Latest news with #SiouxCityHumanRightsCommission
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Siouxland Multicultural Fair kicks off for it's final year
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) – Thousands of people gathered in downtown Sioux City for what may be the last Siouxland Mulitcultural Fair. The 34 annual event kicked off at the Convention Center. While there folks could walk around and check out the 80 booths set up by different organizations, enjoy some free entertainment, and eat a variety of food. The multicultural fair celebrates Siouxlands diverse community and officials say this year they saw more than 3,000 people attend. 'I think people want to come out and celebrate diversity. We've had so much adversity at the national level and people being negative. This is a day of positivity,' said Karen Mackey, with the Sioux City Human Rights Commission. Due to the Sioux City City Council lowering this year's funding for the human rights commission, officials are unsure if there will be another multi-cultural fair next year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
What you need to know before you go: March 7, 2025
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — Here are the top headlines from this morning. Iowa state lawmakers are considering more changes to the property tax system. Iowa Republicans release bill that looks to overhaul property tax system Sioux City property owners have a chance to weigh in on a proposed property tax increase for fiscal year 2026. Sioux City property tax hike expected next year One person is losing their job following budget cuts to Sioux City's Human Rights Commission. Sioux City Human Rights Commission feeling effects of budget cut Check out these headlines and more in the video above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Potential impacts for Siouxland farmers as new tariffs take effect
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — The Trump administration's new tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as well as increased tariffs on China, could soon have an impact on the agricultural industry here in Siouxland. The new and increased tariffs took effect early Tuesday morning. Imports from Canada and Mexico will now be taxed at 25%, with Canadian energy products subject to 10% import duties. Meanwhile, the 10% tariff that Trump placed on Chinese imports in February has been doubled to 20%. Residents voice concerns about Sioux City Human Rights Commission budget cut The tariffs are expected to have impacts across a wide range of consumer products, everything from fresh produce to toys and car parts. However, there could be significant impacts for farmers in particular, including right here in Siouxland. The U.S. imports more than 90% of the potash used for fertilizer, and more than 80% of those imports come from Canada, according to a February report from the University of Illinois. We shouldn't expect domestic production to be able to meet demand right away, either. The same report indicates the U.S. was responsible for less than one percent of global potash production in 2023. Right now, potash costs average around $450 a ton, according to the most recent Iowa Production Cost Report from the USDA. Under the 25% tariff on Canadian goods, that could send prices up by more than $100 a ton. However, farm-related products entering the U.S. aren't the only place we could see impacts on Siouxland's agricultural industry. Candidates announced for North Sioux City government election Soon after the increased tariffs were announced, China responded with extra tariffs on major American farm exports. Those include an additional 10% on soybeans, pork and beef, as well as 15% on corn and chicken entering China from the U.S., among others. The retaliatory tariffs are currently set to take effect on March 10. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Residents voice concerns about Sioux City Human Rights Commission budget cut
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — In February, Sioux City's city council voted to reduce the Sioux City Human Rights Commission's budget by $140,000, a cut of about 40 percent. On Monday, that decision was questioned repeatedly by the public. Council members pointed to recent tax law changes passed by the Iowa Legislature, decreasing the amount of money funneled from the state to cities. According to council member Alex Watters, it was a more than $3 million hit. However, that did little to subdue the concerns of those supporting the commission. Iowa House committee unanimously advances bill requiring feminine hygiene products in public schools 'This budget cut is not just a line item. It's a direct attack on the most vulnerable members of our community,' said Shannon Kennedy, a citizen in opposition to the budget cuts. 'It sends a clear message that Sioux City does not prioritize human rights and equality.' 'Cutting funding for human rights is just irresponsible,' concerned citizen Gary Lewis said. 'We're going to start getting hit with all sorts of things, and I understand you have to go, but this is really important.' The vote to cut the Human Rights Commission's budget in February was three to two. Council member Alex Watters was one of the three yes votes approving the cut. Nonetheless, he said he is a supporter of the commission, at one time pushing to upgrade a part-time administrative secretary position in the department to a full-time. Okoboji Middle School teacher receives regional 2025 Iowa STEM Teacher Award 'I understand the work they are doing. But I also understand the budget constraints, and things change,' Watters said. 'The state ripped away $3.3 million this year.' The city must certify its next fiscal budget by April 30. Council members also approved a second reading of an ordinance that will raise garbage rates by an average of 38 cents. The biggest change comes with the 95-gallon: a 53-cent hike up to $18.38. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
What you need to know before you go: February 28, 2025
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — Here are the top headlines from this morning. A bill that would remove gender identity from Iowa's Civil Rights Act is on the way to Governor Kim Reynolds' desk. Iowa gives final approval to a bill removing gender identity protections despite massive protests The Sioux City Human Rights Commission faces a financial shortfall for the next fiscal year. Sioux City Human Rights Commission facing financial shortfall for next fiscal year The Department of Government Efficiency appears to have two Sioux City-based federal offices on the chopping block. DOGE targets Sioux City IRS and U.S. Attorney offices A new police chief will soon be on the job in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. Sergeant Bluff Police Department hires new chief Check out these headlines and more in the video player above. Don't forget to catch the Oscars on KCAU 9 at 5:30 P.M. on Sunday! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
