DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A former Iowa legislative clerk has admitted to writing a threatening letter addressed to a state legislator and opening an envelope containing the letter and white powder on the floor of the House, prompting a halt in debate and a lockdown of the Capitol. Michael Dekota McRae pleaded guilty to conveying false information concerning a biological weapon. The 28-year-old McRae was a clerk for Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad, of Des Moines, in April 2012 when he wrote the letter, which used racial slurs and included threats against himself and the lawmaker. When he opened the envelope on the House floor, a white powder came into contact with McRae and Abdul-Samad. Tests determined the powder was harmless.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Ames police are investigating the death of an Iowa State University student as a possible hit-and-run. An Iowa State police officer found 18-year-old Emmalee J. Jacobs, of Urbana, Iowa, about 7 a.m. Monday on a street bordering the campus. The officer started cardiopulmonary resuscitation until medics arrived. She later died at an Ames hospital.

NEWTON, Iowa (AP) — Two Newton women have been charged with child endangerment after four children in their care tested positive for methamphetamine. Twenty-nine-year-old Cristy J. Clark and 28-year-old Somer M. Speer were arrested on Wednesday. Newton police say children aged 2, 4, 6 in the care of Clark and a 9-year-old for whom Speer was responsible tested positive for methamphetamine. Police say a couple caring for Clark’s three children living with Speer acknowledged using methamphetamine with the children in the home.

HAMPTON, Iowa (AP) — Franklin County authorities have arrested a man suspected of killing his girlfriend at a home in Hampton. Sixty-year-old Ronald Rand was arrested Sunday night after deputies found the body of 51-year-old Michelle Key. Key was from Waterloo.