DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health on Thursday released new statistics on COVID-19 in the state. The IDPH reported six deaths and 176 new COVID-19 cases. That brings the statewide total to 3,924 positive cases and 96 deaths.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Iowa Workforce Development released new unemployment figures Thursday amid the COVID-19 outbreak. IWD reports the number of initial claims in Iowa, filed between April 12 and April 18, was 27,912. Most job losses are in manufacturing and health care.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Des Moines Police Department and the Iowa Department of Human Services say fewer child abuse reports are coming in and it’s concerning. KCCI-TV reports in Des Moines, the number of calls for a child in need of assistance is down more than 60% compared to this time last year. Police say since kids aren’t going to schools, teachers and staff aren’t seeing them, and reporting abuse.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – While colleges and universities across the country have closed their campuses and moved to virtual classrooms, many students are having to pay for apartments they aren’t using anymore. KCRG-TV reports many out of state students have returned home, and are stuck in leases for apartments they aren’t using. In Iowa City, the Iowa City Tenants Union says there isn’t any legal recourse to help the students.

MASON CITY, IA (IRN) – Pandemic or not, the June 2 primary elections in Iowa are still going on as scheduled, so organizers are finding ways to keep people safe and healthy, while still protecting the right to vote. Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate is encouraging Iowans to vote in the June primary through absentee ballots, as a way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Absentee voting begins today.