Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CDT

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — A special state Senate election in Iowa is gaining a national spotlight as presidential hopefuls try to help a fellow Democrat win. Cedar Falls resident Eric Giddens won the party’s nomination for the seat to be decided next week. For the Democratic field, campaigning alongside Giddens is an opportunity to prove their commitment to building up the state party, a quality local elected officials and party operatives are looking for as they evaluate whom to support for the White House.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke is making his first trip to Iowa of the 2020 campaign, visiting the state that kicks off presidential voting amid intense speculation he’ll enter the race for the White House. A spokesman says O’Rourke will visit the University of Northern Iowa on Saturday to campaign for Eric Giddens, the Democratic candidate running in a state Senate special election there. O’Rourke had previously failed to answer invitations to visit Democrats in Iowa and New Hampshire.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A board has agreed to pay a former prison guard $2.3 million as settlement for discrimination and retaliation she says she suffered after filing a sexual harassment case against the state. The state paid Kristine Sink $1.65 million last month to settle the sexual harassment case, and the Iowa attorney general recommended settling the second retaliation case. The State Appeal Board Monday approved the settlement but only after State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald complained about such settlements.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A proposed underground transmission line would carry electricity generated mostly by wind turbines in Iowa to the Chicago area. The company behind the $2.5 billion project, Direct Connect Development Co., said Monday that it has lined up three major investors to back the project. It could be operational in 2024 if regulators approve. Direct Connect plans to bury the transmission line in land that runs along existing Canadian Pacific railroad tracks, aiming for minimal disruption for landowners.