SPM News

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

061419 404 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 yesterday it would close its engine-valve manufacturing factory by the end of 2020. The decision will put 184 employees out of work. The company says it would shift manufacturing from Belmond to other sites. It also has a plant in Shenandoah as well as three plants each in Nebraska and Minnesota. Eaton, based in

Iowans are at an increased risk of health effects from nitrate exposure. Researchers from the Environmental Working Group and Duke University say as many as 12,000 cancer cases each year nationwide may be linked to nitrates in drinking water. In Iowa, fertilizer and manure runoff are primary contributors to nitrate pollution. The current federal limit on nitrates in drinking water is 10 parts per million. But recent studies suggest the risk of certain cancers and birth defects increases even at

State regulators today approved wagering on college and professional sports at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Sioux City and Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort in Larchwood. Without discussion, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission approved projects requested by the Hard Rock and Grand Falls Casinos. Work is set to begin Monday on the Hard Rock project that will convert 400 square feet of existing casino space into a sportsbook. A nationwide study shows Iowans are at an increased risk of

The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is now ready to prepare for betting on college and professional sports. Today the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission approved projects requested by the Hard Rock and Grand Falls Casino in Larchwood. Work will begin Monday on the Hard Rock project that will convert 400 square feet of existing casino space into a sportsbook. Grand Falls also plans to start soon on remodeling that will free up existing space for its new sports betting area. A groundbreaking ceremony

061319 404 State regulators today approved wagering on college and professional sports at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Sioux City and Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort in Larchwood. Without discussion, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission approved projects requested by the Hard Rock and Grand Falls Casinos. Work is set to begin Monday on the Hard Rock project that will convert 400 square feet of existing casino space into a sportsbook. Grand Falls also plans to start soon on remodeling

Attorneys for the state of South Dakota and the American Civil Liberties Union appeared before a federal judge today to argue their positions on a new law that aims to prevent disruptive demonstrations. The ACLU is suing Gov. Kristi Noem and others saying the new law — which was enacted in anticipation of the Keystone XL pipeline blocks protected speech. Supporters of the legislation sought to head off protests of the Keystone XL like those mounted against the Dakota Access oil pipeline in North