PANORA, Iowa (AP) — Police are investigating the beating of an eighth-grade boy in the Panorama Middle School cafeteria that left him with injuries requiring surgery. Des Moines television station KCCI reports that the beating happened Thursday, leaving Alex Kent with a titanium plate in his jaw and a broken leg that will require screws to reset. Panora’s Police Chief says he expects a decision on whether to file charges in the case next week.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — Officials have identified a man killed in an early morning house fire in Cedar Rapids. The Cedar Rapids Fire Department says 43-year-old Kerry Bye died in yesterday morning’s fire. Firefighters were called to Bye’s home around 5:45 a.m. Sunday when two newspaper carriers saw smoke pouring from the house.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Governor Terry Branstad is the new chairman of the Midwestern Governors Association, a group of 10 states that works together on agriculture, economic development and other issues. The Iowa Republican was elected yesterday in Washington D.C., where the group is meeting. Minnesota Democratic Governor Mark Dayton was elected to serve as vice chairman for this year.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Meyers Leonard had 22 points off the bench as Illinois defeated Iowa 65-54 last night. Matt Gatens powered the Hawkeyes with 22 points and 5 of 6 shooting from 3-point range in Champaign. But Gatens was held in check in the second half, scoring just five points.