Audiography
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Advocacy and Mutual (Afr)aid
How Iowa City's immigrant advocacy groups are splintering and expanding
Created for UIowa’s Multimedia Production for Publication course, May 2026
Across the country, immigration enforcement has invaded communities and sparked intense protests.
In just six months, ICE’s deportation rate has increased more than fivefold. The rate for those without any previous convictions skyrocketed to more than eight times its previous rate.
Nationally, immigrant advocacy and support groups are feeling the pressure of ICE’s presence. In Iowa City, that pressure has affected how immigrant support groups work–and how visible they choose to be.
KRUI Broadcasts
Written and aired for UIowa’s Newscast Production course, February 2026
February 5th, 2026
Written and read with Grace Lathrop
February 10th, 2026
Written and read with Eli Roberts
A Class War Disguised as a Culture War
The State of Libraries with Sam Helmick, ALA President-Elect
Created for UIowa’s Multimedia Storytelling course, April 4, 2025
Across the country, it seems that the storm of controversy surrounding libraries is only growing more volatile. From book bans to funding cuts, there have been increasingly aggressive attacks on the institutions. In Iowa, the 2025 legislative session has been marked by numerous library bills–some passed, many defeated, and several on the floor now.
With no indication that the legislators will slow down any time soon, librarians and the communities they serve are left fearful and confused as to what this controversy has grown from and where it’s headed.
Sam Helmick has been elected the president of the American Library Association and will take office in June. Currently serving as Community & Access Coordinator to the Iowa City Public Library, Helmick has over a decade of experience in Iowa libraries.