Not Quite Quorum

Human Rights, A Biased Forum, and Listening to Each Other

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

Why You Haven't Seen the Footage Yet

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 t

It Feels Like Too Much

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 w

How Does ICE Use Our Jail?

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.

Why's That Back on the Agenda?

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.

Why Did We Delay the Vote to Add Police?

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 t

Why Isn't It Just a Building?

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.

Why Couldn't We Create Public Libraries Today?

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

Is the Jail Our Highest Priority?

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.

What Makes the Ped Mall Safe?

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 p

How Does Dialectical Materialism Inform Local Choices?

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 temporari

What's a More Honest Take?

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 noth

How Can We Invest in Community, Not Incarceration?

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' dec

How Much Does $94.5Million Really Cost?

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

How Awesome is Nora?

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 Cahi

What's Good Public Engagement Look Like?

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

Should We Fear the Dictatorship of the Proletariat?

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

Is Beef Days A Very Vegan Event?

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

Why Didn't I Know Better Than to Post on Facebook?

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.

What's Going On (with the Jail Convos)???

Watch the July 1 Board of Supervisors’ work session here. Watch the July 2 Board of Supervisors’ formal meeting here. Join the conversation at johnsoncountydeservesbett