Good morning, Dubuque.

Jarrod Anderson, a Cedar Rapids man, was convicted of human trafficking a Dubuque teen last year and received a life sentence in Linn County District Court—he became the first person in Iowa sentenced under the law that now mandates life imprisonment after he and Tana Torres picked up the teen in Dubuque, took her to a Cedar Rapids hotel, and sold her for sex until she escaped and reported the crime.

The Dubuque Community School Board will vote Monday on a $70M bond referendum that will fund a new middle school to replace Washington Middle School — the change will consolidate schools and save $600K a year.

Dubuque city manager Mike Van Milligen, who has served since January 1993, will retire in June 2027—his decision coming after a near-fatal hit-and-run in March 2025 sped up his plans.

Mayor Brad Cavanagh thanked him for his record service and said the city council will soon search for his successor.

Sen. Ernst announced her retirement this week — making the U.S. Senate race open for the first time in nearly 60 years — and Gov. Reynolds’s earlier choice not to run leaves Iowa with an open governor contest.

Iowa will hold 2026 elections that also promise at least two new U.S. House seats, giving voters fresh names on their ballots.

Waterloo West jumped to a lead and held off Dubuque Senior 34—27 as the Wahawks snapped a five game losing streak and improved to 2—0.

Iowa and Iowa State face off today in a game known as the CyHawk rivalry, featuring many nail-biting finishes with one-score games.

The matchup is marked by tight scores and a streak of visiting-team wins—adding tension to this long-standing contest.

The Xavier Saints won 21-13 over Western Dubuque on Friday at Saints Field and improved to a 2-0 record.

The team made key plays and tough stops in the game — they will host Clear Creek Amana next week.

Iowa Big Hero Charity Golf Outing

10 AM – 7 PM — Dubuque Golf & Country Club — Entry fee required — Enjoy a round of golf while supporting Little Heroes League in aiding medically complex children.

Dubuque Oktoberfest

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Back Waters Stage — Free entry — Celebrate the 16th year of Oktoberfest with music, food, games, and even Wiener Dog Races.

Owning Your Awesome — She Unites

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Innovation Lab — Donation-based — Empower women to embrace their strengths and boost confidence through an engaging workshop.

Josh Meloy Live

8–9:30 p.m. — Mississippi Moon Bar at Diamond Jo Dubuque — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening of soulful tunes from Oklahoma's own Josh Meloy as he showcases his latest album.

St. Vincent DePaul Run/Walk/Bike for the Poor

9-11 a.m. — Heritage Pond / Heritage Trail — Support a great cause while enjoying a 5km or 5 mile run or bike ride.

2025 Distinguished Alumni Celebration

6 PM — Loras College Library — Free entry — Celebrate distinguished alumni recipients with cocktails and awards.

UTL – Fall Fun Show

10 AM – 3 PM — Dubuque County Fairgrounds & Event Center — Doubled fees apply — Enjoy a makeup show featuring double judged series in pleasure, ranch, and speed events.

American Musical Celebration

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Five Flags Center — Ticketed event — Celebrate the brilliance of American music with the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra featuring Bernstein's lively Overture to Candide.