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🌱 Patch AM: Thinking about policing? See what Iowa City is now offering

Coming up: Cool Shoes Improv Show on the Iowa City Patch calendar

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Good day Iowa City! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Thinking about policing? See what Iowa City is now offering
  • How a simple tint stop turned into drug charges on Benton Street
  • How do tiny daily rituals quietly support Iowa City campus life?

Also on today's calendar: Project GREEN Second Sunday Garden Forum 2026 and 6 more events.

Find out what's happening in Iowa Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: I got fired from the M&M factory. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Iowa Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 30 and low of 19 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Sunday: A thick cloud cover, temps: high: 33, low: 28.
  • Monday: Some sunshine, with a high of 46 and low of 31 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Iowa City opens police officer applications with salaries up to $98k and $5k bonus (cbs2iowa.com) — Iowa City is hiring new police officers with starting pay from about $66,000 to nearly $98,000, plus a $5,000 bonus for Iowa-certified officers. Applicants now have a wider residency radius of 25 miles from city limits and can access strong benefits. Apply online by January 16 to be included in February testing and interviews.
   

2. Stop for window tint violation leads to drug charges against Iowa City man (1630kcjj.com) — An Iowa City resident was charged with a controlled substance violation after police stopped a vehicle on Benton Street for excessively dark window tint and a barred registered owner. Officers say a K9 search led to suspected cocaine near the man’s seat, along with a firearm that was later returned to its owner. Lab testing of the substance is pending.
   

3. The Small Comforts That Quietly Shape Campus Life (dailyiowan.com) — Daily life on campus in Iowa City, with its packed schedules and cold walks across town, is shaped by tiny comforts and reliable gear more than most people realize. The piece explores how small rituals, like familiar routes or a favorite object, quietly reduce stress and help students and faculty feel grounded. It also highlights how dependable details and preparedness support well-being in demanding academic environments.
   

4. Probation violation filed against Iowa City robbery suspect (1630kcjj.com) — An Iowa City man living at Shelter House is accused of violating probation after allegedly stealing beer from a Boyrum Street store and punching an employee, leading to a new 2nd Degree Robbery charge. The 30-year-old was booked into the Johnson County Jail this week and could face more than 11 years if convicted. His prior conviction stems from an earlier indecent exposure case in Coralville.
   

5. Fewer Iowa university students being taught by tenured faculty (thegazette.com) — If you’re a University of Iowa student in Iowa City, you’re now less likely to be taught by a tenured or tenure-track professor than 20 years ago. A new Board of Regents report shows a major shift toward non-tenure-track instructors at UI and the other state universities, raising questions about academic freedom, job security, and who’s actually in front of undergrad classrooms.
   

📸 Around Iowa City

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Iowa City

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★ Featured events ★

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📣 Iowa City Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Iowa City PatchAM possible:

  • Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
    Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Apple Watch found near Douglas.
    Seems very broken, but if it is yours please let me know (Nextdoor Miller Orchard)
  • Anyone experiencing spotty cell service with tmobile ?
    My gosh I am even on wifi connection on top of my service and cant have a phone conversation, constant dead air in and out when talking. (Nextdoor University Heights)
  • O'Reilly Auto Parts posted a job opening for Parts Specialist in Iowa City. Apply here.
  • DRM Arbys 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: I kept throwing out all the W’s.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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