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.

Dispatch reports indicate the driver of a tractor suffered minor injuries after the tractor he was in was hit by a vehicle at around 4:45-p.m. today (Tuesday). The accident happened near 670th and Richland Road. Cumberland and Massena Fire and Rescue Units responded to the scene. The tractor was pulling an empty trailer when the accident occurred. The front axle of the tractor was said to have been sheared off during the accident.

No other details were available late this afternoon.

Le Mars-based Wells Enterprises is voluntarily recalling some of its Blue Bunny “Hoppin’ Holidoodle” ice cream due to concerns about possible listeria contamination. That flavor of Blue Bunny ice cream contains snicker-doodle cookie dough made by a Garner, Iowa, company. Only Hoppin’ Holidoodle ice cream is included with this recall.

The recalled product is a seasonal holiday flavor with very limited distribution in six states, including Iowa. Consumers should check the side of their ice cream packages to check for “best if used by” dates of 2/13/18 and 2/14/18. Lot 60001 MM 19115 6228 and Lot 60001 MM 191156229. No other Blue Bunny products are being recalled.

No illnesses have been linked to the ice cream that’s being recalled. The cookie dough in the ice cream came from Aspen Farms, a Garner, Iowa, company. The firm is part of another voluntary recall involving Texas-made “Blue Bell” cookie dough ice cream. Blue Bell is sold in southern states.

The cookie dough has not tested positive for listeria and there have been no illnesses connected to it, but Aspen Farms officials say an internal review raised concerns about what uniforms workers were wearing and how production was being documented.

(Radio Iowa)

The group “Iowans for Medical Cannabis” is urging Iowa voters to press this year’s political candidates to support legalizing marijuana for broad medical use. “And we are asking voters to ask their candidate what they will do to help suffering Iowans who need access to this treatment option in Iowa, produced, tested and dispensed by Iowans, for Iowans.”

Sally Gaer, of West Des Moines., said her daughter, Margaret, has been taking cannabis oil for 19 months as treatment for her seizure disorder. However, Iowa’s law which decriminalized possession of cannabis oil for treatment of chronic epilepsy will expire July 1st. Gaer and other self-described “warriors” for medical cannabis say the law should be expanded, to include those who suffer from other conditions. Katie Krug, of Grimes, has ulcerative colitis.

“I continue to watch people with my disease in other states get healthy with medical cannabis, while I remain on chemotherapy-like drugs,” Krug says. “My current medication can cause a brain infection, leading to death. Medical cannabis has no such side effects.” Iowans for Medical Cannabis held a news conference this (Tuesday) morning at the statehouse. Tom Duncan, a fifth generation farmer in Greene County and kidney cancer survivor, was among the speakers.

“Education has moved some of our elected officials, but we need more voices speaking to them and all the candidates,” Duncan said, “so please speak to these candidates and elected officials and tell them that you support whole plant medical cannabis access.” Iowans for Medical Cannabis plans to post a list on the group’s website showing which incumbent legislators have supported providing access to medical marijuana in Iowa.

(Radio Iowa)

Police in Harlan report an Irwin man was cited for Following Too Close last Friday, after his 1998 Chrysler struck the rear of a 2017 Hyundai. The accident happened in the 2300 block of 7th Street on Oct. 7th. Officials say Vince Reinig, of Mt. Shasta, CA, and Donald Robinson, of Irwin, were both traveling southbound on 7th Street and were slowing for stopped traffic in front of them.  Robinson told police he looked down for a second and when he did so, his car hit the rear of Reinig’s vehicle, causing minor damage to both vehicles. The damaged was estimated at $3,500 altogether.