DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health on Monday reported 406 new coronavirus cases and three additional deaths. As of 10 a.m. Monday there have been 1,221 deaths since the pandemic began.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (IRN) – Former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad is stepping down from his post as U.S. Ambassador to China. Branstad leaves his post days after he upset the Chinese Government with an op-ed he wrote. In the op-ed Branstad said China must offer more freedoms and dialogue with citizens. People’s Daily, the state-run newspaper that rejected the op-ed, accused him of a Cold War mentality and ideological prejudice.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Police say a Des Moines man attempted to dispose of his wife’s body after killing her. Datron Simmons, 32, allegedly killed his wife, Connie Simmons, 50, on Sept. 6 at their residence in Des Moines. Authorities said he then attempted to conceal the murder by disposing of her body in a wooded area.

GRINNELL, IA (IRN) – A petition has been started by Grinnell College alumni to change the pioneer mascot due to its controversial background. The petition had 749 signatures from students, faculty and alumni as of Sept. 1. According to a report, the purpose behind the petition was to change the mascot due to its association with colonialism as well as the history of genocide in America toward indigenous people.

IOWA (IRN) – Big Ten university presidents met Sunday to hear a presentation about playing a fall football season after all — maybe as soon as late October — amid pressure to kick off from parents, players, coaches and the president. There is no timetable for an announcement.