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

ANKENY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Democratic challenger Fred Hubbell traded sharp exchanges Wednesday over the state budget and privatization of the Medicaid program as they met together on a debate state for the first time. Reynolds aggressively challenged Hubbell, interrupting him and moderators several times to get her points across. Hubbell with a more subdued demeanor scored points that the economy she boasts of isn’t working for everyone and the Medicaid program is hurting vulnerable Iowans.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The National Weather Service says nearly a dozen tornadoes touched down in rural areas across Iowa as strong storms swept the state Tuesday. Service meteorologist Mike Fowle in Des Moines says 10 tornadoes were confirmed in the central third of the state, with the strongest hitting near Creston in south-central Iowa. Fowle says that EF-2 twister brought winds of up to 120 mph, destroying a garage and pulling off part of a mobile home roof. No injuries were reported with any of the tornadoes.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The chief justice of the Iowa Supreme Court says a disputed appointment of a district court judge by Gov. Kim Reynolds in June will stand unless the courts determine otherwise. Justice Mark Cady says in a statement Wednesday he has no constitutional authority to confirm or ratify the governor’s appointment of Judge Jason Besler. Reynolds says she appointed Besler in June within the 30-day deadline by verbally telling her chief of staff her choice but there’s no proof she met the deadline.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — A Division of Criminal Investigation agent in western Iowa is confirming that she’s on paid administrative leave amid a disciplinary investigation. Special Agent Ashley Goodsell says that she has done nothing wrong but cannot comment further since the investigation is ongoing. She says she’s being represented by the State Police Officers Council, a union representing sworn officers.