Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How many Iowa City schools could close to fix the budget?

And check out Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness on the Iowa City Patch calendar

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Saturday September 19th Patch AM
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Hi Iowa City! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How many Iowa City schools could close to fix the budget?
  • What the new Iowa City school board member says about the crisis
  • Judge's ruling keeps key State Historical Society services in Iowa City

Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call cows dancing in the dark 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, with a high of 82 and low of 65 degrees.
  • Sunday: A shower and t-storm; cooler, temps: high: 68, low: 60.
  • Monday: Variable clouds with a shower, with a high of 65 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Iowa City CSD mulls school closures to help unfurl financial crisis (press-citizen.com) — Iowa City families are facing the possibility of multiple school closures starting in 2027 as the Community School District scrambles to close a $13.8 million budget gap next year and deeper shortfalls beyond. Leaders are weighing building closures, staff reductions, and boundary changes while a large community committee studies enrollment and facility data, with public engagement expected to ramp up in early 2027.
   

2. New Iowa City school board member speaks out amid financial crisis (kcrg.com) — Iowa City's school district has a new board member, attorney and parent Audrey Moeller, stepping in as the district faces a serious financial crisis under state scrutiny. She emphasizes restoring stability, working closely with state budget reviewers, and helping find a long-term superintendent committed to Iowa City's schools, students, and teachers.
   

3. Judge rules State Historical Society building must remain in Iowa City (1630kcjj.com) — A judge has ruled the State Historical Society must keep a research presence in Iowa City, blocking the state's plan to close the longtime Iowa Avenue facility without replacement. Local residents who sued argued state law requires a center here, and the judge agreed, saying closure would harm the public interest while giving agencies 30 days to propose next steps.
   

4. Johnston dominates Iowa City Liberty in No. 4-vs. No. 5 showdown, 42-6 (thegazette.com) — Iowa City Liberty's football team took a tough 42-6 home loss to fourth-ranked Johnston, falling behind early before backup quarterback Landon Thein led a late scoring drive. The Lightning now sit at 2-2 and will try to rebound in a big local matchup next week when they host crosstown rival Iowa City West in North Liberty.
   

5. Suspect in Ped Mall robbery given suspended sentence in plea deal (1630kcjj.com) — A Cedar Rapids man has received a two‑year suspended sentence after pleading down from second‑degree robbery to third‑degree theft in a 2025 mugging outside the Iowa City Public Library on the Ped Mall. Prosecutors said he and another suspect took a man's phone, wallet, and cash before fleeing, with surveillance video helping investigators piece together what happened.
   

📸 Around Iowa City

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Iowa City

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★ Featured events ★

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📣 Iowa City Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • The Civic Courage Conference brings together students, community members, public officials, educators, and organizations to explore what it means to participate meaningfully in civic life.
    This one-day, non-partisan event will feature speakers, breakout sessions, and dialogue focused on leadership, public participation, and… (Nextdoor Washington Hills)
  • Over 65 and disabled?
    Needing dental care you cannot afford? This may interest you. https://dentallifeline.org/ (Nextdoor Northside and Goosetown)
  • University of Iowa posted a job opening for Custodian I in Iowa City. Apply here.
  • Tractor Supply posted a job opening for Team Member in Iowa City. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Iowa City here.

Ok Iowa City! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Night Moo-s (Thank you John S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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