🌱 Patch AM: Why an Iowa City family’s confrontation ended with gunfire charges

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:

• Why an Iowa City family’s confrontation ended with gunfire charges
• How did a circus-obsessed painter become an Iowa City legend?
• Which Corridor leaders just stepped into powerful new business roles?

Also on today's calendar: Pre-inventory Sale.

Today's riddle: What two things can you never eat for breakfast? . 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Monday: Windy and much colder, with a high of 19 and low of 11 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
• Tuesday: Clouds and sun; not as cold, temps: high: 35, low: 29.
• Wednesday: Cloudy, with a high of 34 and low of 9 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Jasper County man accused of firing gun outside Iowa City residence (1630kcjj.com) — Iowa City police say a man from Jasper County is accused of firing a gun outside a local home and threatening to kill people there, leading to multiple felony charges. Officers report a confrontation at a 420th Street residence, shell casings in the driveway, and an unsuccessful vehicle pursuit. The suspect now faces serious potential prison time if convicted.
   

2. 'The best guy in Iowa City': Byron Burford, mentee of Grant Wood and friend of Kurt Vonnegut, was a (ring)master of many forms (littlevillagemag.com) — An influential University of Iowa art professor who made Iowa City his long-term home is being rediscovered through his circus-inspired paintings, haunted-house shows and deep ties to the local arts scene. The story traces Byron Burford’s path from Grant Wood mentee to beloved teacher, friend of Kurt Vonnegut, and now a focus of renewed attention through works handled by Iowa City’s Art Mission.
   

3. Business Notes for Dec. 28, 2025 (thegazette.com) — Business developments around the Corridor this week include new leadership for the Cedar Rapids Parks Foundation and the Downtown SSMID, with implications for regional projects that Iowa City residents follow closely. The roundup also highlights statewide small-business recognition, underscoring how local entrepreneurs across Iowa are being elevated, even if this edition doesn’t spotlight a specific Iowa City firm.
   

4. Women's Top 25 roundup: No. 4 UCLA takes down No. 19 Ohio State (thenewstribune.com) — Iowa fans saw No. 14 Iowa women roll past Penn State 99–76 in Iowa City, with Ava Heiden pouring in 27 points on hot shooting. The game was part of a broader Top 25 women’s basketball roundup that also covered wins by UCLA, UConn, Texas, South Carolina, LSU, and others around the country.
   

📸 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

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Wednesday December 31

• Pre-inventory Sale
  bead
  10:00 am

Sunday January 11

• Project GREEN Second Sunday Garden Forum 2026
  Iowa City Public Library , 123 S Linn St , Iowa City
  2:00 pm

📣 Iowa City Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday December 30

• Chat 'n' Chai
  City of Coralville Calendar , 1401 5th St. , Coralville
  10:00 am
• New Year's Treasure Hunt
  City of Coralville Calendar , 1401 5th St. , Coralville
  10:00 am
• Imagination Stations
  City of Coralville Calendar , 1401 5th St. , Coralville
  10:30 am
• ELL Conversation Hour
  City of Coralville Calendar , 1401 5th St. , Coralville
  11:00 am
• Free Beginning English Language Class for Adults
  City of Coralville Calendar , 1401 5th St. , Coralville
  1:00 pm

Wednesday December 31

• New Year's Eve 2025
  City of Coralville Calendar Coralville, IA 52241

Thursday January 1

• New Year's Day 2026
  City of Coralville Calendar Coralville, IA 52241
• New Year's Day
  University Heights, IA Calendar

Friday January 2

• Toy Time
  City of Coralville Calendar , 1401 5th St. , Coralville
  10:30 am

Saturday January 3

• Free Beginning English Language Class for Adults on Zoom
  City of Coralville Calendar , 1401 5th St. , Coralville
  9:00 am

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

• Good afternoon I am a Mother and Grandmother I have movement problem because I have sciatica in both hips.
  My son is looking for work. He just has been released from prison and if anyone has any ideas like of anything that second chance program where he… (Nextdoor Wetherby-Grant)
• Anyone know where I can take cookbooks?
  We have a bunch we have not used or will use and want to get rid of them. Ty (Nextdoor Eastside)

• Aerotek posted a job opening for Machine Operator in Iowa City. Apply here.
• ENGIE posted a job opening for Water Plant Operations 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: Lunch and dinner. (From Norine S.)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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