Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press….

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Agriculture economists say bird flu could cost the two states hardest hit, Iowa and Minnesota, nearly $1 billion and the virus is still spreading. The estimates include sales losses to feed suppliers, trucking companies, and processing plants. Economists say exact figures are difficult to know because it’s unclear how long barns must remain empty before they’re declared virus-free. Iowa, the nation’s leading egg producer, has lost about 20 million chickens laying eggs, more than a third of the total.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Two more Iowa turkey farms in Sac County have tested positive for the bird flu and state agriculture officials say they’ve found the virus among a backyard duck flock and a backyard chicken flock, both in Sioux County. The new discoveries announced by the Iowa Department of Agriculture bring to 56 the number of cases reported in the state in 14 counties.

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Three women have filed a sex discrimination lawsuit against the West Des Moines police chief, claiming they were fired or overlooked for promotions because of their gender. The lawsuit was filed against the city of West Des Moines and Police Chief Shaun LaDue, who took over the department in 2012. The lawsuit claims LaDue retaliated against the women and promoted less qualified men over them. The lawsuit also claims female administrative staffers were segregated from other employees. Two of the women still work for the department.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Investigators suspect that a former Iowa lawyer facing fraud charges was getting help from an ex-business partner while on the run from the FBI. Search warrant documents unsealed Monday show investigators believe former Coralville attorney Dennis Bjorklund received financial and other assistance from Thomas Harbit, who worked as a substance abuse counselor at Bjorklund’s office. Harbit has denied knowing Bjorklund’s whereabouts and hasn’t been charged.