Category: State News

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health reported 21 deaths and 595 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday. That brings the statewide total to 18,256 positive cases and 485 deaths.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the lifting of more COVID-19 restrictions in Iowa. On Monday, June 1, racetracks and speedways can open events to spectators, amphitheaters can open for concerts, amusement parks, bowling alleys, pool halls, arcades and casinos can reopen as well, all at 50% capacity. Also effective on June 1, social, community and recreational leisure and sports gatherings of more than 10 people will be permitted.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Three longtime Des Moines-area employees of Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield are suing the company for alleged racial discrimination, saying it has systematically denigrated, harassed and denied training and promotion to African American workers. The employees requested class-action status for their claim in Polk County District Court, which seeks up to $5 million in compensation for current and past employees.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The National Weather Service issued tornado warnings Tuesday after a tornado was spotted west of Waukee Tuesday afternoon. Surveillance video from a car dealership shows employees running for cover as the tornado touched down and moved across the car lot. The tornado tore down a light pole and shattered windows in about 10 vehicles. Three other tornados were reported in other parts of the state, where they did little damage. When severe weather threatens locally, tune to KNIA/KRLS OR Raccoon Valley Radio, OR KCII for our award winning severe weather coverage.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Health reports 8 deaths and 104 new positive COVID-19 cases. That brings the statewide total to 17,661 positive cases and 464 deaths.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Tuesday the lifting of more COVID-19 restrictions in Iowa. On Monday, June 1, racetracks and speedways can open events to spectators, amphitheaters can open for concerts, amusement parks, bowling alleys, pool halls, arcades and casinos can reopen as well, all at 50% capacity. Also effective on June 1, social, community and recreational leisure and sports gatherings of more than 10 people will be permitted.

WEST DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health provided Hy-Vee with 75,000 cloth masks to distribute to customers at its stores on Tuesday. Every Hy-Vee grocery store and drugstore in Iowa will have approximately 500 cloth masks to give to customers on a first-come, first-served basis.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A boat exploded at Saylorville Lake on Sunday, according to KCCI-TV. The explosion occurred around 4:30 p.m. in an area commonly known as Party Cove. Bystanders helped people on the boat to the marina and minor injuries were reported. It’s not yet clear what caused the explosion.

IOWA (IRN) – Pier 1 Imports stores in Iowa and nationwide will close permanently after the home goods retailer said it was unable to find a buyer to continue operating the stores while it filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection. In January, Pier 1 said it planned to close up to 450 stores, or nearly half of its locations. That included half its eight Iowa stores, those in Coralville, Dubuque, Sioux City and West Des Moines.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Severe storms in central Iowa produced a tornado Monday in Polk County. There was heavy storm damage in Johnston, including uprooted trees. The National Weather Service reported fallen tree limbs and damaged power lines around Merle Hay Road.

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.