Good morning, Dubuque.

Bluey is a playful 2-year-old dog weighing 60 pounds who is available for adoption at the Dubuque Regional Humane Society on Chavenelle Road—he loves playing fetch and cuddling and families can call 563-582-6766 for more information.

The Dubuque County Kids Expo—presented by Dubuque County Early Childhood—will take place this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Grand River Center in the Port of Dubuque where over 50 booths offer free resources and activities for families.

Popeyes filed a lawsuit alleging that five Iowa locations operated by Asif Poonja and Jam Equities violated franchise agreements by failing an August inspection and continuing to use its name and branding—despite their contracts being terminated.

The lawsuit seeks money damages and orders the stores in Coralville, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Dubuque and Waterloo to remove all Popeyes branding.

Smokestack, a popular Dubuque bar and live music venue, will close at the end of the year as owners Susan Price and Scott Cornwell plan a new adventure fueled by rising costs—insurance, utilities, and maintenance.

The building is up for sale and they hope a future owner will continue keeping it open to the public.

Families can bring their stuffed animals for a check-up at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium’s first ever Pawspital on Saturday, October 11 (9:30 a.m. to noon).

The museum will also open a traveling exhibit called To the Moon: Snoopy Soars with NASA, which will be on display until April 2026.

Local voters in the Vote No campaign asked the School Board for a cost estimate to renovate Washington Middle School — saying a remodel would cost much less than the nearly $122 million plan to tear down Washington and combine it with Jefferson — and they compared it to the recent $64 million renovation of Dubuque Senior High.

The Izaak Walton League launched a GoFundMe to raise $500,000 to keep Iowa’s water sensor network running, which measures nitrate, pH and oxygen levels in rivers and streams.

University of Iowa researchers say without new funds the program will lose more sensors next summer — donors are encouraged to help by giving what they can.

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.

Colors in Motion Quilt Show

12-7 p.m. — Grand Ballroom — Adults $10, Children $5 — Discover vibrant quilts and local talent featuring the Cable Car Quilt Guild.

Samantha Fish Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Mississippi Moon Bar at Diamond Jo Dubuque — Ticket prices vary — Experience live music from the talented Samantha Fish featuring new tracks.

Randy's Cheeseburger Picnic Comedy Show

8-9:30 p.m. — Smokestack — Tickets starting at $30 — Enjoy a night of laughter and shenanigans with Randy from Trailer Park Boys.