Author: Iowa Radio News

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health shared updates Monday on the state’s novel coronavirus outbreak. As of 10 a.m., the state’s COVID-19 website reports 17,557 total positive cases statewide. So far, 456 Iowans have died from COVID-19 and 9,341 recovered.

MOUNT VERNON, IA (IRN) – A man was killed after suffering a fall along a trail on Friday at a state park in Linn County. The Iowa Department of Natural resources said that Brian Jungen, 32, of Coralville, died at Palisades-Kepler State Park, located west of Mount Vernon.

RUSSELL, IA (IRN) – The Iowa State Patrol says a boy was hit and killed Saturday evening. A 70-year-old man was driving in a residential area of Russell when he struck a 9-year-old boy who was riding his bike. The boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

MADISON COUNTY, IA (IRN) – The Iowa State Patrol reported Sunday that one person died and a second suffered injuries in an overnight crash in Madison County. A Chevrolet Silverado eluded a Madison County Sheriff’s Office vehicle at a high rate of speed before failing to negotiate a curve on the gravel roadway and crashing into a ditch. The driver, 18-year-old Winterset resident Memphis Issac Kincade Pickett, died at the scene. The passenger, 21-year-old Peru resident Quentin Lane Siefkas suffered injuries from the crash. Alcohol is believed to be a factor.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health shared the latest COVID-19 data through a news release due to planned maintenance of the state website. IDPH reported 26 deaths and 419 new positive cases. The daily increase in deaths is the highest reported.

MARSHALLTOWN, IA (IRN) – A Marshalltown man who worked at the JBS meatpacking plant in Marshalltown died from COVID-19 last week. His family says Jose Andrade-Garcia’s was one week from retirement. His family blames JBS for not enforcing social distancing protocols soon enough.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – One-third of Iowa’s state government isn’t ready to fully reopen any time soon as the coronavirus continues to infect and kill people across the state. The Iowa Judicial Branch announced Friday afternoon that it would cancel jury trials in criminal cases until Sept. 14, and push back any in-person proceedings until July 13.

EASTERN IOWA (IRN) – Confirmed tornadoes touched down in Johnson and Cedar Counties Saturday evening. Damage reports are still coming in.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health shared the latest COVID-19 data through a news release due to planned maintenance of the state website. IDPH reported 26 deaths and 419 new positive cases. The daily increase in deaths is the highest reported.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Hundreds of Iowans could soon be facing the eviction process. Gov. Kim Reynolds’ suspension on evictions and utility shutoff is set to expire Wednesday night. The week of June 15 is when eviction hearings are slated to begin. Renters are hoping to get some extra time, while landlords hope to put an end to their hardships. Several organizations are asking for at least a 45-day extension, which would be helpful for renters, but not landlords.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – The University of Iowa announced Friday that face-to-face classes will resume this fall. Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa have formed committees as they develop plans to bring students back to campus this fall.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The next federal stimulus payments are arriving in the mail, but the Iowa Attorney General’s Office has a warning: do not expect a check. The federal government is sending out pre-paid Visa debit cards by the millions.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Des Moines community members have started a petition following the school board’s unanimous vote to build a new shared stadium for the high schools. On Tuesday, the Des Moines School Board approved the $15 million project to build a football and soccer stadium with Drake University. Some residents are protesting the decision.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health IDPH reported 18 deaths and 454 new positive COVID-19 cases Friday. That brings the statewide total to 16,408 positive cases and 418 deaths.

IOWA (IRN) – More Iowans are out of work than at any other point in the state’s history.
The state had a record 10.2% unemployment rate in April. Iowa lost 129,200 jobs from March to April — double what the state lost during the Great Recession.

JOHNSTON, IA (IRN) – Gov. Kim Reynolds has announced that Test Iowa screenings for COVID-19 will soon be expanded for anyone who thinks that they should be tested. Previously, there were strict qualifications for Iowans to get a test.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has plans in place for Memorial Day weekend. The DNR says campers have a personal responsibility to follow the social distancing rules. The Department will have approximately 400 staff members at parks throughout the state. The staff will monitor campgrounds and break up large gatherings, and also clean public areas like showers and restrooms. Youth camp areas will remain closed because they involve more than 10 people. Shelters, lodges and playgrounds will also not be open.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Des Moines police say they have made multiple arrests in a series of shootings involving two violent street gangs. Police said the charges are the result of ongoing investigations into at least five different shooting incidents. Police said a total of 12 arrests have been made in the investigation.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health reported 19 deaths and 421 new positive COVID-19 cases in the 24 hours prior to 11:00 a.m. Thursday. That brings the statewide total to 15,954 positive cases and 400 deaths.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – The University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics has lost approximately $100 million during the pandemic. Before it started, they were ahead $80 million.

IOWA (IRN) – In announcing Wednesday that Iowa school activities can resume June 1 amid the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Kim Reynolds has green-lit the return of high school baseball and softball across the state. The final decision came down to rulings from the Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union. Both agreed with the governor’s decision Wednesday. As a result, practices can begin June 1 and games June 15.

IOWA (IRN) – Iowans may go to the zoo or watch a movie at a theater as early as Friday, under a new declaration from Gov. Kim Reynolds Reynolds announced Wednesday she will end more of the state’s coronavirus-related closures before the month ends. Bars, museums, aquariums and wedding reception venues are among the other businesses allowed to open over the coming days.