DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Statehouse Republicans passed a bill Tuesday that could send a person to prison for life if they cause the death of a fetus, even if they did not know the mother was pregnant. Republicans say it has nothing to do with abortion. Democrats say the bill lays the groundwork for criminalizing abortion.

SHELDON, IA (IRN) – A body was found in the Floyd River Tuesday near the campus of Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon. KCAU-TV reports police believe the body to be that of a male in his 30’s or 40’s.

ALTOONA, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Agriculture has confirmed a highly contagious virus in a horse barn in Altoona. Equine Herpes Virus can be fatal to horses and can easily spread from one horse to another through humans and even inanimate objects. It’s not a threat to humans or other animals, but it can be deadly to horses. The horse is boarded at the Pine Hollow Stables.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – The Iowa City Community School District needs to cut its budget by more than $5 million, and the superintendent is recommending leaving a large number of positions vacant. KCRG-TV reports 61 teachers have either announced they are resigning or accepting an early retirement package. The school board will leave 21 elementary teaching positions, and nine secondary school teacher positions vacant. It would also reduce three librarians, an art teacher, a music teacher, and a physical education teacher.