Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — President Barack Obama has signed a disaster declaration for five Iowa counties damaged by severe weather in early April. Yesterday’s announcement means the counties of Dickinson, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola and Sioux will get federal funding under a public assistance program. Funding can be used for emergency repairs, essential government functions and grants for public schools.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say a man arrested in Texas in connection with the shooting of an Iowa police officer is fighting extradition back to the state. The Sioux City Journal reports 21-year-old Jamal Dean has indicated to authorities that he intends to fight extradition. He’s in a maximum security section of the county jail in Kingsville, Texas.

WEST UNION, Iowa (AP) — Two men have pleaded guilty to charges related to a bank robbery and wild chase last fall that left two officers with gunshot wounds. The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports 25-year-old Jeremiah Mumford and 19-year-old William Clayton pleaded guilty yesterday to first-degree robbery and two counts of attempted murder.

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — Dubuque authorities have been investigating an electrical problem that caused a small explosion inside a manhole downtown. Police Lt. Steve Radloff says the explosion yesterday afternoon behind the Dubuque County Jail caused a loud boom and a manhole cover to lift off its base and into the air. No injuries were reported.

(DES MOINES) – Former US Attorney Matt Whitaker shared his intentions to seek the Republican nomination for the open United States Senate seat in November 2014. Whitaker, who was a guest Monday afternoon on a Des Moines talk radio station, announced he is taking the necessary steps to run for the seat being vacated by Senator Tom Harkin’s retirement. Whitaker becomes the first Republican to officially state he will be a candidate in the Senate race.

“I am taking the steps to run for the United States Senate,” Whitaker said. “I will have the official campaign announcement on June 3.” Whitaker, who has been married for 20 years, said his wife and children support his Senate run. “They understand the challenges facing our country and state,” Whitaker said. “This is going to be a big election about big ideas.” The Republican Senate candidate said he is excited to travel across Iowa and meet with primary voters. “Let’s talk about the issues,” Whitaker said. “Common sense solutions are going to win in the primary election and November 2014.”

(Press Release)

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say a man arrested in Texas in connection with the shooting of an Iowa police officer is fighting extradition back to the state. The Sioux City Journal reports 21-year-old Jamal Dean has indicated to authorities that he intends to fight extradition. He is in a maximum security section of the Kleberg County Jail in Kingsville, Texas. Kleberg County Sheriff’s Capt. Albert Castillo says Dean must enter a formal decision during a court hearing. Texas Gov. Rick Perry could be asked to authorize Dean’s removal from the state.

Dean was arrested Saturday after a hunt involving local, state and federal authorities. He is accused of shooting a rifle at Sioux City Officer Kevin McCormick during a traffic stop on April 29. McCormick is expected to make a full recovery.