IOWA (IRN) – Iowa’s economy has recovered about half the jobs it lost from the immediate shock of the COVID-19 pandemic. The state’s unemployment rate dropped to 6.6% in July from 8.4% the month earlier, according to survey data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday morning. The survey indicates that the state added about 29,300 jobs last month.

AMES, IA (IRN) – Iowa State University’s President Wendy Wintersteen announced Friday that there will be repercussions for those not practicing safety guidelines in gatherings. Students are required to wear masks and be 6 feet apart if attending a gathering on-campus or off-campus. Wintersteen said that there will be discipline, including suspension, if students do not comply.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Des Moines Public Schools officials are promising legal action after their waiver to begin the school year with online-only instruction due to COVID-19 concerns was denied by the Iowa Department of Education on Friday.

DECORAH, IA (IRN) – The City Council in Decorah approved a face covering mandate on Friday. The council voted 6-1 to approve the ordinance, but will not go in effect until it is signed and published by the Mayor. Governor Reynolds has said cities do not have this authority.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – The University of Iowa announced Friday its plan to discontinue four sports programs at the end of the 2020-21 academic year. Those programs include men’s gymnastics, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, and men’s tennis.