IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – A team of experts advised Gov. Kim Reynolds last week not to relax social distancing rules, warning that doing so at this point could cause a second wave of infections and that Iowa could suffer “catastrophic loss of life” even under strict limits, according to the Des Moines Register. Days after receiving that warning, the Republican governor signed orders to partially reopen 77 of Iowa’s 99 counties and allow in-person church services and farmers markets to resume statewide. JAMAICA, IA (IRN) – The Iowa State Patrol reports two people died Tuesday in a single-vehicle crash in Dallas County. According to the Iowa State Patrol, a minor driving with six minor passengers crashed a 2014 Toyota Sienna in Jamaica around 11:35 a.m. The driver lost control of the vehicle and struck a field entrance, killing two people and hospitalizing five others. CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health announced on Wednesday 467 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 12 more deaths in Iowa. The new cases bring the total to 6,843 in the state and 148 total deaths. WASHINGTON, D.C. (IRN) – President Donald Trump took executive action Tuesday to order meat processing plants to stay open amid concerns over growing coronavirus cases and the impact on the nation’s food supply. The order will use the Defense Production Act to classify meat processing as critical infrastructure to keep production plants open and prevent a shortage of chicken, pork, and other meat on American supermarket shelves. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – An order signed Monday by Gov. Kim Reynolds allows religious institutions to begin gathering again, but some church leaders said they do not think it is safe to do so. On Tuesday, the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa announced that 21 leaders from 10 denominations signed a statement urging religious institutions to refrain from in-person worship. The signed statement said, in part, “It is by our faith that we are compelled to love our neighbor. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, that love comes to expression by remaining physically apart.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health released new statistics on COVID-19 in Iowa Tuesday. IDPH reported 508 new COVID-19 cases and 9 deaths. That brings the statewide total to 6,376 positive cases and 136 deaths. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Restaurant Association said Monday that 10% of the state’s restaurants and bars are already lost from the financial devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic and will not recover. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced during her COVID-19 news conference that some businesses in 77 of Iowa’s 99 counties can reopen Friday at 50% capacity. WEST DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Hy-Vee will now require all store employees to wear masks at work. Hy-Vee has already installed plexiglass barriers at all checkouts. Social distancing indicators have been placed on the floor where lines typically form in stores, and they added one-way directional signs in aisles. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The suspension of the Iowa legislative session will continue into May. A statement released Monday afternoon by Iowa House Republicans said the suspension is being extended through May 15. Iowa House Democrats have not released a statement.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health released new statistics on COVID-19 in Iowa Monday. The IDPH reports 393 new COVID-19 cases and 9 additional deaths. That brings the statewide total to 5,868 positive cases and 127 deaths. IOWA (IRN) – Campgrounds, bathrooms and other facilities at Iowa State Parks will remain closed through at least May 14 because of the COVID-19 outbreak. The DNR reports state parks and forests remain open now for day-use, but visitors are reminded to strictly abide by social distancing rules and not to gather in groups. Playgrounds, cabins, visitor centers and museums also are closed through at least May 14 because of the outbreak. U.S. (IRN) The federal government will help U.S. pork producers find new processors — or potentially destroy thousands of pigs that have backed up on farms — because large meatpacking plants have slowed or closed due to COVID-19. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Friday that livestock and poultry producers face an “unprecedented emergency.” DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Iowa’s three major public universities are planning to resume in-person classes in the fall. Iowa Board of Regents President Mike Richards said the schools will follow state and federal guidelines to protect health as they develop plans for thousands of students to return to the campuses of the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa. IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – Two more Hawkeyes got the call on the final day of the NFL Draft. Safety Geno Stone was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens with the 219th pick in the seventh round. Quarterback Nate Stanley is going to the Minnesota Vikings with the 244th overall pick. Fellow Hawkeye teammates Tristan Wirfs, A.J. Epenesa and Michael Ojemudia were also selected in this year’s draft.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health released new statistics on COVID-19 in Iowa Saturday. The IDPH reported the largest single-day increase in cases with 648 new cases and five deaths. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Friday that she is ending some restrictions, including opening up Iowa farmers markets next week. The Des Moines Farmers’ Market said it’s planning on sharing details next week. CLAYTON COUNTY, IA (IRN) – The Clayton County Sheriff and his deputies have been investigating a string of daytime burglaries this week. KWWL-TV reports he burglaries have happened both in homes and vehicles. The burglars have been targeting power tools, cash and credit cards. BUFFALO, NY (IRN) – The Buffalo Bills selected Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa with the 54th pick in the NFL draft Friday night. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 275 pounds, Epenesa had 11 1/2 sacks and forced four fumbles to earn second-team All-America honors during his junior season last year.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health released new statistics on COVID-19 in Iowa Saturday. The IDPH reported the largest single-day increase in cases with 648 new cases and five deaths. MITCHELLVILLE, IA (IRN) – State officials have reported a COVID-19 outbreak at the Mitchell Village in Mitchellville, with six positive cases. Four of the cases are residents and two are staff members. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Gov. Kim Reynolds on Friday announced she has signed a proclamation to open some previously closed businesses in Iowa amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The governor said the proclamation allows the resumption of elective surgeries at hospitals and clinics and re-open farmers markets in a phased approach beginning next week. DUBUQUE, IA (IRN) -The City of Dubuque is experiencing substantial revenue loss as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. To combat this and to limit the financial burden on residents, the city asked bargaining unit employees to forgo their wage increases for the Fiscal Year 2021. Employees asked to consider this were from the Teamster Local 120, Operating Engineers Local 234, Dubuque Professional Fire Fighters Local 25, and Dubuque Police Protective Association. Each of the units held a vote and the wage freeze was accepted. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Questions are arising why airports are getting so much money after congress passed the CARES Act. WHO-TV reports the Mason City Airport received over $17 million. That’s enough money to operate the airport for the next two decades.