Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press…

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Governor Terry Branstad says the state will reject bids for the Iowa Communications Network. Branstad said yesterday that the bids for the statewide fiber-optic network do not reflect the value of the system. Both bids came from the West Des Moines-based Iowa Network Services.

NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa (AP) — The North Liberty City Council has taken the second step toward allowing residents to keep chickens in their backyards. The Iowa City Press-Citizen says the council voted 3-2 Tuesday for the proposed ordinance, after making some changes to it. A third approval is required before the ordinance can go into effect. Permit holders would have to complete an approved class in raising chickens.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Authorities in Des Moines are investigating a fatal collision involving the drivers of a motorcycle and SUV. Police say the crash happened yesterday morning at the intersection of 9th Street and Hickman Road in Des Moines. Fifty-seven-year-old Nicholas Otto of Urbandale died from his injuries.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa City man has been accused of striking a child inside his neighbor’s home. The Iowa City Press-Citizen reports the incident occurred about 6 p.m. Sunday. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office says 34-year-old Juan Canizalez-Perez barged into the home without permission and hit the child on an arm. Johnson County Jail records say Canizalez-Perez remained in custody yesterday.