Gazette Daily News Podcast, May 14

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Your Thursday weather will be a lot like your Wednesday weather... Just a little warmer. According to the National Weather Service, rain in the early morning will give way to cloudy skies and a high of 73 degrees in the Cedar Rapids area. Then, rain will return again, most likely between 4 and 10 p.m., with more thunderstorms possible.

Declaring that new coronavirus cases are declining in most counties and hospitals are well equipped, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Wednesday that businesses such as hair salons and gyms across the state — as well as restaurants in the hardest-hit counties — can reopen starting Friday, but still must adhere to restrictions meant to keep COVID-19 in check. The latest order in Reynolds' phased-in approach of reopening Iowa businesses now matches restrictions in 22 counties that include Cedar Rapids and Iowa City with previously relaxed restrictions in the state's other 77 counties.

Bars, casinos, movie theaters, amusement parks, swimming pools, and playgrounds, among other venues, must remain closed at least through May 27, according to the governor's order.

Reynolds made the announcement on a day when the number of deaths in Iowa related to COVID-19 continued to climb. The state Public Health Department Wednesday confirmed 17 new virus-related deaths, making this the deadliest seven-day stretch since the virus first was confirmed March 8 in Iowa. The state has averaged 12.4 deaths over the past seven days. 

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley predicted Wednesday that Congress would eventually pass a Phase 4 recovery act aimed at helping the nation recover economically from shutting down business in order to slow down the coronavirus. However, he said he would like to see more of what happens with the previous stimulus effort before supporting additional funding. Grassley's sentiment echoes that shared by the Republican majority of the Senate, which is pushing back against Democrats in the House who are lobbying for another aide package at a faster clip.

State Department of Transportation officials have unveiled a nearly $3.6 billion five-year transportation plan that includes more than $2 billion to modernize Iowa's highway system and enhance safety features. The bulk of the money is being directed toward improving the state's interstate highway system and its many aging bridges. 

The proposed five-year program includes more than $1.1 billion for Iowa bridges. According to DOT staff, the number of bridges listed in poor condition on the state highway system has been reduced from 256 in 2006 to 39 in 2019.

This briefing is sponsored in part by Corridor Careers.  Are you looking for a job? CorridorCareers.com is a resource to local job seekers where they can get job tips, sign up for local job alerts, build a resume and more. Check it out at CorridorCareers.com.