DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Republican-controlled House has approved a contested voter identification bill along party lines after forcing debate to end. Republican lawmakers have for years supported identification at polling places, saying it’s needed to fight improper voting despite the rarity of voter fraud.

Before voting Thursday to approve the voter ID bill, Republicans forced an end to debate that had lasted until nearly midnight Wednesday. Democrats repeatedly argued the bill would suppress voter turnout among minorities, the elderly and the disabled. Republicans say the measure will require identification be sent to voters who don’t have an Iowa driver’s license or state ID.

The legislation now heads to the Senate, where there is also support among majority Republicans.  County auditors have expressed concern that the measure is underfunded and will burden local governments.

(In an update to the Iowa News Headlines posted earlier this morning)

MONTICELLO, Iowa (AP) – Authorities say 8-year-old Cassandra M. Rieken, of Monticello, who was riding a tricycle in eastern Iowa was fatally injured in a collision with a minivan. The accident occurred just before 4 p.m. Wednesday in Monticello. The Iowa State Patrol says the child was pedaling eastbound when she was struck at an intersection by the southbound minivan.

Troopers say the Cassandra died later at a hospital. The minivan driver, 27-year old April R. Covel, of Monticello, and a passenger weren’t injured. The accident is being investigated.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The utility that provides drinking water to a half-million customers around Des Moines filed a lawsuit two years ago against three rural counties to stop farm runoff from polluting the city’s water supply. But rather than a clean-up, the result may be the end of the utility.

The Republican-controlled Iowa Legislature is considering dissolving the Des Moines Water Works and giving its assets to the cities it serves. Utility supporters say the move is designed to kill the lawsuit and shows the clout of the state’s agricultural interests. But supporters say the change would allow cities more direct control of their own water.

Iowa law currently requires a public vote to dissolve an independent water authority.

Red Oak Police this (Thursday) morning, arrested 41-year old Jason Neal Beacham, of Red Oak, for allegedly violating a protective order. Beacham was taken into custody just before 8-a.m. after a witness confirmed the man had violated the protective order. Beacham was being held without bond in the Montgomery County Jail.