The first official summer weekend will be a soggy one for most of Iowa. Potential heavy rain will be mixed with severe weather over the next few days. In Siouxland, scattered thunderstorms are possible tonight with hail and winds up to 40 miles per hour. The National Weather Service says the most severe weather could strike parts of southern Iowa. Three years after South Dakota lawmakers changed the state's education funding formula to boost teacher pay, school leaderes say the new system isn't

The Sioux City Community School District’s music program just hit a high note after a major announcement from a famous performer. Barry Manilow delivered an important message for students across the country and here locally. “In second place, Sioux City School District from Sioux City, Iowa. They get $20,000 for school instruments.” “Fantastic!” The Sioux City School District entered a video in a competition with the Barry Manilow Music Project. First place receiving $100,000. The submission

Representative Steve King took to the house floor today in Washington to try and persuade other members of congress to approve funding to help fight substance abuse in Siouxland. He added a proposal to a potential funding bill that would help pay for drug and alcohol treatment services for Native Americans. King also honored the memory of community leader Frank LaMere who died this week of cancer. “The lead on this effort has been Mr. Frank LaMere. He has been a statesman for the Winnebago for

Iowa has received one of the top rankings for child well-being in country. That’s according to the annual Kids Count report released this week by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Statewide, the survey shows improvement in just about every category. Iowa was ranked third overall in the U.S. The report shows rates in Iowa for kids who live in poverty dropped significantly since 2010 and are above national averages. However, in Woodbury County there is an increase of children living in poverty. It’s

Funeral services take place tomorrow for community activist and democratic party leader Frank LaMere. LaMere died over the weekend after a battle with cancer. LaMere struck up an unusual alliance with Republican Congressman Steve King of Iowa. The two worked on a plan to battle homelessness and substance abuse among native Americans in Northwest Iowa. On Twitter Congressman King says “Siouxland mourns the passing of Frank LaMere atrong leader and advocate for Winnebagos and all Native Americans.

Native American activist and Democratic party leader Frank LaMere has died. A post on Facebook said he passed away last night in Omaha. LaMere recently underwent surgery for bile duct cancer. LaMere was a champion for the less fortunate in the region. Most recently he worked to help the homeless and people battling with addiction in the area and spoke to Siouxland Public media about his mission at a special summit that took place in Sioux City in April. LaMere was 69 years old.

On June 14, 2019 the Morningside Branch of the Sioux City Public Library System held a grand opening and ribbon cutting to celebrate a long-awaited renovation. About 100 people showed up to take a look at the updated library. The Morningside branch library features a children's area, an expanded area for private computer use, new lighting, shelving and seating. Siouxland Public Media's Mary Hartnett broadcasted "The Exchange" live during the Grand Opening. She was joined by historian Tom Munson

061419 532 Former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad was questioned on the witness stand in a crowded Polk County courtroom today (Friday). Branstad was asked why he called for Workers’ Compensation Commissioner Chris Godfrey to resign after taking office in 2011. Godfrey claims it was because he is gay, but Branstad disputed that saying he supports advances in gay rights. Godfrey’s attorney, Paige Fiedler (FID-ler), asked Branstad about his actions as governor. "Have you ever attended any gay pride

061419 504 Time is running out for Nebraska and Iowa homeowners, renters and business owners to apply for federal aid to recover from this spring's flooding. Wednesday's the Nebraska deadline for individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The Iowa deadline is July 1. Nearly 200 people will lose their jobs at a factory in northern Iowa that announced plans to close next year. The Mason City Globe Gazette reports that Eaton Corp. announced Thursday it would close its

061419 432 Two psychiatric experts testifying in a lawsuit against the Iowa Human Services Department said the use of isolation and restraints at the state school for delinquent boys can cause them long-lasting psychological harm. Psychologist Andrea Weisman testified in U.S. District Court in Des Moines that a Velcro and leather contraption called "the wrap" used to restrain boys at the State Training School for Boys in Eldora is "akin to a torture device." But state officials testified that