Iowa (KCRG) – The American Library Association announced a new report on Thursday showing a 92% increase in books targeted for censorship. The group says it’s the highest levels they’ve ever documented in its 140 years of existence. The report shows Iowa is one of 17 states that saw attempts to censor more than 100 titles in 2023. In total, the new numbers released show efforts to censor 4,240 unique book titles in schools and libraries throughout 2023, easily overcoming the previous high from 2022, when 2,571 unique titles were targeted for censorship.

Specifically in Iowa, the American Library Association documented 16 attempts to restrict access to books. Those efforts challenged 259 different titles. Former Iowa Library Association President Sam Helmick says book bans and challenges may teach people what to think, instead of how to think.  Currently the Community & Access Services Coordinator at the Iowa City Public Library, Helmick says they welcome conversations about concerns over library materials, because those conversations are important to maintaining trust within the community.

An Iowa law banning some books from school is on pause after a district court issued an injunction last December. The Iowa State Education Association and book publisher Penguin Random House joined together to challenge SF 496 and file that litigation last fall. That law makes it illegal for school libraries to offer books that contain “descriptions or visual depictions of a sex act.” It also restricts teaching about sexual orientation.

The state has appealed – leaving schools in limbo as they wait for a decision, and continuing worries for teachers. As librarians and teachers navigate the increase in challenges to books in Iowa and across the country, Helmick says the best way to advocate for local libraries is to use them. The Library Association say it’s also important to be aware of any legislation targeting tax levies and funding for libraries, saying “Funding is an access issue. We can’t even debate the books if we can no longer afford to purchase them because of the pricing of digital materials or because we are disadvantaging and disarming public libraries, school libraries and the staffing.”

(Radio Iowa) – A new report finds one in six full-time Iowa workers struggles to pay for basic needs. The non-profit Common Good Iowa, which advocates for families and children, estimates 17-point-5 percent of all Iowa working households earn below what’s needed to cover a basic-needs budget. Sean Finn, a policy analyst for the non-profit, says figures this year show more low-income Iowans are struggling compared to last year, even as the state sees strong wage growth.

Finn says, “Even though these families were making more each month, even though these wages, especially low wages were increasing, inflation just outpaced it during this time.” Finn says one reason is the historical policies that contributed to systemic racism like “red-lining,” where financial services are withheld from neighborhoods that have significant numbers of racial and ethnic minorities. Finn says red-lining has lasting effects.

“Even though it’s technically illegal at this point,” Finn says, “there’s good evidence that red-lining unofficially goes on to this day, including in the state of Iowa.” The ninth annual report estimates one-third of full-time Black and Latino workers make below what is needed to support their families’ basic needs. That’s almost double the statewide average.

(Creston, Iowa) – Police in Creston say a man was arrested early this (Friday) morning, on an assault charge. 55-year-old Terry Lee Kelley, of Creston, was arrested at around 3-a.m., at his home. Kelley was charged with Domestic Abuse Assault/1st Degree. He was taken to Union County Jail and held without bond, until seen by a Judge.

Thursday night, 35-year-old Dawn Marie Baddley, of Creston, was arrested on two-counts of Theft in the 5th Degree. Baddley was taken to Union County Jail. She posted bond, and was released. And, Thursday afternoon, 28-year-old Shyanne Renee Bird, of Creston, was arrested for Driving While License Suspended. Bird was cited and released from the scene on a Promise to Appear in court.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – A traffic stop near Highway 34 and G Avenue in Montgomery County, Thursday afternoon, resulted in the arrest of a man from Farragut. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office says 37-year-old David Dale Morelock was arrested at around 4:47-p.m., for Driving While License denied or revoked. Morelock was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $1,000 bond.