DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Gov. Kim Reynolds on Wednesday said she will make adjustments to her emergency health proclamation as Iowa’s COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have declined. Reynolds announced bars and restaurants can resume their normal hours of operations, but patrons must still be seated. Spectators at high school, youth or adult recreation events will be slightly expanded to include the members of participant’s household.

STORM LAKE, IA (IRN) – The family of a man who died from COVID-19 while working at a Tyson pork plant in Storm Lake has filed a lawsuit accusing the company and several plant executives of gross negligence. Michael Everhard, 65, of Fonda, died June 18, three weeks after being diagnosed with the virus. His family contends he caught the virus at the plant, where he worked for 27 years. The lawsuit argues Tyson and its managers required Everhard to continue working in an environment “rife with coronavirus” and didn’t implement safety precautions to protect him and other workers from contracting the virus.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – An apartment fire on Des Moines’ north side forced the entire building to evacuate into freezing weather on Tuesday. No one was hurt, and the Red Cross was on the scene to help find shelter for the victims.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign leaders say they’re low on donations and volunteers this holiday season. In Cedar Rapids, the annual campaign funds more than half of the Salvation Army’s budget. With people shopping online more because of the pandemic, the kettles are seeing less foot traffic and, thus, less change. The Cedar Rapids fundraiser is behind by $60,000 compared to where it was last year.

IOWA (IRN) – Iowa State and Iowa have moved up in the College Football Playoff positions on Tuesday. According to the Associated Press, the Iowa State Cyclones (8-2) moved up to No. 6 as they face No. 10 Oklahoma this weekend at the Big 12 Championship. The University of Iowa Hawkeyes (6-2) stayed at No. 16. Their game against Michigan this week was canceled over COVID-19 concerns.

IOWA (IRN) – Iowans have upped their consumption of liquor during the pandemic. But what are we drinking? Black Velvet Whisky held onto its longtime No. 1 spot as the best selling liquor in Iowa, according to the annual report from the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division. Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, Hawkeye Vodka and Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey rounded out the top five this year.