DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A major tax cut several years ago on commercial buildings and other properties in Iowa has sliced hundreds of millions of dollars from the state budget. It’s among the reasons why Iowa is in the position today of struggling to pay its bills despite a relatively strong economy. The law’s effect on state spending is coming into sharper focus in 2017 as a new GOP-controlled Legislature works behind closed doors to figure out how to plug a roughly $110 million budget shortfall.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — This year’s annual bike ride across Iowa will feature an easier northern route across the state. The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa _ known as RAGBRAI _ will start in Orange City on July 23 and continue to Lansing on July 29. Organizers say this year’s course should be the third-easiest one in the event’s 45-year history.

WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) — An undercover officer fired during the arrest of two drug trafficking suspects in Waterloo, but no one was injured. The Iowa Department of Public Safety says the shooting happened at a car wash in Waterloo around 7:20 a.m. Sunday where undercover officers were meeting two suspects from Minnesota.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Thousands of people marched and cheered speakers in Des Moines in an event connected to similar gatherings in Washington and cities around the country. People gathered Saturday morning for the Women’s March at the state Capitol. The event was part of the national Women’s March, but speakers and protesters holding signs drew attention to a variety of issues, including rights for disabled people, Native Americans and gay, lesbian and transgender residents.