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.