DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The state agency that came under widespread scrutiny after the unrelated starvation deaths of two 16-year-old central Iowa girls faces proposed budget cuts, which Democrats say could lead to another tragedy. Despite high caseloads and short staffing, Republicans in the Legislature have proposed to cut the Iowa Department of Human Service’s budget by nearly 10 percent. Republican legislators say they’re confident they can protect both taxpayers and Iowa children.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Also related to the legislative session, Republican lawmakers want to allow $5,000 to $6,000 per student that now goes to the public schools to be diverted to help pay for private or homeschool education. Opponents say it would be the beginning of the end of Iowa’s strong public school system, which is currently ranked 13th in the country.

ALDEN, IA (IRN) – A man from the northern Iowa town of Alden currently awaiting sentencing for sexually assaulting a child has won a $100,000 lottery prize. 61-year-old Dean Edward Hilpipre presented his winning lottery ticket Wednesday and received his prize. Lottery officials say anyone from anywhere can win the lottery.

CLIVE, IA (IRN) – Seven employees fell mysteriously ill inside a Walgreens in Clive Friday, according to WHO-TV. What caused them to become sick, however, is unknown. The employees were sent to the hospital with vomiting, dizziness, and headaches. A Haz-Mat team was able to rule out carbon monoxide and natural gas, and believe something might have come in through the ventilation system. The Walgreens closed for the rest of the day, and all employees have recovered.