IOWA (IRN) – On Thursday, the Iowa Department of Public Health reported 694 new positive COVID-19 cases and 14 deaths. That brings the statewide total to 20,706 positive cases and 578 deaths.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Three Iowa counties have emerged as coronavirus “areas of concern” for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All three counties are home to meat processing plants. The Iowa counties on the CDC list are Buena Vista, Woodbury and Wright.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – Demonstrators and law enforcement got into a confrontation Monday night in Iowa City. Police used flashbangs and tear gas to disperse the crowd. KCRG-TV reports while the march was mostly peaceful, several people vandalized buildings, sidewalks, and signs along the way.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – With the coronavirus still spreading and against a backdrop of daily protests over police treatment of minorities, the Iowa Legislature returned Wednesday. Lawmakers are expected to meet for at least two weeks to complete work on a budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 and address policy measures on which House and Senate leaders reach agreement.

IOWA (IRN) – Tyson Foods is reinstating an attendance policy that punishes workers for missing shifts, even as it reports new COVID-19 outbreaks in its Iowa meatpacking plants. The Des Moines Register reports under the policy, employees are assessed points for missing shifts. Those who accumulate too many can be fired. Despite the policy, a company spokeswoman said,”our top priority is the health and safety of our team members, their families and our communities.

ALTOONA, IA (IRN) – Adventureland Park in Altoona opened its doors for 2020 on Wednesday. The opening was delayed due to COVID-19 concerns. The first two days of the park operation are open only to season ticket holders. On Friday the park will open to the general public with increased cleaning efforts and at 50 percent capacity.