IOWA (IRN) – Iowa has reported nearly 20,000 positive COVID-19 tests just this week. The state surpassed 170,000 confirmed coronavirus cases today, just five days after reaching 150,000 positive tests. At 10 a.m., the state was reporting 1,928 COVID-19-related deaths, an increase of 30 deaths since the state’s tally at 10 a.m. yesterday.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – Only 47 votes are the difference in Iowa’s Second Congressional District, and it may be weeks before we know who won. Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks declared victory with the latest count, but the race is far from final. A recount is expected and Secretaryof State Paul Pate has until November 30 to certify a winner. Miller-Meeks holds a narrow lead over Democrat Rita Hart, which has flipped twice during recounts and canvassing. After Miller-Meeks led on election night, a reporting error in Jasper County swung the count to Hart’s favor. A counting error in Lucas County swung it back to Miller-Meeks.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – State Sen. Janet Peterson said she won’t seek reelection as Senate minority leader. Peterson was the first woman to be elected to lead Senate Democrats in 2017. On Sunday, Senate Democrats will meet to select caucus leaders for the upcoming legislative session. Republicans hold large majorities in the state Senate and state House.

BELMOND, IA (IRN) – The Belmond-Klemme Community School District is mourning the loss of a beloved teacher. Jason Englert’s family said he tested positive for coronavirus three days before he died. The 38-year-old teacher was found dead inside his home on Nov. 8. Dan Frazier, superintendent of Belmond-Klemme, said “Jason was always such a pleasure to have because he had such a positive attitude, a lot of energy, and the rapport he had with students was remarkable.”

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – The Associated Press announced on Wednesday that University of Iowa senior Luka Garza headlines the 2020-21 Preseason All-America Basketball Team. Garza was the lone unanimous selection. Garza becomes the first Iowa men’s basketball player named to a preseason AP All-American team.