Good morning, Dubuque.

The Carnegie Corporation of New York confirmed that more than 1,200 Iowa libraries will receive $10K each in January as part of a $20 million initiative celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence — the funds may be used as needed even if libraries are in new buildings.

Danielle Meyer is organizing her ninth annual Belly Bags campaign to help keep Dubuque children fed during winter break by collecting donations for preschoolers and infants.

Families can donate items like applesauce, fruit cups, and winter clothing at White Front Feed & Seed on Dodge Street + Lavender Rose on Asbury Road.

Hy-Vee announced a donation of $100,000 to Feeding America food banks + $25,000 to support a DoorDash fee waiver initiative+ that will help local families with food supplies this holiday season.

The Dubuque Museum of Art held a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday for a new campus near Washington Park that will add learning spaces, art galleries, and a child care center — with the Butler Family Foundation pledging to match donations up to $25 million through the end of April.

Samuel Adams Utopias 2025 is a limited edition, barrel-aged beer with 30% ABV that is available in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin even as many states ban it for its high alcohol content.

The beer is aged up to 30 years in barrels that held Irish whiskey, cognac, and scotch — and it carries a suggested price of $240.

Clarke University announced today that Fletcher Lamkin is no longer serving as president after one year as president following 18 months as interim—Yvonne Zimmerman has been named acting president as the board determines next steps.

Scientists in Iowa studied 50 years of water data from the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers and found that nitrate levels have increased from 1 to 3 mg per liter in the past to over 20 mg per liter this summer—prompting calls for counties to start routine water tests.

Dubuque’s $28.2 million flood prevention project will resume after a three-month pause caused by contamination concerns from a 2020 fertilizer spill.

The project will improve the stormwater station that directs water from the Bee Branch Watershed to the Mississippi River (protecting 1,300 properties) and double the pumping capacity of the 16th Street facility.

Dubuque Fire Department launched a Health Data Exchange system that lets paramedics share patient details with Finley Hospital instantly to speed up emergency care.

The new tool connects EMS records with hospital data so teams can start treatment faster and learn from each patient’s outcome.

Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Concert

2:00 – 3:30 p.m. — Five Flags Center — Ticketed event — Experience the captivating sounds of Rachmaninoff and the talented musicians of Dubuque Symphony Orchestra.

Drawing Portraits Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Bluff Strokes Art Center — $175 — Learn to capture the likeness of human subjects with confidence in this informative portrait drawing course.

Attitude of Gratitude

Join us on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Grand River Center for Opening Doors’ Annual Attitude of Gratitude Gala, an unforgettable evening of inspiration, community, and celebration. Together we’ll honor 25+ years of healing, hope, and home with live music, gourmet dining, auctions, powerful resident stories, and a special tribute to Carol Gebhart's retirement, all while raising vital funds to empower women and change lives.

TRU REV MMA Debut in Dubuque

7-11 p.m. — Grand River Convention Center — $ — TRU REV MMA makes its highly anticipated debut in Dubuque, Iowa!

PopROCKS! Concert

7-11 p.m. — Diamond Jo Casino Dubuque — Reservations recommended — Experience an electrifying concert at the vibrant Mississippi Moon Bar.

A Very Electric Christmas

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Five Flags Center — Enjoy a heartwarming tale of adventure as a young bird named Max embarks on a journey at the North Pole.