Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Data shows the number of Iowa school buses flagged for repeated safety citations has nearly doubled since 2012. The Des Moines Register reports nearly 22,000 bus inspection citations have been issued since June 2012. They include unsafe tires, inoperable warning signals or strobe lights and dysfunctional wheel bearings.

PRESCOTT, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say a man faces charges in connection to a Christmas night stabbing in southern Iowa. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office says 47-year-old Kirk Frederick of Corning faces charges of willful injury causing serious injury and going armed with intent.

MARION, Iowa (AP) — Authorities in eastern Iowa say a man fatally shot himself while a police officer stopped him over a traffic citation. Marion police say an officer stopped the man Saturday night as he was driving a vehicle. The officer suspected the man was intoxicated. Authorities say the officer went back to his squad car to request another officer. While the officer was away, police say the driver shot himself with a handgun. The driver was later pronounced dead.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Officials have removed caged wild animals from a “mall zoo” in Des Moines following a court order over their care. Agencies including the Animal Rescue League of Iowa helped remove the 31 animals early Saturday from Merle Hay Mall. They will be sent to the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado and the World of Reptiles in Des Moines.