DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced that the state will not participate in the 2024 Summer EBT program. The program provided children who were eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, an EBT card that would allow them to purchase approximately $40 of food per month during the summer. Governor Reynolds and HHS Director Kelly Garcia both cited a lack of focus on “strong nutrition” in the decision to not have the program. According to the state, the program would have cost an estimated $2.2 million.
MARION, Iowa (KCRG) – The Marion Public Library sees visitors of all ages, but staff say they’re seeing evidence of a national trend. A new study from the American Library Association shows younger generations are getting excited about public libraries. “There was a worry at one point that libraries were dwindling or not being utilized as much, but I think especially in our space, we’re seeing that revitalization,” says Marion Public Library Patron Services Manager Bob Reynolds. The study says more than half of Gen Z and Millenials visited a physical library in the past year. It also says despite growing up in an increasingly digital environment, Gen Z, identified as ages 13-25, prefer print books, and read an average of 2 each month. But it’s not just books bringing younger generations through the doors. “We’ve really refocused what library is we’re moving more towards what a Community Center would be,” says Reynolds. “Programming events, we have a maker space, a recording studio and much, much more to offer.”
IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – The Iowa City Fire Department responded to a fire on Friday on G St. Crews received the call at 7:49 p.m. and arrived within four minutes of being dispatched. When they arrived, they encountered smoke and an active fire in the basement of the home. The home sustained smoke and fire damage estimated at $40,000. There were no reported injuries to the occupants or firefighters. The occupants have been displaced from the home and are being assisted by the American Red Cross. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
JONES COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) – At approximately 6:48 a.m. Friday, emergency crews responded to the area of Highway 151 and Shaw Rd. for a report of a crash. Investigators say a 2014 Chevy Malibu was merging onto Highway 151 Northbound from Shaw Rd. when it was struck by a 2011 Ford F250. Officials say one person was killed in the incident with two others taken to nearby hospitals for treatment of their injuries.
