CLEAR LAKE, IA (IRN) – A former Clear Lake police officer has reached a plea deal in his domestic abuse case. Thirty-six-year-old Ryan Eskildsen has pled not guilty to a misdemeanor count. He’s accused of grabbing and striking his wife at their home in November. Eskildsen quit the Clear Lake force Feb. 10.

SIOUX CITY, IA (IRN) – The Sioux City school board is urging Congress to support immigrant students. The Sioux City Journal reports that the board voted Monday for a resolution that urged members of the U.S. House and Senate to adopt the Bridge Act. The measure would continue protections granted to young people under the program called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which is aimed at helping young people who arrived in this country as children.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Lawmakers held an oversight hearing Monday on the handling of the case of a 16-year-old West Des Moines girl who died of starvation in October. KCCI-TV reports officials with the DHS discussed training, caseloads and the hurdles that they faced while investigating Natalie Finn’s case. Officials say for the most part the system is working, but they don’t have the staff to handle the over 100 new reports of abuse received every day.

CHARLES CITY, IA (IRN) – Several people are homeless after a fire at an apartment complex in Charles City early this morning. KIMT-TV reports once on scene, firefighters could see flames coming through windows on the main floor. One person was hospitalized.

OTTUMWA, IA (IRN) – Ottumwa police are investigating a hit-and-run that happened during the storm on March 6. Just before 10 p.m., a woman was riding her bike when she was struck by a vehicle. She was transported to Iowa City for treatment. Police say it was raining hard when she was hit, and they have no suspects.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – During a press conference Monday, Governor Terry Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds commented on Sunday’s controversial remarks by Congressman Steve King on Twitter. King posted “We can’t restore our civilization with somebody else’s babies.” Many have called the post racist. Governor Branstad says he disagrees with King, and it was wrong to post. Lt. Governor Reynolds says “I don’t believe it’s reflective of Iowans or Iowa values.”