Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What sparked death threats at this downtown Iowa City pool hall?

And on the Iowa City Patch calendar - Kashmir Earrings

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Friday December 19th Patch AM
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Hello Iowa City! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What sparked death threats at this downtown Iowa City pool hall?
  • Could Iowa City schools soon ban student phones all day?
  • Why an Iowa City drug suspect says the pants weren’t his

Also on today's calendar: Kashmir Earrings and 2 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Colder with periods of sun, with a high of 27 and low of 25 degrees.
  • Saturday: Clouds and sun, temps: high: 42, low: 17. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Sunday: Partly sunny and colder, with a high of 31 and low of 25 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. West Branch man charged with threatening bar patrons and police officer (1630kcjj.com) — An early-morning disturbance at TCB Pool Hall on East College Street in downtown Iowa City led to the arrest of a West Branch man accused of threatening to kill bar patrons. Police say he later threatened to return, assault, and kill the arresting officer, leaving him facing harassment and disorderly conduct charges that could bring more than two years in jail.
   

2. Iowa City School Board discusses possible shift to full cell phone ban policy (kcrg.com) — Iowa City school leaders are weighing a stricter cell phone policy that could ban student phone use for the entire school day, not just in class. With violations already down under current rules, some board members and at least one Iowa City parent argue a full ban would boost safety and learning, while students worry about losing emergency contact with family.
   

3. Iowa City man claimed the pants he was wearing weren't his when meth found by police officer (1630kcjj.com) — An Iowa City man faces multiple drug charges after police say they found marijuana, a pipe, and suspected meth in his clothing at the Old Capitol parking ramp downtown. Officers report he claimed the pants he was wearing weren’t his. The case now moves through the local court system, with potential prison time if he’s convicted.
   

4. LS2 Group withdraws as University of Iowa lobbyist, citing conflict of interest (thegazette.com) — University of Iowa’s newly hired lobbying firm, LS2 Group, has abruptly withdrawn over an unresolved conflict of interest, leaving the Board of Regents scrambling to find new representation before the next legislative session. The move comes as UI Health Care continues absorbing the former Mercy Iowa City hospital and as LS2’s deep Republican and Saudi Arabia ties draw renewed scrutiny.
   

5. Hawkeyes, Team USA and Ukraine cap off weeks of training in international friendly dual (kcrg.com) — Iowa City West and City High girls wrestlers helped kick off an international women’s wrestling night, competing ahead of a Team USA vs. Ukraine dual at Xtreme Arena. Hawkeye wrestlers say training with international athletes has sharpened their skills as they prepare for January’s National Duals, giving local fans a rare look at Olympic-level competition nearby.
   

📸 Around Iowa City

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Iowa City

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Come listen to live music, do some fun winter activities, and swap some cookies!
    Sponsored by the Eastside Neighborhood Association. (Nextdoor Eastside)
  • Helpful Holiday savings!
    At 1012 S. Gilbert Ct (corner of Kirkwood Ave and Gilbert Ct.) Sat. Dec. 20, 2025 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sun. Dec. 21, 2025 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Sat. Jan… (Nextdoor Twain)
  • R.R. Donnelley posted a job opening for Press Operator 2 (3rd Shift) in Iowa City. Apply here.
  • McDonald's posted a job opening for Crew 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 don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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