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Iowa early News Headlines: Monday, 9/18/17

News

September 18th, 2017 by Ric Hanson

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

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A state agency is collecting data to understand whether the Iowa Legislature’s move to cut funding for Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers is resulting in less access to reproductive health care. The Department of Human Services has been compiling data on its state-run family planning program since it took effect in July. It follows a decision to forgo federal funding and spend state money on a family planning program that excludes clinics affiliated with abortion services.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Sexual assault cases move ahead slowly in Iowa because of a testing backlog at the state crime lab. The Des Moines Register reports that 405 sexual assault cases were waiting for DNA testing at the state crime lab at the end of August.

WOODWARD, Iowa (AP) — A trail bridge in central Iowa will go dark 90 minutes earlier in hopes of curbing loud noises and vandalism, a move welcomed by residents but that some cyclists say is disappointing. KCCI-TV reports that the Boone County Conservation Board decided to start turning off the lights on the High Trestle Trail near Woodward at 10:30 p.m. starting Sept. 25. Some who live near the trail say the noise level has gotten out of control. Others say the change is punishing people who don’t break the rules.

MISSOURI VALLEY, Iowa (AP) — Monarch butterflies will be the focus of a workshop at the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge near the Iowa-Nebraska border. The workshop will be held at the refuge on Sept. 23 at 10 a.m.