DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate is confirming the recent and abrupt departure of his chief of staff, according to KCCI-TV. Mark Snell’s employment ended January 3. No reason was given for the departure, and Snell didn’t submit a resignation letter. Snell had a $132,000-annual salary and had served as the top administrator since Pate took office in 2015. Pate, a Republican, is gearing up to run for re-election this year.

FOREST CITY, IA (IRN) – A North Iowa teen is pleading not guilty to five burglaries. KIMT-TV reports 18-year-old Jordan Lee Meier of Forest City is accused of stealing a handgun, a rifle, a shotgun, medication, and cigarettes. Photos of some of the stolen property were found on Meier’s cell phone and there’s a DNA match between his blood and blood left behind at one of the burglaries.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health is reporting a norovirus outbreak across the state. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and a low-grade fever. It typically lasts for two days. While norovirus is often called the “stomach flu,” it’s not the same as influenza and the flu vaccine will not prevent it. If you get it, the CDC says stay home and drink plenty of fluids.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Iowa’s controversial traffic enforcement cameras may be on their way out. The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced a bill Tuesday to ban the red light and speed cameras immediately. The bill now goes to the full Senate. Last week, a House committee voted 11-to-10 to advance a similar ban.

ANKENY, IA (IRN) – Ankeny-based Casey’s General Stores is looking at expanding its group of convenience stores with a major acquisition. CNBC reports Casey’s put a bid in to buy grocery store giant Kroger Co.’s convenience stores, which would include 783 stores in 19 states. Casey’s is one of several companies pursuing the stores. Kroger operates convenience stores under the names Quik Stop Markets, Smith’s Express, Loaf N’ Jug, Kwik Shop, Turkey Hill Minit Markets and Tom Thumb Food Stores.

INDEPENDENCE, IA (IRN) – An AED device saved a man’s life at an Independence High School basketball game, and now the district is adding more of them to place throughout the school. KCRG-TV reports one of the referees had a heart attack, and a trainer went to his aid with the AED. Activities Director Justin Putz said, “it was pretty shocking to have an official go down, and there is no doubt the AED and CPR saved his life.”