SPM News

A weekly COVID-19 trend report shows higher hospitalizations at Sioux City’s two major medical facilities. The number of deaths due to complications of the virus increased by six for a total of 239 in Woodbury County since the start of the Pandemic. There were 506 new cases added in a week, down 35 from the week before. Forty-five percent of Woodbury County residents are fully vaccinated that was an increase of .5% or 500 more people. When it comes to hospitalizations there were 42 patients who

A federal judge has extended his order blocking enforcement of a state law against school mask mandates. U.S. District Court Judge Robert Pratt first ruled two weeks ago that schools must be able to require masks so that medically vulnerable students have equal access to in-person learning. According to the plaintiffs in the case, at least 24 school districts have issued some form of mask mandate since the order took effect. The state argued against an extension and shared testimony from parents

The Alley Art Festival takes place this weekend in downtown Sioux City, organizer Brent Stockton talks to Siouxland Public Media about the event and some new aspects this year.

Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley says he will seek an eighth term in 2022. The 88-year-old announced his reelection plans this morning on Twitter. “Hey, there I am running for reelection. It’s the right thing to do for Iowa." Grassley has been in the Senate for 40 years and is the longest-serving Republican senator. The announcement was welcomed by Republicans and gives them more confidence in holding the seat as they fight to overtake Democrats' one-vote margin in the Senate. Grassley waited

COVID-19 safety in schools was the focus of a news conference that took place this afternoon in front of the Sioux City Public Museum. The event was organized by several local advocacy groups, including the Siouxland COVID Safety Alliance. Speakers included a doctor with the Siouxland Community Health Center, concerned teachers, citizens, and the Vice President of the Sioux City Community School Board Monique Scarlett. “Mask all to save all. Mask up to stand up.” Scarlette has been a supporter

State health officials are reporting more than 12 thousand new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the past week as the spread of the virus remains high across Iowa. More than a quarter of the new cases are reported to be in children 17 and under. And 81 additional Iowans have been confirmed to have died from COVID-19 in the past week. This brings the total death count to 6,482. The state is reporting 638 Iowans are currently hospitalized with the virus. That’s the high number of

A 21 year old student at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids has died of COVID-19. According to the school, Ashley Hudson was studying education and was an aspiring kindergarten teacher. Mount Mercy held a vigil for the student last night. Social media posts indicate Hudson had been hospitalized and fighting the disease for weeks. State data shows that 6,401 Iowans have died of COVID. Sixty-five percent of Iowans aged 18 and older have been fully vaccinated . Floyd Valley Healthcare in Le

T he corner of 13th and Pierce is just like any other Sioux City block , but for more than 200 people, the unassuming building is the difference between going to bed hungry or not. Outside of a twice-a-month food pantry , the Midtown Family Community Center also promises a free meal to an yone who walk s up to its door — just look for the sign . COVID-19 forced many businesses to close or reduce hours , but food distribution sites like Midtown Family Community Center experienced a jump in

The lawyer representing Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds in a federal lawsuit over mandatory mask use in schools has asked the judge to allow a temporary order that has allowed schools to implement mask mandates to expire next week. In its documents made public Monday, the state cited testimonials from mothers of school-age children who make unproven assertions that masks can harm children. The state provided testimonials from three women who said their children have medical issues that makes mask wearing

This week on The Exchange, we review some of Siouxland's most important events. One was the rejection of a mask mandate by the Sioux City School Board. The other event was the groundbreaking on the new Woodbury County Law Enforcement Center. We also look forward to changes coming for cities and higher education as we, hopefully, emerge from the coronavirus pandemic in the next few years. And, we get a up-close look at food insecurity in Siouxland. As the schools of Siouxland become more divers,