DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health on Friday released the latest statistics on COVID-19 in Iowa. IDPH reported 18 deaths and 374 new positive cases. That brings the statewide total to 14,049 cases and 336 deaths.

NEWTON, IA (IRN) – NASCAR says it is cancelling its races this year at the Iowa Speedway because of the coronavirus. The Xfinity Series or Gander R-V and Outdoors Truck Series will not happen at the track in Newton this summer. The Iowa Speedway is still scheduled to host an Indycar doubleheader on July 17 and 18.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – At least 47 inmates and six staffers at the Polk County Jail have tested positive for COVID-19, more than double the number reported earlier in the week.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Des Moines City Council and the Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission had to end Thursday night’s Zoom meeting due to a cyber attack. KCCI-TV reports a spokesperson for the City’s office said there were “disruptive racist, sexist and pornographic messages” directed toward members of the commission.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (IRN) – Republican representatives are resisting Rep. Steve King’s efforts to be reassigned to congressional committees. In January 2019, King was removed from committees after remarks he made during a New York Times interview. He asked, “White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization — how did that language become offensive?” Ohio Republican Representative Steve Stivers says, “as long as I am a member of the Steering Committee, I will not allow that type of person or that type of ideology to influence the legislation passed by congress.”