Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A third consecutive overall index drop in a monthly rural bankers survey suggests an economic slowdown is ahead in Iowa and Nebraska. Omaha-based Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says the overall index reflects “weakness stemming from lower agriculture and energy commodity prices.”

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Hillary Rodham Clinton says she will “not be silenced” when it comes to talking about gun violence, renewing her debate-night tangle with rival Bernie Sanders. The Democratic presidential candidate says at a rally in San Antonio, Texas that she’s “been told by some to quit talking about this.” She says she’ll continue to challenge the National Rifle Association. Clinton did not mention Sanders by name. But during Tuesday’s debate, Sanders said “all the shouting in the world” won’t keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have them.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican presidential candidates Donald Trump and Ben Carson are threatening to boycott the next GOP debate over its proposed format. The two political outsiders wrote in a joint letter to CNBC on Thursday that they will not appear at the October 28th debate unless its length is capped at two hours, including commercials.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — A cluster of endangered cacti in Sioux City will be protected in the development of a major road project. The Sioux City Journal reports Southbridge Drive construction will veer west in order to avoid 100 bigroot prickly pear cactus plants located about three miles southeast of Sioux Gateway Airport.

The Red Oak Police Department reports an arrest Thursday morning of a Red Oak man for Possession of Stolen Property.  At 8:30am officers arrested 33-year-old Jesse Donald Trost of Red Oak near the intersection of North 2nd Street and East Corning Street in Red Oak.  Trost was booked into the Montgomery County Jail on $300 bond.

Police in Council Bluffs reported Thursday afternoon that a man who escaped police custody Wednesday afternoon and struck a police officer with a stolen pickup, is still at large. 27-year old Adam Thomas, of Council Bluffs, reportedly stole a vehicle from his mother’s home near where the abandoned pickup used in Wednesday’s incident, was found. Police says surveillance video on his mother’s property show Thomas took his sister’s 2007 Silver Nissan Murano SUV from 23752 Idlewood Drive, near Underwood, shortly after midnight, Wednesday. The vehicle has Iowa license plate 640SSR.

Adam W. Thomas

After taking the stolen SUV report, Pottawattamie County Deputies were dispatched to 24861 265th Street, where a vehicle was reported stolen from a property about 5-miles from Thomas’ mother’s home. That vehicle was a 2013 silver Chevrolet Malibu, with Iowa license plate ARY035.  The Nissan Murano had an extremely low tire at the time of the theft, so it’s possible that Thomas is now in the 2013 Chevy Malibu, however, the Murano has not been recovered.

Police say extreme caution should be exercised if anyone should come into contact with Thomas. They’re asking for your help in locating Thomas as he continues to have any disregard for public safety in continuing his crime spree. Anyone with any information can contact Crime Stoppers or their local law enforcement.

Officials with the Johnny Carson Birthplace Society (JCBS) in Corning invite you to join them in celebrating the 90th Anniversary of Johnny Carson’s birth. The home in which Johnny Carson was born has been restored to the era of his birth, October 23,1925 by the Society, who is hosting the event.

The celebration begins on Friday, October 23rd, at the birthplace home, 500 13th Street in Corning, with an Open House from 10 am to noon, serving a birthday cake, and hosting a very special guest. Pete Petrashek, a friend and co-worker from Johnny’s early years at WOW-TV will be there to interact with birthplace visitors.

Carson and Patrashek were both magicians, as well as pioneers in the early television industry and remained friends until Carson’s death in 2005.  The celebration continues with two big events on Saturday, October 24th. Reflecting Johnny’s interest in vintage cars, the JCBS is sponsoring the First Annual Johnny Carson Birthplace Car Show at Central Park in downtown Corning with registration of cars from 9:30 am to Noon. Spectator voting will be from Noon to 1:30 pm with awards being handed out at 2:30 pm. The Birthplace home will welcome visitor with tours from Noon to 5 pm.

On Saturday evening, the JCBS teams up with the Corning Opera House (the restored 1902 theater) as regional talent performs in a “Tonight Show” styled event with Carson and McMahon impersonators on hand to keep the show moving forward. The curtain goes up at 7 pm. Tickets can be purchased on-line at www.corningoperahouse.com or at the door.

To learn more about Johnny’s hometown, a Main Street Iowa community, other attractions, recreational opportunities, unique shopping and more, visit the community website at www.adamscountyiowa.com.