Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press…

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The first of what could be several trials in claims brought by black employees and job applicants who allege racial discrimination cost them jobs in Iowa’s executive branch is set to begin with jury selection Tuesday. The cases stem from a class-action lawsuit in which up to 6,000 blacks passed over for state jobs alleged a pattern of discrimination. A judge dismissed the lawsuit last year and the Iowa Supreme Court is considering whether to reinstate it.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A mountain lion sighting has been confirmed in Madison County. The Des Moines Register reports a farmer’s game camera caught an image of the mountain lion Oct. 13, about 10 miles north of Winterset. Department of Natural Resources spokesman Kevin Baskins says the animal appears to be a 2- to 3-year-old male. The DNR says there have been 16 confirmed mountain lion sightings since 1994.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Registration for a Nov. 4 bullying prevention summit in Des Moines has been extended through Wednesday. Gov. Terry Branstad says additional demand for tickets is driving the extension. The original deadline for registration was Friday. The theme for this year’s Governor’s Bullying Prevention Summit is “Mission Possible: Stepping Up the Response,” and is a follow-up to last year’s summit which drew about 1,100 people.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa City will hold its annual Halloween Parade and Carnival on Friday. People of all ages are invited to the event, which starts at 6 p.m. Friday at the Weatherdance Fountain in the Pedestrian Mall. Children who attend must be accompanied by an adult. The parade won’t be held if the weather turns scary, but the carnival will go on regardless.