Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

UNDATED (AP) — The hard-fought Senate race in Iowa between Democrat Bruce Braley and Republican Joni Ernst could be a photo finish. One poll released over the weekend suggests Ernst has pulled ahead, while several others show a close matchup. Money has flooded the state for both candidates as Republicans seek the six-seat gain they need to take control of the Senate.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A state audit confirms that a former Iowa County official stole more than $60,000 in public money. Kimberly Tanke is serving three years of probation after pleading guilty to theft in March. Tanke was twice elected county treasurer and later served as a county supervisor. She resigned a year ago.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Retiring Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin is apologizing for calling Republican Joni Ernst attractive, but “wrong for the state of Iowa.” Harkin, who is supporting Democrat Bruce Braley to succeed him, made the remarks at a recent Democratic dinner. In the video, Harkin says it doesn’t matter if Ernst is “as good looking as Taylor Swift or as nice as Mr. Rogers,” if she’s going to be a conservative vote in the Senate. Ernst decried the remark as sexist, saying he would not have made the same comments about a male candidate.

(Information in the following story is from: KWWL-TV, http://www.kwwl.com)

EVANSDALE, Iowa (AP) — A 14-year-old girl faces a first-degree arson charge in connection to a small fire at a middle school in northeast Iowa. Evansdale Fire Chief Kent Smock says the girl was taken into custody. The case has been sent to the juvenile court system. The small fire was reported on Oct. 22 inside a bathroom at Bunger Middle School in Evansdale. No injuries were reported.