Good morning, Dubuque.

Fire officials confirmed the fire at Jefferson Middle School was accidental after an open house on Thursday night, and crews quickly brought the flames under control while damage to a classroom and nearby areas is being assessed.

Recent consumer data shows grocery prices in Dubuque rose 2.2% from July while inflation cools, meaning locals still pay more for basics — eggs are cheaper and beef remains high due to low cattle numbers.

Dubuque school officials are repairing Jefferson Middle School after a fire broke out last night just before 8 p.m. Firefighters quickly extinguished flames in a third-floor classroom, roof, and HVAC system, and no one was injured (the cause is under investigation).

Iowa is changing its hunting rules for 2026-27 by dividing the state into two zones (Zone A in the east sees few changes while Zone B in eight northwest counties limits licenses to buck-only) and requiring public land tree stands display a metal DNR ID tag, officials said.

Dubuque County Public Health said there are no confirmed measles cases in Dubuque but urged residents to check that their MMR vaccinations are up to date since nearby counties report cases — the Visiting Nurse Association offers free vaccines to eligible individuals.

Amanda Willenborg won the female 30–39 division in the 4-mile event at Mines of Spain Trail Races on Aug.

8 in Dubuque — she finished in 45:24 and placed 16th overall.

On Aug. 8, 2026, Seth Brown won the men's 50-and-over division in the 7-mile Mines of Spain Trail Races in Dubuque—he finished in 1:02:26 and placed seventh overall.