A NEW LAW limiting abortion in Iowa has been blocked by a judge (Shutterstock/Rena Schild).

Iowa’s ban on most abortions, signed into law over the weekend, has been blocked by a judge.

The new law had prohibited abortions after six weeks with exceptions for rape, incest, fetal abnormality and danger to the mother.

But the new ruling, according to the Associated Press, returns the legal status of the procedures to 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Judge Joseph Seidlin made his ruling Monday after a hearing on Friday. Unless overturned, the standard may remain in place until the new law’s constitutionality is determined.

Biden invites Netanyahu to U.S.

BENJAMIN NETANYAHU

Isreal’s controversial Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been invited to a meeting with President Joe Biden in Washington.

The New York Times reports that the move was intended to ease tensions between the two nations. Netanyahu’s policies –  considered “hard-line” by many – had estranged his country from the U.S. and there was concern that Biden meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and not Netanyahu was a slight to the latter, who is the head of state.

The prime minister has been at the center of concerns about expanding Jewish settlements in Palestine, seeking to defy the Supreme Court and allegations of corruption.

Grain deal suspended by Russia

Ukrainian grain won’t be allowed to be shipped from ports in the Black Sea, Russia announced on Monday.

RUSSIAN PRESIDENT Vladimir Putin (Shutterstock).

United Press International is reporting that the Russian government  claims the terms of the grain export agreement were not being observed.

Not only does the exporting of grain have an economic benefit to Ukraine, it’s also a lifeline to nations in Africa undergoing a drought and famine.

“Hundreds of millions of people face hunger and consumers are confronting a global cost-of-living crisis,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Sports: LA vs. NY in baseball

The Los Angeles Angels, after two nerve-wracking nail biting games, will begin a new series Monday hosting the New York Yankees in a 6:38 p.m. game.

The Los Angeles Dodgers will seek to cool off a red-hot Oriole team in Baltimore.

Check back later for final results in our “Sports Final.”

Weather:  Keep your sunny side up

Sunny or “mostly sunny” skies are in the forecast for the West Orange County area. Tuesday’s high is predicted to be 86 with an overnight low of 66. Wednesday will be slightly warmer at 88 (66). Thursday is expected to be 88 (66), followed by 87 (66) on Friday. Partly cloudy conditions are expected over the weekend.