IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Construction is expected to begin soon on the University of Iowa’s first new residence hall since 1968. The Iowa Board of Regents on Wednesday approved plans for a $53 million, 10-story tower that will be located on the west side of campus near Rienow and Hillcrest residence halls. Construction work is expected to begin this summer and finish by spring 2015.

ATLANTIC, Iowa (AP) — A retired southwest Iowa teacher accused of sexual conduct with a student in 2009 and 2010 has pleaded not guilty to 50 counts of sexual exploitation by a school employee. KJAN radio in Atlantic reports 65-year-old William Foulkes (fowlks) of Anita entered his plea in Cass County magistrate court yesterday.

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) — A 43-year-old Davenport woman has been given 10 years in prison for forgery and dependent adult abuse. Bobbi Christoffersen was sentenced Wednesday in Scott County District Court after pleading guilty. Prosecutors say she stole cash and forged checks belonging to the Walker family of rural Scott County while serving as a caregiver for their brain-injured son.

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) — The excitement is building as a second eaglet has cracked out of its egg and a third is expected outside an Alcoa plant in Davenport. The second eaglet hatched Wednesday. The first hatched on Monday. A third egg was showing signs of a crack, but there was no announcement by yesterday afternoon on the company’s website that includes an internet camera.