DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The end of this year’s legislative session may be delayed by a late debate on abortion. Social conservatives in the House plan to push ahead with a proposal to end all public funding of abortions as part of a measure that would pay for human services programs. Public funding of abortions now is allowed only in rare instances. And even if the House passes it, it’s unlikely the Senate will follow suit.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Supporters of a measure that would prohibit local school districts from starting classes before the fourth Monday in August say it’s good for Iowa’s farm-based economy. The bill passed in the Iowa House yesterday. Opponents, however, think the state should leave school decisions to local school officials. The Senate will now take up the measure.

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) — The trial of a Burlington car salesman who is charged with murdering a pregnant prostitute in 2007 is expected to last a week. During yesterday’s opening statements, a prosecutor said 34-year-old Chad Welsh choked 41-year-old Angela Hennes to death, then burned her body and dumped it in a rural field. Welsh’s defense argued that her death was accidental, the result of a consensual sexual encounter that went bad.

WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) — A woman accused of texting while driving in an accident that injured a motorcyclist has pleaded guilty to charges of serious injury by vehicle and leaving the scene of an accident. Holland resident Jennifer Moeller will be sentenced at a later date.