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Iowa early News Headlines: Wed., Aug. 12th 2015

News

August 12th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A new wind energy project in Iowa is still awaiting final approval from the Iowa Utilities Board. The board met to review a proposed settlement agreement for the project from Des Moines-based MidAmerican Energy. No decision was made. MidAmerican filed plans earlier this year to build wind farms on two new sites, with a total cost of about $900 million. If approved, the company would start construction in spring of 2016 and conclude by the end of the year.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — A judge is upholding a warrant allowing investigators to search the email account of an indicted political operative who has worked for Rand Paul, Ron Paul and Mitch McConnell. Magistrate Judge Helen Adams rejected a request by Jesse Benton to quash a warrant ordering Google Inc. to turn over the contents of his Gmail account. The decision means the government will get access to thousands of emails that Benton sent and received dating back to 2011.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Terry Branstad is marking his record time in office with the publication of a book about his life. Branstad says the authorized biography will be available before the end of the year and coincides with his status this December as the nation’s longest serving governor. Branstad says an Iowa foundation will handle proceeds from the book, and the money will be distributed to causes that Branstad says focus on historic preservation efforts.

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — An Iowa man accused of robbing a downtown Fargo motel at gunpoint has pleaded not guilty in federal court. Thirty-year-old Eric Webb, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is charged with five counts, including armed robbery, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession a firearm by a convicted felon. Webb was shot by a Fargo police officer shortly after the June 4 holdup.