PODCAST

Not Quite Quorum

Laura Bergus and Oliver Weilein

Conversations about Iowa City, focusing on issues facing our local government and community.

government politics

All Episodes

0:56:37

Transparency on Process is Better Than Nothing?

Not Quite Quorum ·

2026/10/03

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.

0:44:11

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

Not Quite Quorum ·

2026/09/26

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.

01:24:24

Why You Haven't Seen the Footage Yet

Not Quite Quorum ·

2026/09/25

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.

00:14:55

It Feels Like Too Much

Not Quite Quorum ·

2026/09/25

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 when we have the power to make the change we deserve. Stay uncomfortable. I’m right here with you.

0:46:44

How Does ICE Use Our Jail?

Not Quite Quorum ·

2026/09/12

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.

0:33:39

Why's That Back on the Agenda?

Not Quite Quorum ·

2026/09/11

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.

1:01:44

Why Did We Delay the Vote to Add Police?

Not Quite Quorum ·

2026/09/04

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.

0:41:17

Why Isn't It Just a Building?

Not Quite Quorum ·

2026/08/31

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.

0:59:58

Why Couldn't We Create Public Libraries Today?

Not Quite Quorum ·

2026/08/28

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

0:46:50

Is the Jail Our Highest Priority?

Not Quite Quorum ·

2026/08/26

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.

0:55:45

What Makes the Ped Mall Safe?

Not Quite Quorum ·

2026/08/23

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!

01:10:21

How Does Dialectical Materialism Inform Local Choices?

Not Quite Quorum ·

2026/08/15

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.

0:48:05

What's a More Honest Take?

Not Quite Quorum ·

2026/08/10

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.

01:05:16

How Can We Invest in Community, Not Incarceration?

Not Quite Quorum ·

2026/08/07

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.

0:46:06

How Much Does $94.5Million Really Cost?

Not Quite Quorum ·

2026/08/02

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.

00:45:26

How Awesome is Nora?

Not Quite Quorum ·

2026/07/31

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.

00:38:09

What's Good Public Engagement Look Like?

Not Quite Quorum ·

2026/07/25

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

00:47:25

Should We Fear the Dictatorship of the Proletariat?

Not Quite Quorum ·

2026/07/24

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

0:44:14

Is Beef Days A Very Vegan Event?

Not Quite Quorum ·

2026/07/18

Books mentioned this episode:Children of Blood and BoneA Canticle for LiebowitzHis Majesty’s DragonThe Blade Itself

0:21:24

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

Not Quite Quorum ·

2026/07/11

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.

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Not Quite Quorum

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