BOONE, IA (IRN) – The Boone School District is suffering the impact of lawmakers’ less than inflation 1.1% funding increase for next year. According to the Boone News-Republican, the district approved a nearly $42 million budget for next year, which is more than $3 million less than this year’s budget. The district is reducing staff, reducing stipends for assistant coaches, and offering some employees early retirement.

BURLINGTON, IA (IRN) – A man is facing eluding and drug charges after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase through Des Moines County Tuesday. KBUR-Radio reports deputies began pursuing Gregory Baxter Jr. as part of an investigation. During the 80mph chase, a passenger jumped out of the vehicle while it was still moving, but weren’t injured. Police discovered a large amount of meth in Baxter’s vehicle, along with a digital scale and plastic baggies for packaging.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – An Ankeny man is facing multiple charges in three Iowa counties, for allegedly enticing and in one case, kidnapping a child. The Iowa Department of Public Safety reports 57-year-old Jeff Lee Altmayer is charged with multiple counts of Enticing a Minor, Second Degree Sexual Abuse, Kidnapping, Impersonating a Public Official, and drug offenses. The crimes were committed in Monona, Jasper, and Grundy Counties.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa House has begun debate on a bill that would ban most abortions at 20 weeks of pregnancy. The Republican-controlled chamber started debating last night. Republicans are expected to easily pass the legislation, which would be a victory for conservatives seeking to restrict abortion.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Republican-controlled Iowa Senate has approved a bill that would make major changes to the state’s gun laws, including adding a stand-your-ground provision. The stand-your-ground provision would allow people to use deadly force anywhere if they believe such force is necessary to avoid injury or risk to one’s life or safety. Opponents say it’s a license to kill. Advocates say it’s a needed strengthening of Second Amendment rights.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – For the first time, an atheist will lead the invocation at the Iowa State Capitol. KCRG-TV reports Justin Scott, who’s president of the Eastern Iowa Atheists, will open a House chambers work session this morning. Scott wants to remind lawmakers of the separation of church and state, and that while everyone is free to believe what they wish to, legislators shouldn’t impose those religious beliefs on others through legislation.