Gov. Kim Reynolds says schools must spend at least half their education time with students in classrooms in order for their “Return to Learn” plan to be approved. Reynolds says districts could seek waivers from the 50% requirement to the state Education Department. There will be no change in the Education Department’s recommendation that districts not require students and teachers wear masks in school.
Iowa’s unemployment rate dropped to 8.0% in June as the state’s economy continued to recover after being hit hard by efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Iowa Workforce Development reported Friday that the 8.0% unemployment rate was down from 10.2% in May. The number of unemployed residents dropped from 173,000 in May to 131,200 in June. Iowa’s unemployment rate remains far higher than before the coronavirus pandemic, as the jobless rate was 2.7% in June 2019. The national unemployment rate in June was 11.1%.
Johnson County authorities say a woman died in a utility terrain vehicle accident yesterday…the UTV was driven by 62-year-old Julie Bell of North Liberty…65-year-old Mary Kay Knight was a passenger…around 6 p.m., the UTV was in a field when Bell lost control and the vehicle rolled, pinning Knight underneath. She died at the scene.
VenuWorks of Cedar Rapids has announced plans for reopening the City of Cedar Rapids-owned McGrath Amphitheatre, Paramount Theatre, U.S. Cellular Center and ImOn Ice arena. The four venues were closed in March due to COVID-19. The “Return to Live” plan includes new measures for patrons, including mandatory face coverings in public areas, socially distanced seating, reduced capacities, clear bags for events that require bag checks to minimize contact between staff and guests, and minimized contact for food and beverage operations. For more on the plan, go on line to creventslive.com/returntolive.
