Siouxland Public Media News

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.

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. 

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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.

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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.

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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."

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Nearly 200 people will lose their jobs at a factory in northern Iowa that announced plans to close next year.

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 lower levels.

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. 

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.