DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – For the 19th day in a row, Iowa has broken the record for coronavirus hospitalizations. For the seventh straight day, the state has reported more than 4,000 new positive cases. State data shows 95 of Iowa’s 99 counties report a 14-day positivity rate greater than 15%. Public schools in those 95 counties can apply for a waiver to provide 100% online instruction. A total of 43 school districts have gone to virtual learning.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa State Board of Health voted Thursday to recommend that Gov. Kim Reynolds issue a statewide mask mandate. As of Thursday morning, there have been 1,927 deaths in Iowa from COVID-19.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague has extended the city’s face covering order to January 15. The order requires everyone in the city to wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth when in public spaces.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – A civil lawsuit against the University of Iowa, along with current and former Iowa football coaches, has been filed by 13 Black former football players, accusing the university of historic anti-Black racism. Defendants include the University of Iowa, Gary Barta, Kirk Ferentz, Brian Ferentz, and Christopher Doyle. The lawsuit accuses the football program of racism, disparate treatment and a hostile environment.

IOWA (IRN) – There’s still no clear winner in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District. Democrat Rita Hart’s campaign announced Thursday that it’s filing for a recount in all of the district’s 24 counties after errors in tabulations in at least two counties caused the numbers to fluctuate. Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks led on election night, then lost the lead due to a Jasper County data entry error. She regained the lead after an error in Lucas county was corrected. Miller-Meeks now holds a 47 vote lead over Hart.