Good morning, Council Bluffs.

Council Bluffs nonprofits are using a new $65,000 grant from the Iowa Homelessness Prevention Fund to help people avoid eviction by paying for rent and utilities as low rental vacancy rates force shelters to fill up.

The grant supports efforts to keep residents in affordable housing plus aims to reduce the rising risk of homelessness in the community.

Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs broke ground on six townhomes in Minden as the town rebuilds after a tornado destroyed nearly half its housing on April 26th, 2024.

The new duplexes, each costing $175,000 and supported by a $1.2 million federal recovery grant, will be ready for move-in in 2026 — a promising boost for the community.

After Tuesday's primary results narrowed the races, candidates in Council Bluffs and Carter Lake are shifting focus to the November 4 contest.

Mayor Matt Walsh admitted he has let some voters down and said he will work to earn back their trust—promising to make amends in the coming weeks.

Iowa now has two confirmed U.S. Attorneys as the Senate confirmed Leif Olson for the Northern District and David Waterman for the Southern District in Des Moines.

The confirmed attorneys replace acting officials and will boost cooperation with local law enforcement.

Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an executive order on Wednesday that forces state agencies to use E-Verify — an online tool to check if job applicants can legally work — and SAVE to confirm citizenship after federal immigration officials arrested a former Des Moines Public Schools leader.

The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors proclaimed October as Substance Use Prevention Month to boost awareness and education on reducing substance misuse.

The proclamation calls on schools, community groups and faith organizations to support drug-free initiatives — the courthouse will be lit in red from October 23 to 31 to mark Red Ribbon Week.

Pottawattamie County has proclaimed October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month—encouraging residents to schedule screenings and support local efforts for early detection.

The county courthouse is illuminated in pink from Oct 7 to Oct 22, and local events such as Council Bluffs Pink Out Day on Oct 10 aim to raise awareness.

Connections Area Agency on Aging Announces “Steak Your Claim” Raffle

Connections Area Agency on Aging is excited to announce the launch of its Steak Your Claim Raffle, offering the chance to win ¼ of locally sourced beef—complete with processing at a local meat locker—valued at over $1,500. This opportunity is made possible thanks to the generosity of several community donors.

Denison-Schleswig Varsity Football Game Against Lewis Central

7-9 p.m. — Lewis Central High School — $5 entry — Don't miss the thrilling conference matchup as Lewis Central hosts Denison-Schleswig in varsity football.

Boo Bash Halloween Celebration

1–3 p.m. — Village Pointe — Free entry — Enjoy a spooktacular afternoon of family fun at Village Pointe’s Halloween Boo Bash.

Heroes on the Water Omaha Chapter Event

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Lake Manawa Sailing Association — Free entry — Spend a day fishing and connecting with fellow veterans and first responders on the water.

Adult Board Game Night

6:00-8:45 p.m. — Council Bluffs Public Library — Free entry — Unleash your inner strategist with a variety of board and card games to enjoy each month.

Arty Party Halloween Crafting

4-6 p.m. — Suites 2 Lobby — Free — Creepin' it crafty while making spooky mosaic picture frames for Halloween memories.

The Petersens Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Arts Center at Iowa Western — Tickets starting at $108 — Experience an unforgettable performance by The Petersens in Council Bluffs.

Moonlight and Magic

5-10 p.m. — Lake Manawa Dream Land Park — $20 per adult, kids free — Experience a magical evening filled with crafts, snacks, and outdoor movie fun under the stars.

Anime Club

2-3 p.m. — Council Bluffs Public Library — Free entry — Gather to create Shrinky Dinks and bond over anime and manga.