Horizon Academy’s Daycare Center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday on the Cottingham and Butler campus in downtown Dubuque.

The two-story center, which opened last month, has more than a dozen classrooms, several motor skills rooms, and playgrounds for each age group and can serve 202 children (which steps up help in a county where existing centers hold only 6,358 spots for nearly 16,000 children 12 and under).

Dubuque fishermen can earn $100 for each invasive Black Carp caught in the Mississippi River basin under the Keep, Cool, Call program — which requires photos and catch details to help protect native mussels and snails.

A federal judge rejected Homeland Security’s claim that it fully complied with a court order in a lawsuit by four University of Iowa students who fear deportation after their student status was revoked, ruling that the agency’s confirmation letters did not prevent other institutions from seeing the change in SEVIS records—forcing DHS to backdate the status to protect the students. Government lawyers now have until Aug. 21 to file an answer as the case continues.

Dubuque firefighters say safety is at risk as none of the six fire stations meet the national recommendation for four firefighters per truck—two trucks have three firefighters while the others have only two.

Union President Will Sullivan said the department must adapt and overcome until more funding or interested applicants become available.

A K9 dog at Anamosa State Penitentiary received custom fit body armor from nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. — the armor shows an inscription 'Born to Love—Trained to Serve—Loyal Always' to protect him at work.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds sent a letter Wednesday to congressional leaders asking them to back a bill that would block California's pork rules and stop one state from setting standards for out-of-state farms—several Iowa lawmakers support the measure to help local pork producers avoid expensive changes.

Wayland Live Concert

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Q Casino + Resort — Free entry — Experience the high-energy blend of Country-Rock with Wayland and Too Hot For Leather.

Kayaking at Heritage Pond

4:30-7:30 p.m. — Heritage Pond — RSVP required — Paddle along with naturalists for a refreshing kayaking experience in the serene surroundings of Heritage Pond.

Electric Avenue: 80s New Wave Night

8 PM – 2 AM — Mississippi Moon Bar at Diamond Jo Dubuque — Check event details for entry cost — Relive the energetic vibes of 1980s New Wave & Radio Pop.

Summer Final Party!

1-3 p.m. — Dubuque County Library - Asbury Branch — Free entry — Celebrate the end of Summer with an exciting party featuring the Absolute Science Mega Foam Blaster!

Live Music with Kristina Marie Castañeda

Evening — Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub & Grill — Free entry — Experience the heartfelt melodies of Iowa's singer-songwriter Kristina Marie Castañeda in a cozy pub atmosphere.

Chair Yoga Session

11:15 a.m. — Dubuque County Library - Asbury Branch — Free entry — Stretch your body in a relaxed way with a full body workout from your chair.