Iowa News:
The latest 24-hour totals for COVID-19 in Iowa as of 10 a.m. on 8/4/20 from the Iowa Department of Public Health: There are 181 new positive cases and 7 more deaths due to the virus. That brings statewide totals to 45,982 positives and 885 deaths. Currently, 243 Iowans are hospitalized, 75 are in ICU, and 32 of those are on ventilators.
______________
Governor Kim Reynolds held a press conference today in which addressed a growing movement by schools in high COVID-19 areas to keep teaching online – without a waiver from the state. Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education have yet to approve such a plan for any district, even those in hard-hit areas like Polk and Dallas County. That has led educators in Waukee, Urbandale, and Des Moines to move forward without her permission.
Reynolds says they are defying the law. Legal experts question her interpretation of the legislation that passed the last session that required a “majority” of teaching to be in-person. The Iowa State Education Association stands at odds with Reynolds because growing science shows that not only can children get sick, they can be carriers to family members, teachers, staff, and the community. Reynolds’ latest threat is to not give credit to children who are taught online without her approval.
Business News:
Hy-Vee announced today that all of its store locations that offer Hy-Vee Aisles Online grocery pickup will now accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) as payment at the time of pickup. SNAP/EBT beneficiaries now can shop online for groceries at Hy-Vee.com or via the Hy-Vee Aisles Online mobile app and collect their order curbside at a Hy-Vee store.
Sports News:
The Big 12 has decided to have a 9 + 1 schedule for its teams this year, including Iowa State. That means 9 conference games and 1 non-conference game. The move is similar to other conferences who are trying to limit teams’ exposure to COVID-19. ISU currently has three non-conference games scheduled; no word yet on which will go.
_____________
Drake University announced yesterday that it intends to hold The Blue Oval Showcase on August 29. The school says it will feature 100 elite athletes from across the U.S. The one-day competition will include sprints, hurdles, and field events deemed “low risk” by USA Track & Field. The event will not allow fans. The only people inside will be athletes, their support staff, and event staff. Drake says they have many precautions in place to help avoid COVID-19.
_____________
The Field of Dreams Major League Baseball game that was scheduled for this season has been postponed until next year. The event was to feature the Chicago White Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cards had a COVID-19 outbreak, and the MLB, in general, is struggling with keeping the virus at bay. That means they will only play games they need to finish the season.
Good News:
Iowa’s “Tax-Free Holiday” is this Friday and Saturday. It covers most clothing and footwear. Get the full details here. One note: Masks are not included as tax-free.
