SPM News

Leaders of national and Nebraska teachers unions are pushing back on critics of critical race theory and defending curriculum based on it. They accuse opponents of trying to prevent teaching kids the truth about racism in America. The National Education Association adopted a statement of support for CRT at a nationwide virtual gathering of teachers that included more than 80 Nebraska representatives. State Democrats are calling on Governor Kim Reynolds to fill the vacant seats on the Iowa State

304 News 072621 State Democrats are calling on Gov. Kim Reynolds to fill the vacant seats on the Iowa State Board of Public Health. The bipartisan board oversees state health department policy and advises the governor on public health issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic. But it was unable to meet earlier this month as seven of its eleven seats are vacant. The next few weeks could be key in the direction of Iowa’s drought, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The Iowa DNR’s

Sioux City is transforming into an oasis for local artists. Later this afternoon a grand opening takes place for Art SUX one of the venues taking part in Siouxland Public Media's "Art Walk". Local artist and member of the Art SUX Gallery Betty Skewis-Arnett chats with Siouxland Public Media’s Sheila Brummer on the emerging art scene in Siouxland.

Iowa Democrat Abby Finkenauer is running for Republican Chuck Grassley’s U.S. Senate seat. The one-term former congresswoman hopes her blue-collar credentials will propel her forward in a state that has grown more conservative over the years. The 32-year-old offers a stark contrast to the 87-year-old Grassley, who was elected to his first Senate term eight years before Finkenauer was born. Despite losing her House seat in 2020 after one term, Finkenauer remains a youthful prospect in the Iowa

The week on The Exchange, we tell stories of people and groups who have searched from their place in the world and found it. But first, we preview RAGBRAI as it returns to the road after being sidelined last year by the coronavirus pandemic. This year, the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa begins in Le Mars. We talk with one of the local organizers. Mitch Christoffel helps chair the local committee. Sioux City native Tim Lennon has spent several years fighting for the Roman Catholic

The first-degree murder trial of 36-year-old Roderick Banks started Wednesday in Woodbury County District Court. Banks is accused of the shooting death of Solomon Blackbird near 26 th and Douglas late last year. Authorities say the motive for the shooting might be related to a drug deal between two men. Banks was arrested in Alabama and sent back to Sioux City for trial. The average daily number of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases in Iowa is up 50% from two weeks ago, and up almost 67% from one

Local health officials are making a push for more people 12-years and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Siouxland District Health says cases are going up around the country, especially in areas with lower vaccination rates. A post on social media says the vaccine is free and easily available in Siouxland. People can call their local health departments, pharmacies, or doctors to set up an appointment. Meanwhile, UnityPoint Health in Des Moines reports 95% to 99% of their COVID-19 patients

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem announces the state finished the last fiscal year with an $86 million surplus. The Republican governor says tax revenue hit a 30-year high and finished $62 million over what was estimated. The state also spent about $24 million less than what was budgeted for the fiscal year that ended on June 30. Noem credits the state’s “respect for freedom and our continued emphasis on fiscal responsibility” for the financial windfall. Federal coronavirus relief funds sent both

304 News Republican US Senator Joni Ernst stopped in Northwest Iowa today to meet with law enforcement officials. Ernst toured the Le Mars law enforcement center and talked with officers about increasing crime and a lack of resources to deal with it. Ernst said there has been more violence in nearby large cities in Minnesota and Illinois, and it is now spreading to Iowa. “Communities surrounding Iowa like a spike in crime in Chicago, a spike in crime in Rochester, all of that is bleeding into

Some high profile Republicans who may run for president are in Des Moines today (Friday) where they’ll speak at a gathering of Christian conservatives. Two members of the Trump White House will address The Family Leader’s annual Leadership Summit: former Vice President Mike Pence and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem will also be there. Family Leader president Bob Vander Plaats told Iowa PBS that those three potential GOP candidates were invited because