Not Quite Quorum

Nick Bergus and Laura Bergus discuss the arguments for and against building the proposed jail and sheriff's department, and how the "only this" assertions of the "Vote Yes" team fall flat.

Laura Bergus and Oliver Weilein reflect on a recent press conference against the proposed jail, and discuss their futile efforts to save a homeless dog.

Laura Bergus and Nick Bergus discuss the challenges of building or having trust in and between leaders, constituents, and local governments.

Laura Bergus and Oliver Weilein discuss the process of determining whether/when/how to release body camera footage of a police shooting, and Oliver is reading a new book on municipal socialism.

Nick Bergus and Laura Bergus discuss jail bond events the week of September 21, 2026: Iowa City Human Rights Commission, League of Women Voters Pro-Jail Forum, and Dream City's ongoing Community Conversations.

We break down the bureaucracy of moving towards release of video footage of Iowa City's first police killing in 30 years, reflect on several other recent tragedies, and talk about the horror of the Johnson County Sheriff's error(s) that enable ICE's unconstitutional work in our community.

I recorded this short late-night voice memo after a week of tragedies in our community. I took this picture while I was trying to take in some nature, immediately after watching all of the footage of the man killed by Iowa City Police. These times call for digging into the work to make transformative change, together. It is messy and scary and hard and noisy. But we cannot sit back or stay silent...

Laura and Nick Bergus discuss how federal immigration enforcement already happens at the Johnson County Jail, and how ICE can expand its reach if we build a bigger jail.

Laura Bergus and Oliver Weilein discuss the procedure of a recently deferred vote coming back on the Iowa City city council agenda, and what happens next.

Oliver Weilein and Laura Bergus discuss the Iowa City city council meeting discussion and vote to defer the decision to add three full-time police officers, and recount the community conversation at Dream Fest about the proposed Johnson County jail.

Laura Bergus and Nick Bergus discuss how we can do hard things if we think just a little bit creatively and avoid falling into the trap of shortsightedness.

Laura Bergus and Oliver Weilein discuss the upcoming city council meeting, including the proposal to add three new police officers.

Laura and Nick Bergus discuss Johnson County's request to build a larger, new jail, highlighting what the expected $125M total spend WON'T include.

Oliver and Laura discuss the current proposal to hire more police, which was presented as the only answer to "Ped Mall Safety" at a city council work session. There are proven, in-progress alternatives that are cheaper and less likely to negatively impact our Black and brown neighbors. Let's try those first!

Iowa City city council members Oliver Weilein and Laura Bergus discuss local politics. This week's episode includes critique of the Coralville mayor's choice to temporarily remove public comment from the city council agenda, and then Oliver takes a brief, deep dive into leftist politics, generally.

Nick and Laura Bergus discuss the Johnson County Board of Supervisors' decision to place the question of borrowing $94.5M on the November 3, 2026 ballot, and how "do nothing" or "this much bigger jail" is not an honest framing of the question for voters.

Laura Bergus and Oliver Weilein discuss many cool housing-related initiatives from the most recent city council work session, and reflect on the Board of Supervisors' decision to ask voters to approve borrowing nearly $125Million (when you include the interest) for a new jail.

Laura Bergus and Nick Bergus discuss the proposed Johnson County Jail, recapping the Board of Supervisors' discussion of borrowing $94.5M, which would be Johnson County's biggest debt ever.

Oliver Weilein and Laura Bergus discuss the upcoming city council work session and formal meeting, featuring the work of the City of Iowa City's Harvard fellow, Nora Cahill.

Nick Bergus and Laura Bergus discuss the discourse about public discussion--about the proposed Johnson County jail, of course.

Oliver and Laura discuss right-wing fear-mongering around the DSA and how now is a terrible time for local leaders to silence dissent.

Books mentioned this episode: Children of Blood and Bone A Canticle for Liebowitz His Majesty’s Dragon The Blade Itself

Laura dives in solo to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors’ recent $7.6Million in unbudgeted property purchases, approved prior to any disclosure to the public.

Watch the July 1 Board of Supervisors’ work session here . Watch the July 2 Board of Supervisors’ formal meeting here . Join the conversation at johnsoncountydeservesbetter.org ! By the numbers: jailfacts.org .

Laura Bergus and Nick Bergus discuss the current status of Johnson County’s journey towards a new jail, revisiting an early Board of Supervisors work session on the topic, held July 10, 2024.