IOWA (IRN) – Governor Kim Reynolds announced further openings and lifting COVID-19 related restrictions on Wednesday. She stated this Friday movie theaters, zoos, aquariums, museums, and wedding reception venues will be allowed to reopen with appropriate public health measures including social distancing and increased sanitizing practices. Starting May 28th bars and other establishments that serve alcohol will be permitted to open for indoor or outdoor seating at 50% capacity. And Iowa’s High Schools will be permitted to have softball and baseball compeition this summer.
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – A Des Moines woman accused of intentionally hurting two children because of their race in hit-and-run crashes has been determined competent to stand trial. Nicole Poole is charged with attempted murder after police say she intentionally ran over a Hispanic girl and black boy near Des Moines-area schools last December. She is also charged in connection with an outburst at a convenience store in West Des Moines on the same day.
IOWA (IRN) – According to the state’s dashboard as of 10 a.m. Wednesday, there are 12 more COVID-19 deaths along with 237 more cases since 10 a.m. Tuesday. This brings Iowa’s total to 15,533 confirmed cases with a death toll of 381.
IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – A University of Iowa professor with almost four decades of experience studying coronaviruses says people can get out and enjoy the long weekend for Memorial Day – but they need to continue to “respect the virus.” Dr. Stanley Perlman says, “I don’t think anybody would say we have to wait until there’s no more cases for two weeks and then do things.”
CORALVILLE, IA (IRN) – Healthcare workers are on the front lines of battling COVID-19 and many people are finding ways to show their appreciation. KCRG-TV reports every night, the residents of Vintage Cooperative in Coralville make their way to the balcony. They bang on pots and pans to show their support for everything health care workers are doing. Residents say they will keep doing it until the pandemic is over.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Des Moines Public Schools confirmed it will move forward with plans for the multimillion-dollar DMPS Community Stadium at Drake University. The athletic facility will serve as a home field for high school and middle school football teams. The Drake Bulldogs soccer teams would also use the field. The stadium is estimated to cost $19.5 million.