Iowa Radio News

IOWA (IRN) – Hundreds of books have been removed from school libraries in Iowa, with more likely to follow, according to a report by the Des Moines Register. Senate File 496 bands books with any description or depiction of sex acts. With no guidance from the Iowa Department of Education, some districts have banned dozens of titles, while others have remain largely unchanged. The Register is keeping an ongoing database for school districts statewide. CARROLL (IRN)- More than 100 dogs were rescued from a situation involving likely hoarding in Carroll County. KCCI-TV reports the sheriff’s office noted in a press release Friday that the canines were found in various states of filth. The American Rescue League of Iowa is providing care after the owner voluntarily let go of the animals. The sheriff’s office found 50 goats, several horses, and other animals on the property as well. The investigation is ongoing, but several charges are likely to be filed. IOWA (IRN) – The Iowa State Patrol dedicated two bridges to fallen officers Monday. Sgt. Jim Smith and Trooper Ted Benda both died in the line of duty in 2021. It has been a long standing tradition of the Iowa State Patrol to name a bridge after a trooper has paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting Iowans.

DES MOINES (IRN) – The Iowa State Capitol was threatened on Saturday. The Iowa State Patrol received information about a threat from the United States Capitol Police made via social media. The Department of Public Safety investigated and assessed the threat and determined it to be not credible. Out of an abundance of caution, the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Iowa State Patrol swept the building and located nothing of concern. The building was cleared at 1:30 p.m. and all normal activities at the Capitol resumed shortly after. IOWA (IRN) – Those in Iowa who want to see the most out of fall colors should do so early this week. According to the Iowa DNR, the most vibrant viewing from border to border takes place this week in the fast majority of Iowa communities. This year’s show started faster due to ongoing drought, but last week’s rain for many will keep the colors on trees a bit longer. IOWA CITY (IRN) – A new NCAA women’s basketball attendance recorded was broken as the defending National Runners Up hosted a game at Kinnick Stadium Sunday. The Des Moines Register reports the Iowa Hawkeyes and reigning, unanimous player of the year Caitlin Clark welcomed more than 55,000 fans for a scrimmage against DePaul. The Crossover at Kinnick event shattered the previous national record of 29,619 for the 2002 national title game. A check of $250,000 was given to the University of Iowa’s Stead Family Children’s Hospital from event proceeds.

DES MOINES (IRN) – A Polk County jury found Bravon Tukes not guilty for his alleged role in the shooting inside Starts Right Here educational center in Des Moines, according to WHO-13. Tukes was accused of discussing the shooting with gunman Preston Walls and then giving him a ride after the shooting that killed Giovanni Dameron and Rashad Carr. NEVADA (IRN) – The mother of an infant who died in Story County this summer is now in an Iowa jail on a murder charge. KCCI-TV reports Sheyenne Shore was booked into the jail Thursday. She was charged in June but was in custody in California on unrelated charges. The medical examiner’s office confirms the baby died of multiple injuries, including many to the head. IOWA(IRN) – Alliant Energy wants to increase rates its 725,000 customers in 2024. According to the Des Moines Register, the rate hikes would range from 5 to 7.7%. Alliant electric customers would see their monthly bills climb $10 on average, while natural gas customers would see a $3 average monthly hike. Both rate hikes, if approved, would take effect in October 2024. Customers can file formal comments in opposition to the Iowa Utilities Board.

MITCHELL COUNTY (IRN) – An Iowa man died in a grain bin accident Wednesday. WHO-13 reports the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office was called to an entrapment in the afternoon west of Osage. Dennis Fischer was pronounced dead on scene despite rescue efforts. HAMPTON (IRN) – A Hampton man died in a collision with a semi truck Wednesady afternoon. The Iowa State Patrol reports Robert Dietz was traveling westbound on Highway 3 when it crossed over the center line, colliding head on with the front trailer axle of a Freightliner operated by Andrew Stansbury of Eldora. Dietz died as a result of injuries. CLARION (IRN) – A Powerball ticket purchased in Iowa was a number away from the grand prize won Wednesday. KCCI-TV reports a ticket purchased in Clarion matched four of the five main numbers and the Powerball to win a $50,000 prize. A player in California won the $1.7 billion jackpot. IOWA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Education announced that just under 19,000 Students First education savings accounts (ESAs) were approved by the Sept. 30 program close date in their opening year. The total approved applicants exceeded Legislative Services Agency estimates made this past spring of approximately 14,000 applicants. Details about ESA program participants will be available after certified school enrollment numbers are finalized in December.

DAVENPORT (IRN) – An Iowa man convicted in the killing of a 10 year old girl will spend his life in prison without parole. The Associated Press reports Henry Earl Dinkins was sentenced Wednesday for the murder of Breasia Terrell. The girls disappearance in July 2020 led to several searches. Her body was found north of Davenport in the spring of 2021. ANKENY (IRN) – An Iowa DNR officer was fired after she was accused of using a state database to screen potential dates and for a recent incident with Ankeny police. The Des Moines Register reports 41 year old Angela Jansen of Central City worked for the DNR for nearly five years. In June, a confrontation with an ex-boyfriend led to police response, and Jansen was armed at the time. She told police she had used a state database to determine the marital status of someone she was considering dating. IOWA (IRN) – Iowa is joining other states in opposition to a Massachusetts animal welfare lawsuit. KCRG-TV reports Attorney General Brenna Bird has filed a brief backing pork producers as a ballot measure in Massachusetts could impose spacing requirements for pigs, and bans the sale of pork that doesn’t comply.