DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Rural southwest Iowa state Sen. Joni Ernst has emerged as a front-runner in what once was a jumbled field of Republicans hoping to succeed retiring Democratic U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin. Ernst has managed to bring together warring factions of the state and national GOP before the primary. She has aired ads featuring her firing a handgun at an indoor shooting range and talking about her childhood experience castrating hogs.

Today’s (Tuesday’s) primary is significant because Iowa, a traditional swing state, is expected to play a key role in the race for U.S. Senate control this fall. Republicans need six seats to gain a majority. Neither party will have the power of incumbency in the race. The GOP views Democratic U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley, the assured nominee, as vulnerable.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press 

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — A transient was arrested following a brief standoff in Council Bluffs, Monday. The Council Bluffs Police Department says 29-year-old Kevin Richard Bequette was taken into custody at around 10:30-a.m., after the Omaha Metro Fugitive Task Force tracked Bequette to a residence and attempted to apprehend him on a warrant for a parole violation. The man is accused of locking himself inside a detached garage behind the home.

Authorities communicated with Bequette for about 45-minutes, during which he threatened to harm himself. At around 10:30-a.m., officers could smell smoke coming from the garage. They broke into the structure and took Bequette into custody without further incident. Authorities learned the man started a small fire in the garage, and there was evidence he had attempted to compromise a natural gas line inside the building. Damage to the garage was described as minimal.

Police Capt. Todd Weddum says Bequette was checked by medics at the scene, but he did not require any treatment. Weddum said Bequette was arrested for a parole violation related to earlier arson/theft and attempted burglary charges,  in addition to a warrant for 3rd  degree criminal mischief and Interference with official acts.

Bluffs police recovered two stolen cars on the property. Officials say an investigation continues with regard to the vehicles, and additional charges against Bequette are pending.

COON RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — Coon Rapids Police have arrested a man accused of molesting two toddlers. 51-year old Scott Allen Warnke, of Coon Rapids, was arrested Thursday, and faces two counts of second-degree sexual abuse.

Warnke is accused of molesting the young girls while they visited his home in January. A witness recently told authorities that Warnke was alone with the girls at some point, and the girls were partially disrobed. The girls’ ages have not been released.

The Carroll Daily Times Herald reports Warnke was taken to the Carroll County Jail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled to take place this Thursday.

ROCKWELL CITY, Iowa (AP) – A part of Rockwell City has been renamed in honor of a police officer who was killed in the line of duty last fall.An area north of the Rockwell City park will now be known as Jamie Buenting Memorial Park. Dozens of people attended an event Sunday afternoon to celebrate the change.

Buenting was killed in September 2013 during an early morning standoff. Corey Trott has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the case. The Fort Dodge Messenger reports the newly named area includes a renovated duck pond, new shelter on the bank and donated benches. Mayor Phil Heinlin says organizers want to put an illuminated flag on a pole in the middle of the pond.

Sheriff’s officials in Audubon County report two men were arrested on OWI charges Friday night. 31-year old Eddie Ray Mack, of Audubon, was taken into custody at around 10-p.m. on charges that include OWI/3rd offense, 2 counts of Child Endangerment, and Open Container. The charges were the result of a traffic stop on Highway 71, south of Audubon.

Also arrested Friday night, was 30-year old David James Elliott, of Newton. He was taken into custody at around 11:30-p.m. following an incident on Tracy Street, in Audubon. Elliott was charged with OWI/1st offense, Driving While Suspended, and Careless Driving.

Both men were transported to the Audubon County Jail and later released after appearing before the magistrate. Their preliminary hearings were set for June 19th.