DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Drought conditions continue to worsen in Iowa as the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report shows nearly the entire state is dry. A swath of the state from the Nebraska border to the edge of Polk County is in extreme drought, accounting for nearly 15% of Iowa. The U.S. Drought Monitor lists 37% of the state in severe drought, with more than 99% in at least moderate drought conditions. Less than 1% of the state, a portion of Winnebago and Worth counties along the Minnesota border, is excluded from drought conditions.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (IRN) – Republican Sen. Joni Ernst has suggested government statistics on coronavirus infections and deaths have been inflated. Experts disagree, saying new data suggests that the toll is probably significantly higher than the official count, and that Ernst is repeating a discredited conspiracy theory.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – Cedar Rapids Mayor Brad Hart signed an emergency proclamation Wednesday requiring face masks be worn in public as a measure to curb the spread of the coronavirus as Iowa is among the states leading the nation in the number of cases per capita. Cedar Rapids joins five other Iowa cities with mask mandates — Des Moines, Iowa City, Dubuque, Mount Vernon and Muscatine — as municipalities push back on state officials’ stances that local governments lack the legal authority to issue such mandates.

BOONE, IA (IRN) – Boone County’s top doctor said he’s worried a massive racing event planned for next week could create a COVID-19 catastrophe in the area. Dr. Brian Mehlhaus is talking about the International Motor Contest Association Super Nationals. The annual racing event starts next week at the Boone Speedway. Last year’s event brought in more than 800 drivers from 26 states, Canada and Australia. He fears it will become a superspreader event.

AMES, IA (IRN) – Two days after announcing that 25,000 fans would be allowed into Jack Trice Stadium for the Cyclones home football opener next weekend, ISU now says the game will be played with no fans in attendance. Officials say the decision was overturned because of negative feedback from the community.