SPM News

011720 304 A winter storm dropping several inches of snow and sleet and also bringing in high winds lead to cancellations of classes, activities, and services across Iowa today. Half of the flights from the Des Moines International Airport, where more than 4 inches of snow fell by midday Friday, were canceled or delayed. More cancellations were likely as the National Weather Service issued winter weather and storm advisories for most of the state. The northwestern corner of Iowa, including Sioux

Authorities in Iowa had to round up more than 1,700 piglets after a semi-trailer overturned on a freeway just north of Des Moines. The crash happened Thursday afternoon when the truck and trailer overturned on a ramp to Interstate 35. Iowa State Patrol troopers had to close the ramp at times as crews worked to capture and unload hundreds of pigs. The Iowa Department of Public Safety said in a tweet, “authorities working to corral and transport 1,738 piglets!"

The Iowa Caucuses are two weeks away and for some the process can be a bit intimidating. Northwestern College in Orange City is hosting an event for people new to caucuses. Siouxland Public Media’s Sheila Brummer talked to one of the organizers, Noah Karmann, who is the co-chairperson of the Northwestern College Democrats. The 21-year-old political science and history major talks about the partisan nature of politics and how young people are becoming more engaged in the election process. The

The U.S. Senate ratified the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement today, cementing a major new trade deal that’s been years in the making. Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says this is a vital pact with our neighbors to the north and south and promises a tremendous boost for the Iowa economy. Iowa is the nation’s number-one pork producer, and in 2018, Canada and Mexico bought more than 40-percent of all U.S. pork exports. Iowa is also the country’s number-one egg producer and the USMCA will raise U.S.

011620 404 A resolution that declares there is no right to an abortion was introduced today by Iowa Republican legislative leaders. It’s a move in the first week of the session guaranteed to prompt heated debate. The proposed constitutional amendment is a response to a 2018 Iowa Supreme Court ruling striking down a law requiring a 72-hour waiting period for women seeking an abortion. In that ruling, the court said the state constitution guarantees women the freedom to make their own health

011620 Noon Woodbury County residents will head to the polls March 3rd for a bond referendum to build a new law enforcement center and jail. The board of supervisors has joined the city of Sioux City in signing off on that date. Now the city, the county and a joint jail authority they've created will launch a public information campaign. Chair Matthew Ung says people can bring their questions or concerns about the new jail to any board meeting and the supervisors will do their best to answer

This week on The Exchange, we hear from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Nebraska Governor Pete Rickets and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as they deliver their legislative agendas for 2020 sessions. Each of the Republican governors focused on a need to bolster the economic conditions of their state. In the run-up to the February 3rd caucuses, we talk with a student from Northwestern College in Orange City, who is holding a mock caucus to educate those who have never taken part in Iowa's

01.15.20 404 Governor Pete Rickets, said Nebraskans showed the world what it truly means to be Nebraska Strong, in his State of the State address this morning in Lincoln. RICKETTS #1 - TRT: 14 “Nebraskans not only rescued stranded neighbors, but they also sandbagged levees, donated hay and supplies, delivered hot meals, and raised money for those who had lost everything.” A federal report released today says Nebraska suffered more than $3.4 billion in losses from disastrous weather last year

011420 504 Republican Governor Kim Reynolds is proposing raising the state sales tax and cutting income taxes as one of her legislative priorities for 2020. Reynolds announced the plan today in her condition of the state address “These investments will not only aid our conservation efforts, they will improve our quality of life and help us retain and recruit a new generation of Iowans.” Three-eighths of the one-cent sales tax increase would go to a water quality and natural resources trust fund,

011420 404 In her condition of the State address this morning, Iowa Gov Kim Reynolds is asking lawmakers to consider increasing the state sales tax by 1 cent to fund increased spending on water quality, the environment, and mental health care programs. To offset the tax increase she's proposing an income tax cut of 10% and a property tax cut. She would also like to raise the limit for the childcare tax credit from 45 thousand to 90 thousand dollars, and she will ask for unique childcare ideas.