FORT MADISON, IA (IRN) – A southeastern Iowa woman is among 95 federal prisoners whose sentences for nonviolent crimes were shortened by President Obama on Friday. The Des Moines Register reports Gloria Louise James, formerly a Fort Madison resident, will finish her prison sentence in April, more than seven months ahead of schedule. James was sentenced to more than 15 years in prison on meth charges. The move is part of an effort to free prisoners who were sentenced under mandatory minimum guidelines that many now argue were too harsh for nonviolent drug offenses.

NORWAY, IA (IRN) – A car was hit by a train in Norway in Benton County Friday. KGAN-TV reports the driver tried to get around cars waiting for a train to pass. When he thought the coast was clear, he began driving around the warning gates, and was hit by another train that was travelling in the opposite direction. The suspect fled the scene with his 2-year-old but later came back. Officials have not released the suspect’s name but do say he will face charges. No one was hurt.

EDDYVILLE, IA (IRN) – Hazmat crews from the Ottumwa Fire Department were called to Eddyville Thursday night after a dangerous hydrochloric acid spill. KTVO-TV reports it happened at the Harris and Ford Chlor-Alkali plant at the Cargill site. The spill happened while transporting the acid, which is corrosive to the eyes and skin. The DNR and EPA are investigating. No one was injured, and cleanup is ongoing.

JOHNSTON, IA (IRN) – One week before Christmas, one of the biggest employers in the Des Moines metro is cutting jobs. KCCI-TV reports with farm income declining, DuPont Pioneer in Johnston is tightening its belt. The company announced a $700 million restructuring plan that will impact 10 percent of the global workforce. Pioneer employs about 3,400 Iowans, mostly in the Des Moines metro.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – A Cedar Rapids man is being credited with potentially saving the life of a homeless man who caught fire Thursday night. KCRG-TV reports 38-year-old Corey Smock is facing life-threatening injuries after his sleeping bag and clothing caught fire. Authorities say that if it wasn’t for the intervention of 40-year-old Matthew Geraghty, Smock would already be dead. Geraghty was driving by, saw the flames, and stopped to help.