Category: State News

IOWA (IRN) – Iowa is experiencing a jump in confirmed cases of the coronavirus, with public health officials on Saturday reporting 63 new positive tests and two additional deaths. Iowa now has 298 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and three deaths from the virus.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (IRN) -Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer sent a letter on Friday to Gov. Kim Reynolds asking her to issue a statewide ‘Stay-at-Home’ order following the three deaths announced in Iowa.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – KCCI-TV reports an aide to Gov. Kim Reynolds said Friday that an order she issued this week to slow the spread of coronavirus had outlawed abortions in Iowa. That interpretation was never explained to the organization that performs most abortions in the state and only came to light after aide Pat Garrett texted that interpretation to a conservative talk radio host who posted it on social media. The abortion decision comes amid actions to slow the spread of coronavirus and to conserve medical equipment in case a surge of cases hits hospitals in coming weeks.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – People across the Des Moines metro are sharing their musical talents while stuck at home during the coronavirus pandemic. For one example, Jason Walsmith, a singer/songwriter for The Nadas, started posting daily videos with the #morningsong on Facebook.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health reported 56 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19 this morning. The IDPH also confirmed a second and third death in Iowa. That brings the total to 235 positive cases. According to IDPH, two Iowans with COVID-19 passed away Thursday night, one elderly adult (81+ years) from Poweshiek County and one older adult (61-80 years) from Allamakee County. This brings the total COVID-19 deaths in Iowa to three.

IOWA (IRN) – Gov. Kim Reynolds announced an expansion of her prior emergency proclamation that postpones nonessential surgeries and expands business closures. This includes restaurants, bars, book stores, clothing stores, shoe stores, jewelry stores, luggage stores, perfume and beauty supply stores, florists, furniture stores, home furnishing stores and other retail businesses.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Iowa Workforce Development reports the number of initial unemployment claims filed last week was 41,890. That’s up from 2,229 reported in Iowa the week before.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – Four residents at a Cedar Rapids nursing home have tested positive for COVID-19. KCRG-TV reports details on the conditions of the four residents have not been released. They have been isolated from other residents and will remain separated for at least 14 days. Two staff members at the facility tested positive for the virus earlier this week.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – During the COVID-19 pandemic, a Cedar Rapids teacher made a promise to students if they do one thing: read. Blake Jenewein is a first grade teacher at Pierce Elementary School. KWWL-TV reports Jenewein posted a video of his challenge–if he can get 100 students to read five books, he will dye his hair and goatee pink. Within 24 hours, his video gained 1,000 views.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health reported 34 additional positive cases of COVID-19 in Iowa today, bringing the statewide total to 179.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Iowa Workforce Development reports the number of initial unemployment claims filed last week was 41,890. That’s up from 2,229 reported in Iowa the week before.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – Members of the Iowa National Guard are distributing specialized clothing and equipment for healthcare professionals in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The supply missions will continue indefinitely as requests for Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, come into the State Emergency Operations Center.

MARSHALLTOWN, IA (IRN) – A 22-year-old man died following a shooting in Marshalltown Wednesday night. KCRG-TV reports when officers arrived, they found two men with gunshot wounds. The 22-year-old man died at the scene. A second man went to a Marshalltown hospital for treatment.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – One of Des Moines’ iconic skyline buildings will be partially converted into a hotel under a $59 million plan to remodel half of its 25 floors. The Des Moines Register reports the top half of the Financial Center downtown will remain office space that will also be upgraded. The building’s owners say they’re working to bring 190 upscale hotel rooms under a national brand, along with high-class amenities like a ground-floor restaurant, rooftop bar and meeting rooms open to hotel customers, office tenants and the public. They are in negotiations with a hotel group, but not ready to announce who will operate it.

DUBUQUE COUNTY, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public health has confirmed Iowa’s first death from COVID-19. The victim is an older Iowan from Dubuque County. Iowa DPH today announced 21 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 145.

WATERLOO, IA (IRN) – As COVID-19 continues to spread, public transportation agencies are making difficult decisions. KWWL-TV reports some leaders worry buses, for example, may become hotbeds for germs. MET Transit gives about 1,300 rides a day on 10 fixed routes across Waterloo and Cedar Falls. Officials are asking riders to minimize their use of public transit during the pandemic.

AMANA, IA (IRN) – An eastern Iowa manufacturer is shutting down operations after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. Whirlpool Corporation, which operates the plant in Amana, said the employee has been hospitalized.

NORTH LIBERTY, IA (IRN) – As toilet paper hoarding is now common, the City of North Liberty is reminding residents to be careful of what they flush. KGAN-TV reports the city fears people will start flushing things like wipes and paper towels. Sewage systems aren’t made to process items other than toilet paper, and flushing other items could block pipes and cause backups.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Polk County Board of Supervisors announced medical assistance will be available for homeless Iowans who test positive for COVID-19. WHO-TV reports a temporary shelter is opening at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The facility is inside the Youth Inn and can hold up to 400 people.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – Authorities in Iowa City are investigating after three separate shots fired incidents. KWWL-TV reports the first happened Monday evening around 6:00 p.m. Less than an hour later, police responded to a second report. Officers found a vehicle damaged by gunfire. They also found shell casings in the street. The third incident happened shortly after 9:40 p.m. Officers say a building was damaged by gunshots. Shell casings were recovered in a nearby parking lot. No injuries were reported. Authorities aren’t sure if the incidents are related.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health reported 19 additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19 yesterday. That brings the statewide total to 124 positive cases.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Employees from three Des Moines area school districts have now tested positive for COVID-19. Des Moines and Norwalk schools reported their first cases Monday. Urbandale reported its second case.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Gov. Kim Reynolds announced state-based assistance for Iowa businesses during the outbreak. Businesses with less than 50 employees can delay unemployment tax payments for the first quarter until July 31. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 will be available to businesses with two to 25 employees. Sales and withholding tax deadlines for any business that receives a grant will be extended. Extensions will also be available.

IOWA (IRN) – Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate is extending the June primary’s absentee voting period for mailed ballots to 40 days in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. Pate is also encouraging more Iowans to cast ballots by mail. The polls will remain open in Iowa on June 2. The directive means Iowans will be able to cast mailed ballots beginning on April 23.