SPM News

COVID-19 rates and hospitalizations continue to fall throughout a large portion of the state of Iowa. The Iowa Department of Public Health on Monday added no new deaths due to complications of the illness with around 30 new cases. There have been 6,114 deaths during the pandemic. Almost one-and-a-half million are fully vaccinated. Hospitalization have fallen to 54 patients, that is the lowest since the end of March 2020. The 14-day positivity rate is 2% statewide, and the seven-day positivity

Nebraska and South Dakota closed state offices today to honor the new Federal Juneteenth Holiday. However, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has not said anything about Juneteenth. The state started recognizing the holiday in 2002, however, state workers do not get a paid day off. However, Reynolds did sign a pro-police measure into law yesterday. It includes heightened criminal penalties for certain protest activities. Democratic candidate for Governor, Ras Smith of Waterloo gained prominence by

Rib Fest takes place in Sioux City on Saturday, June 19 th . This year's event supporting Camp High Hopes in Sioux City features one the top pitmasters in the world. Sterling “Big Poppa” Ball talked to Siouxland Public Media from his home in California about his career and life outside of BBQ. See Sterling “Big Poppa” Ball in action at Rib Fest for Camp High Hopes Saturday, June 19 th from noon until 3 p.m. at Battery Park at Hard Rock in Sioux City.

About three-fourths of Iowa is gripped in either moderate or severe drought conditions, according to a national report released this week. The conditions make many homeowners look with despair at their browning lawns. However, a horticulture profressor at Iowa State University says it is time to quit worrying about having the best lawn on the block. Adam Thoms, says your if your lawn is already turning brown, just let it go. “You know as they are brown up top, the growth point or the crown of

Sioux City native Shelby Houlihan yesterday received some bad news. It looks like she now has very little chance of competing at the U.S. Olympic trials today. Her chances diminished sharply late yesterday when the country's Olympic committee said it would follow all antidoping rules, and USA Track and Field received long-awaited official notice of her suspension. Earlier this week, the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld Houlihan's four-year ban for testing positive for trace

Ras Smith who is running as a Democrat for Iowa Governor says current Governor Kim Reynolds needs to work for the people. The 33-year-old, three-term state representative from Waterloo visited Sioux City last night. Smith gained prominence by helping broker a police accountability law that passed unanimously after the murder of George Floyd. Since then, he has been critical of priorities passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature, including the new “Back the Blue” bill signed into law by

Banned runner and Sioux City native Shelby Houlihan is in the lineup and will be allowed to run at U.S. Olympic track trials while any appeals she files are pending. The American record holder at 1,500 and 5,000 meters, Houlihan is on the start list for Friday’s preliminaries at both distances. Though those list were initially produced before word of her four-year doping ban went public, USA Track and Field said there were no plans to take her off. Earlier this week, the Court of Arbitration for

Iowa. Gov. Kim Reynolds has signed into law a tax bill that requires the state to take over funding of mental health care services, removing them from local property taxes. The measure that became law Wednesday also phases out the state inheritance tax by 2025 and allows income tax cuts approved three years ago to begin in January 2023. It also eliminates state funding to cities, counties and schools intended to restore lost money from a previous commercial property tax cut approved by lawmakers

On Tuesday night, June 15th, the Sioux City Human Rights Commission will host an event called “Strengthening and Improving Community Relationships” with local law enforcement officials. The gathering will highlight de-escalation techniques in stressful situations. Karen Mackey, the Executive Director of the Human Rights Commission will moderate the event along with staff member Flora Lee. Mackey provided a preview for the free, public event.

The Neighborhood Network held outreach events at Sioux City’s three pools on Monday night. Families enjoyed free swimming, food, and met with members of the Sioux City Police Department. The event is normally held in January at the Long Lines Rec Center but was postponed and reimagined due to COVID. The Iowa Department of Public Health reported no new deaths due to complications of COVID-19 in the past 24-hours and 110 new cases. The 14-day positivity rate is is 1.9%, the same as it was the