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

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Purdue University this week is launching an effort to reduce food waste with a focus on developing countries. The school says it will formally start the Purdue Postharvest Initiative with an exhibit at the World Food Prize meeting that starts Wednesday and runs through Friday in Des Moines, Iowa. Purdue says it will work on reducing postharvest loss, improving nutrition and helping food entrepreneurs among other efforts.

STORM LAKE, Iowa (AP) — A federal judge has rejected Tyson Foods’ request for a new trial in a case that awarded $5.8 million to thousands of employees at the company’s pork plant in Storm Lake, Iowa. Storm Lake employees sued Tyson in 2007 to collect pay for the time they spent putting on and taking off protective work clothes. Tyson lawyers said a new trial was needed to ensure those included in the suit are entitled to a share of the award. A judge ruled Thursday that suitable safeguards are in place.

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — A judge will decide the fate of a man charged with fatally stabbing his girlfriend in Dubuque. The Telegraph Herald reports that 27-year-old Eddie Hicks waived his right to a jury trial during a hearing Tuesday at the Dubuque County courthouse in Dubuque. Hicks has pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree murder in the June 2015 stabbing death of 21-year-old Kahdyesha Lemon.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa farmers are a little behind getting corn and soybeans out of fields because rain has caused soft ground and in some cases muddy conditions, slowing their progress. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says in its weekly crop update released Tuesday that 19 percent of the state’s corn is harvested, about three days behind last year and a week behind the five-year average.