DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health reported 8 deaths and 345 new positive cases Saturday. That brings the statewide total to 21,438 positive cases and 597 deaths. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Thousands laid down in front of Des Moines City Hall Saturday for the same 8 minutes and 46 seconds that a Minneapolis police officer held a knee on George Floyd’s neck. Iowa protesters pushed for systemic change in the wake of Floyd’s death and organized a solidarity march in downtown Des Moines from Wells Fargo Arena to City Hall. CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – A crowd estimated at least 1,000 demonstrators gathered at Cedar Rapids’ Greene Square to protest police brutality following the death of George Floyd more than a week ago in Minneapolis. Police Chief Wayne Jerman were among city leaders speaking during the event. Chief Jerman said the police department has implemented changes following Floyd’s death. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – After a week of mostly peaceful protests throughout the capital city — including one that reached Mayor Frank Cownie’s front lawn — the Des Moines City Council could pass an anti-racial profiling ordinance at its meeting Monday.

WATERLOO, IA (IRN) – The Black Hawk County Courthouse was evacuated on Friday morning after receiving a bomb threat, according to KGAN-TV. The courthouse was evacuated and the Waterloo Police Department used a bomb-sniffing dog to help sweep the building and surrounding area. The dog found no indication of a bomb and the courthouse was cleared at approximately 12 PM. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health’s website shows the state saw 11 more COVID-19 deaths over the 24-hour period between 10 a.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. Friday. The data shows there have been 589 total deaths from the coronavirus in the state so far. Of those deaths, 294 were residents of long term care facilities. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Hundreds of Iowans gathered downtown Friday night to honor Breonna Taylor, a black woman who was shot to death by police in her own Louisville apartment in March. Illuminating the Pappajohn Sculpture Park with candles, people said they hoped to celebrate Taylor’s life on what would have been her 27th birthday. It was the eighth day of protests, marches and vigils in Des Moines following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody on May 25. IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – Former Hawkeye football players are coming forward saying that there are too many disparities in the treatment of white and black athletes in the program. Former lineman James Daniels, now with the Chicago Bears, spoke up first by tweeting “There are too many racial disparities in the Iowa football program.” Coach Kirk Ferentz responded with a statement Friday night after dozens of former Hawkeyes spoke up on Twitter and described negative experiences they and other black players had while on the team. He said, “While I wish they had reached out to us directly, I am thankful that these players decided to share their experiences now.” WINNESHIEK COUNTY, IA (IRN) – Two kayakers who capsized and were swept away in the Upper Iowa River have been found uninjured. The man made it to shore to get help, and the Decorah Fire Department used a drone to find the woman.

DAVENPORT, IA (IRN) – The family of a woman killed during a protest earlier this week in Davenport wants the violence to end. KCRG-TV reports someone shot and killed Italia Marie Kelly as she demonstrated near a Walmart store Monday night. Italia’s sister Jasmine, says, “I still believe people should protest, but if you’re going to do it, realize that you are not risking just police officers lives, you’re risking protesters lives, you’re risking young people’s lives who have goals, who have dreams.” A Davenport officer who was also shot during that violent protest is now home from the hospital. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Polk County Department of Health is warning residents that COVID-19 is still spreading significantly. This week, Polk County has confirmed 592 new cases. The Polk County Board of Supervisors said the numbers are showing exactly what they feared, a spike in infections after reopening businesses. On Thursday, the Iowa Department of Public Health reported 694 new positive COVID-19 cases and 14 deaths. That brings the statewide total to 578 deaths. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A group of Iowa lawmakers gathered on the statehouse steps Thursday to discuss legislation targeted at preventing conflict between law enforcement and residents. The plan includes three “common sense” proposals: banning police chokeholds, making it illegal to rehire police fired for misconduct, and allowing the Iowa Attorney General to investigate police misconduct. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill Thursday that will allow convicted felons to get their voting rights back only after they have paid full restitution to victims. The bill becomes effective if the legislature passes a proposed constitutional amendment automatically restoring voting rights for convicted felons. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Iowa Workforce Development has released the latest figures on unemployment claims filed in the state. The numbers released Thursday show weekly claims have decreased by more than half of the previous week’s.

IOWA (IRN) – On Thursday, the Iowa Department of Public Health reported 694 new positive COVID-19 cases and 14 deaths. That brings the statewide total to 20,706 positive cases and 578 deaths. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Three Iowa counties have emerged as coronavirus “areas of concern” for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All three counties are home to meat processing plants. The Iowa counties on the CDC list are Buena Vista, Woodbury and Wright. IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – Demonstrators and law enforcement got into a confrontation Monday night in Iowa City. Police used flashbangs and tear gas to disperse the crowd. KCRG-TV reports while the march was mostly peaceful, several people vandalized buildings, sidewalks, and signs along the way. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – With the coronavirus still spreading and against a backdrop of daily protests over police treatment of minorities, the Iowa Legislature returned Wednesday. Lawmakers are expected to meet for at least two weeks to complete work on a budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 and address policy measures on which House and Senate leaders reach agreement. IOWA (IRN) – Tyson Foods is reinstating an attendance policy that punishes workers for missing shifts, even as it reports new COVID-19 outbreaks in its Iowa meatpacking plants. The Des Moines Register reports under the policy, employees are assessed points for missing shifts. Those who accumulate too many can be fired. Despite the policy, a company spokeswoman said,”our top priority is the health and safety of our team members, their families and our communities. ALTOONA, IA (IRN) – Adventureland Park in Altoona opened its doors for 2020 on Wednesday. The opening was delayed due to COVID-19 concerns. The first two days of the park operation are open only to season ticket holders. On Friday the park will open to the general public with increased cleaning efforts and at 50 percent capacity.

IOWA (IRN) – Controversial Iowa U.S. Rep. Steve King has lost his party’s primary election. Randy Feenstra, an Iowa State Senator, defeated King. Democratic candidate Theresa Greenfield will take on Republican incumbent Sen. Joni Ernst in the fall. Republican Ashley Hinson will take on Democrat Abby Finkenauer for the District 1 seat. David Young has earned the Republican nomination to take on Democrat Cindy Axne in the general election. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, state senator for District 41, won the Republican primary election in the race to fill departing incumbent Rep. Dave Loebsack’s U.S. House seat. She will face Democratic candidate Rita Hart. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health on Wednesday reported six deaths and 60 new cases. That brings the statewide total to 20,012 positive cases and 564 deaths. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Coronavirus tests have revealed that 224 employees of a Tyson beef and pork processing plant in Council Bluffs have tested positive for the virus. The company said 103 workers stayed home the required quarantine time and have returned to work. DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds declined to say whether there were circumstances under which she would seek President Donald Trump’s offer of military help to quell protests. Reynolds, a Republican and supporter of Trump, said that she relies on the advice of her public safety commissioner and other officials to ensure they have the ability to respond to protests. Reynolds said the soldiers haven’t been needed but could be quickly deployed.