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🌱 Patch AM: Will Iowa City schools soon run their own before-school care?

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Thursday December 11th Patch AM
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Morning Iowa City! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Will Iowa City schools soon run their own before-school care?
  • How did a local caregiver end up facing abuse charges?
  • How Iowa City’s wastewater plant is helping test cutting-edge nitrate tech

Also on today's calendar: Friday Night Out: Round Link Drop Earrings and 9 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Thursday: A little snow, up to 1", with a high of 27 and low of 20 degrees.
  • Friday: Cold; breezy in the afternoon, temps: high: 27, low: 5. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Saturday: Colder with 1-3" of snow, with a high of 9 and low of -12 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Iowa City schools considering piloting its own child care program (thegazette.com) — Families in the Iowa City Community School District could see new, district-run before- and after-school care as early as fall 2026 at Alexander, Grant Wood, Twain and Garner elementary schools. Officials are exploring a pilot program to standardize costs, hours and quality, hire a dedicated manager, and eventually shrink wait-lists for child care across the district.
   

2. Iowa City woman charged after allegedly stealing money from dependent adult in her care (kcrg.com) — An Iowa City caregiver has been charged after police say she repeatedly requested and took $1,000 from a dependent adult in her care at a local support facility. Court documents say the client reported feeling taken advantage of, and investigators say the caregiver admitted knowing the requests were wrong but planned to repay the money.
   

3. Coralville company receives funding for nitrate removal technology (kcrg.com) — A Coralville startup is piloting new nitrate-removal technology right at Iowa City’s wastewater treatment plant, aiming to turn nitrate pollution into usable ammonia fertilizer. Backed by a $50,000 state loan, the team hopes their cost-cutting system can scale from local testing to global use, potentially reshaping how communities like Iowa City handle water quality and farm nutrients.
   

4. Iowa City woman accused of witness tampering in massage parlor human trafficking case (cbs2iowa.com) — A woman is facing a new felony charge for allegedly trying to influence a witness in a human trafficking-related massage parlor case tied to two Iowa City businesses. Prosecutors say she repeatedly contacted a victim and the victim’s spouse despite warnings from investigators, including at church. She is currently free on bond while the case proceeds in Johnson County.
   

5. Hawkeye High-Fives make recognition easier at UI (dailyiowan.com) — A new Hawkeye High-Fives program at the University of Iowa lets anyone with a HawkID quickly send a personalized shout-out to colleagues, and more than 700 have already gone out since late September. For Iowa City-area residents connected to campus, it’s a simple way to boost morale, highlight unsung staff, and reinforce a culture of everyday recognition.
   

📸 Around Iowa City

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • If you see this little guy, please reach out to the contact below.
    He's been seen in Mackinaw Village on Ring 12/8/2025. (Nextdoor Peninsula Area)
  • Is anybody missing the scared beautiful cat?
    This is one of the many new ones that's been hanging out in Modern Manor. (Nextdoor Modern Manor)
  • University of Iowa posted a job opening for Nursing Unit Clerk - Emergency Department - 60% Nights (Friday/Saturday) - Downtown Campus in Iowa City. Apply here.
  • Scooter's Coffee posted a job opening for Store Supervisor 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 could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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