State officials this morning revealed nearly 41,000 Iowans filed unemployment claims last week. Beth Townsend, the director of the Iowa Workforce Development agency warned last Friday that the number of claims has been "staggering." "We are doing our very best to ensure most people will … [Read more...]
Body found in Nebraska is former Storm Lake woman
Lincoln, Nebraska Police say a body they found Sunday is that of a former Storm Lake area woman, who had been missing since November. The body of 36-year-old Justine Miller was found in a wooded area in Wilderness Park around 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. Miller was last seen leaving a hospital in … [Read more...]
Kossuth County woman with coronavirus talks about experience
A north-central Iowa woman spent six days in the hospital being treated for COVID-19 and she's urging Iowans to heed the warnings and stay home, if possible. The 38-year-old from Kossuth County spoke with the media after her release under the condition of anonymity. She says she doesn't know how … [Read more...]
Iowa City hospital makes ‘urgent request’ for face shields
The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics has put out an urgent plea for donations of new or used protective face shields for its employees. The hospital is in Johnson County, where 32 of the 90 Iowans confirmed to have COVID-19 live. Governor Kim Reynolds today said the state has ordered … [Read more...]
Governor Reynolds orders salons, tattoo parlors, swimming pools closed (AUDIO)
Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered the closure of hair and nail salons, barbershops, tattoo parlors, and swimming pools. The mandatory closures are effective at 10 p.m. today and also apply to spas, tanning facilities, and massage therapy establishments. Reynolds announced these moves this … [Read more...]
State tax deadlines extended amid COVID-19 outbreak
The state's top tax official has extended the deadlines for filing a variety of taxes, including individual income tax returns that had been due April 30th. Individual state income tax returns are now due by July 31st. The filing and payment periods for several types of state taxes, including … [Read more...]
Fareway and Hy-Vee stores adjust hours during coronavirus emergency
The state's two major grocery store chains are adjusting their hours in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Boone-based Fareway stores spokesperson, Emily Toribio, says starting today, stores will be open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. She says the first hour of business will … [Read more...]
Unemployment pay will be available for workers impacted by coronavirus shut downs
The governor has issued an emergency order that will shut down many businesses as the coronavirus pandemic unfolds in Iowa. Iowa Workforce Development attorney, Nick Olivencia, says those employees can get state help. "Anyone that is being laid off temporarily is going to be eligible for … [Read more...]
Iowa governor issues Public Health Disaster Emergency
Governor Kim Reynolds has just taken the extraordinary step of declaring a Public Health Disaster Emergency in Iowa. All public gatherings of 10 or more people are prohibited. Bars and restaurants are to temporarily close to the public at noon today, but carry-out and drive-thru options can … [Read more...]
Iowa legislature gives governor new powers for COVID-19 response
The Iowa Legislature has suspended its 2020 session for at least 30 days and given Governor Kim Reynolds new authority to use nearly $20 million from the state's Economic Emergency Fund to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, a Republican from Ankeny, said … [Read more...]