(Radio Iowa) – The Democratic Party’s presumptive nominee for president is describing Iowa as a swing state that may be vital to an Electoral College victory this fall. Joe Biden delivered a short message to Iowa Democrats during the party’s virtual fundraiser Sunday evening. “Iowa’s a critical battleground state for our campaign,” Biden said. “We’re going to do everything we can to make sure Democrats win up and down the ballot all across Iowa this November.”

Biden’s campaign recently hired experienced staff to run his Iowa effort. Biden’s remarks last (Sunday) night were a public signal of Biden’s investment here and the former vice president noted Iowa’s competitive races for the U.S. House AND Senate. “You know, we have to do more than just beat Trump. We have to keep the House of Representatives and win back the United States Senate,” Biden said. “We have to lead and deliver meaningful change for the millions of people who are hurting all across this nation. That means we need strong state parties, strong county parties, strong Democratic Party organizations at all levels.”

Iowa Democratic Party chairman Mark Smith — in his recorded remarks — said the nation is at a turning point.”During these difficult times, Democratic leaders who listen and understand Americans have never been needed more badly than now,” Smith said. The Iowa Democratic Party’s virtual fundraiser lasted just about an hour. It featured recorded remarks from party leaders as well as Democratic activists who were honored with eight different awards.

Iowa Republican Party chairman Jeff Kaufmann blasted the event, saying it shows the only way for Iowans to see Biden is to buy a ticket to a fundraiser.

Emergency responders in Cedar Rapids were called to the scene of a partial building collapse, Friday night. KCRG-TV reports the incident in downtown Cedar Rapids caused damage to a vehicle below. The incident was reported at around 10:45 p.m., and was initially thought to have been caused by a possible explosion. Brick and limestone from the Iowa Building at the corner of Third Street SE and Fourth Avenue SE were seen strewn on the ground surrounding the building, and a car parked on Fourth Avenue SE received significant damage from the fallen parts of the building. No injuries were reported.

Officials believe that the brick and attached decorative building features from the seventh floor and above became detached from the main structure. There appeared to be no explosion. The owner of the building will be required by the city to have the building assessed to determine if there is a risk of any additional collapse or damage.

Sidewalks and streets in the area will be disrupted until analysis of the building’s integrity is completed.

Members of the Audubon Community School District’s Board of Education are set to act on approving the District’s Return-To-Learn plan, Monday. The Board meeting takes place at 7-p.m. in the High School Boardroom. Other action items on their agenda include: Approving Rick Engel as the Board & District Council; Approve Courtney Walter & Paul Lynch as Equity Coordinators, and approve Cass Muzney as Asbestos Manager.

The Audubon School Board will also approve Eric Trager, Quentin Stanerson, Sam Graeve, and Jill Hermansen as the District’s Level 1 Investigators, as well as Matt Starmer for Level 2 Investigator. Other action items include: approving the transfer of $992 to the Nutrition account to pay delinquent accounts; Paying an Asbestos Abatement from General Fund, and applying to the School Board Review Committee (SBRC) for MSA. They will also act on any Personnel matters to come before the Board.

Updates on their agenda are with regard to Asbestos Abatement, and the Building Project, the latter of which will include the Design and Budget Review processes, along with approval of final plans, and information with regard to bidding dates.