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Iowa early News Headlines: Wed., May 15th 2013

News

May 15th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa lawmakers have reached a compromise on the first budget of the legislative session. A joint committee of lawmakers from both parties and chambers settled yesterday on spending $41 million for economic development. The budget is $31 million under what Republican Governor Terry Branstad proposed.

MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) — Jury selection has begun in the murder trial of a Mason City man accused of strangling a woman to death. A panel of 32 potential jurors was called in Cerro Gordo County District Court from a pool of more than 50 people. Aaron Harris is charged with first-degree murder in the July 2012 death of Sarah Winters.

OTTUMWA, Iowa (AP) — City crews were trying to quickly repair a brick sewer line in Ottumwa that collapsed beneath railroad tracks. The 4-foot brick sewer line collapsed yesterday morning. It forcing the BNSF railroad to close one track and divert trains onto another one. Public Works Superintendent Steve Edgington says the sewer line dates to the late 1880s.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — Cedar Rapids says it is closely monitoring Cedar River nitrate levels because they have reached one of the highest concentrations ever recorded. Untreated river water is testing at 18.5 milligrams per liter. Drinking water tests at 7.6. City officials must inform residents if it rises above the EPA limit of 10 milligrams.