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Iowa early News Headlines: Wed., March 15th 2017

News

March 15th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Republican-controlled Iowa Senate has begun debate on a bill that would ban most abortions in the state after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The chamber launched floor discussion Tuesday night. It’s unclear when lawmakers will vote on the measure, though it’s expected to pass. Iowa law bans abortions at the end of the second trimester of pregnancy, or 27 weeks. The bill would ban most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, based on the disputed premise that a fetus can feel pain at that stage.

GRAETTINGER, Iowa (AP) — Environmental officials say about 1,600 gallons of ethanol leaked into a northwestern Iowa creek as crews pulled three derailed train tankers from the water. A news release Tuesday from the Iowa Natural Resources Department says the last three tankers from the fiery train derailment were pulled from Jack Creek on Monday. One spilled about 1,500 gallons, and another spilled about 100 gallons.

DENMARK, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say a suspect in the weekend shooting of a southeastern Iowa man is the man’s 13-year-old son. The Hawk Eye report that the 58-year-old man was treated at an Iowa City hospital for two gunshot wounds not believed to be life-threatening. His son is being held at a juvenile detention center in Montrose. The Associated Press generally does not name juveniles charged with crimes.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Financial analysts say Iowa is taking in less-than-expected revenue and must address a new shortfall of about $131 million for its current budget. The three-member Revenue Estimating Conference announced Tuesday that Iowa was expected to take in about $7.1 billion for the current budget year, which ends June 30. It’s the third time the revenue forecast has been cut since last fall. Gov. Terry Branstad’s spokesman says the state should offset the deficit by tapping its cash reserves.