The article features a humorous exchange between a cat named Willie and his owner about political opinions, especially regarding Donald Trump and his running mate, J.D. Vance. Through their dialogue, Willie articulates strong views on Trump’s character and the nature of his supporters, likening them to enablers of addiction. Continue reading Siouxland childless cat dude interviews cat about Tuesday’s election
In the past month, the North Sioux City Council has struggled to adopt a Code of Conduct and Ethics, with councilors expressing reluctance and sidestepping accountability. Despite having ample time for review, no one member raised concerns, leading to a stalled discussion and eventual rejection of essential governance rules, reflecting a failure in leadership. Continue reading NSC City Council terrorized by mean ol’ Code of Conduct and Ethics
More than 50 Iowa nursing homes owe nearly $14 million in unpaid fees related to Medicaid. Payment plans have been established for most, with debts expected to be cleared by September 2025. Major debtors include Accura Healthcare and Pacifica Health Services, both under scrutiny for financial violations affecting operations. Continue reading More than 50 Iowa nursing homes have agreed to repay taxpayers $13.9 million
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s troop deployments to the southern border have incurred an additional $42,000 cost to settle a lawsuit by the watchdog group CREW, which sought documents regarding deployment funding. The state spent nearly $500,000 beyond an initial $1 million donation to fund the operations, raising ethical concerns. Continue reading $42,000 lawsuit settlement adds to costs of Noem-ordered border deployments
Public health advocates are calling for a federal ban on paraquat dichloride, a toxic herbicide linked to Parkinson’s disease and other severe health issues. The EPA will decide in January 2025 whether to renew the herbicide’s license. Farmworkers emphasize the need for safer agricultural practices to protect public health. Continue reading Health and farmworker advocates urge ban of herbicide linked to Parkinson’s
Election offices in Iowa and at least four other states were evacuated due to suspicious parcels containing a white powder, prompting a response from authorities. While tests revealed these substances were nonhazardous, the incidents reflect an ongoing issue of intimidation towards election officials, echoing similar threats from the previous year. Continue reading Iowa’s election officials are among those targeted with ‘suspicious’ parcels
Iowa’s Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg resigned to prioritize family, praised by Gov. Reynolds and Iowa AG Bird. Reynolds to appoint replacement. Graduated from Central College and Drake University Law School. Previously ran for Attorney General of Iowa and served as Iowa State Public Defender. Married to Cari, with two children. Resignation effective September 3, 2024. Continue reading Iowa Lt. Governor Adam Gregg is leaving his position to focus on family
The South Dakota Supreme Court ruled that Summit Carbon Solutions has not proven its right to take private land for its carbon-capture pipeline project. The company plans to appeal, claiming it qualifies as a common carrier. Landowners and lawmakers see the ruling as a victory, anticipating further legal battles over the project’s impact. Continue reading Court ruling complicates carbon pipeline company’s push for land
A majority of the 300 overdose deaths in Iowa in 2022 involved fentanyl. Activists are pushing for the legalization of fentanyl test strips to prevent accidental overdoses. Despite concerns, supporters believe these strips can save lives and provide valuable information about drug supply. Legalization faces resistance due to stigma and fear of enabling drug use. Continue reading As fentanyl ravages Iowa, activists push for the legalization of fentanyl test strips
Iowans using wheelchairs through the state Medicaid program will no longer need a prescription and in-person doctor visit for repairs, after advocacy by State Rep. Josh Turek prompted a policy change. These delays caused by the prescription requirement kept some Iowans with disabilities homebound for significant periods. Turek also plans to advocate for faster repair authorization processes in the future. Continue reading State lifts prescription requirement for wheelchair repair through Medicaid
The Siouxland Observer 