DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship yesterday announced an order canceling all live bird exhibitions at fairs and other gatherings of birds due to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The order also prohibits live birds from being sold or transferred at livestock auction markets, swap meets and exotic sales. The Department’s order begins immediately and is effective for a minimum of 30 days, and until 30 days has passed without a confirmation of a new infection of HPAI in domestic poultry in the state of Iowa.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – A jury’s verdict for an Iowa family is the largest in state history for a medical malpractice case. It’s $97.4 million, with the largest portion for future medical costs for the child who is at the center of the lawsuit. That child has brain damage and will need round-the-clock care for the rest of his life.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Statehouse Republicans are getting closer to making changes to Iowa’s unemployment law. Those in support say it would encourage people to go back to work. Those against it say it would only hurt Iowans. Republicans would shorten the unemployment benefits period and lower the wage required to take a job offer. Currently, people can receive unemployment for up to 26 weeks a year. That would be cut down to 16 weeks.

WAVERLY, IA (IRN) – Wartburg College students carried on a Waverly tradition of acknowledging the experiences of others who live with limited access to freshwater on Tuesday, which was World Water Day. The students walked to the Cedar River, filled five-gallon cans with water, and brought them back to campus. This is meant to help them experience what many communities in east Africa with water insecurity deal with and help raise awareness.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – For the third time in seven years, the road to the Final Four will go through Des Moines. Wells Fargo Arena will host first and second round games for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in 2023. The arena previously hosted first and second round matchups in both 2016 and 2019.