IOWA (IRN) – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released their annual winter outlook for 2023-24. The Climate Prediction Center shows increased chances for a warmer than average winter and near normal conditions as it relates to precipitation chances statewide. The drought outlook also released this week shows the likelihood for at least some improvement locally, but that dry conditions will likely overall persist into the spring. CLARKSVILLE (IRN) – A former police officer in Clarksville has been convicted of several crimes related to sexual exploitation of minors. The Des Moines Register reports Michael Tobin was found guilty at the end of a trial held this month in Butler County. Tobin was found guilty on 11 counts of sexual exploitation after he was found soliciting indecent images from children. DES MOINES – Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate ticked up to 3.0 percent in September, up from 2.9 percent last month but down from 3.1 percent a year ago. Meanwhile, Iowa’s labor force participation rate decreased slightly from 68.7 percent to 68.6 percent in September. The U.S. unemployment rate remained at 3.8 percent in September, and the national labor force participation rate remained at 62.8 percent.

WASHINGTON D.C. (IRN) – Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks says she’s received death threats over her vote against Jim Jordan for U.S. House Speaker. Miller-Meeks initially voted for her colleague on Tuesday, only to switch her vote on Wednesday. In a statement shared online, she says she’s received credible threats against her. KEOKUK COUNTY (IRN) – A Keokuk County Sheriff’s Office employee was placed on leave while a hayrack ride crash is under investigation. KCCI-TV reports the department received several calls for a crash requiring medical assistance were received Saturday as part of a ride for seventh grade students from Sigourney. The party was organized by parents off campus, and an employee with the sheriff’s office was off-duty but involved with the operation. DES MOINES (IRN) – Research from Drake University shows Iowa pharmacies are shrinking. The Iowa Capital Dispatch reports that a study by Professor Michael Andreski shows the total number of pharmacies in the state has declined by more than 10%, with the largest losses among independent operations and in more rural areas.

OTTUMWA – An Ottumwa man was found dead late Monday night. According to the Ottumwa Police Department, 34-year-old Samuel Gallegos-Ramirez of Ottumwa, was found outside of a home at a reported stabbing, transported to the Ottumwa Regional Health Center, and he was pronounced deceased. The Ottumwa Police Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation continue the investigation. No charges have been filed. There is no known ongoing threat to the public.\ CLAYTON COUNTY – A Clayton County livestock facility is again seeking approval for how it plans to dispose of manure close to one of Iowa’s best trout streams. The Des Moines Register reports Supreme Beef is seeking the go-ahead from the Iowa DNR amid objections from several groups. The proposed 39 million gallon manure storage basis is close to Bloody Run Creek and in an area where leaks into groundwater are more likely. The facility has been through several legal challenges, and currently stores manure on-site. The operation is the largest in Clayton County, and the Iowa DNR will consider approval of the new plan. IOWA (IRN) – A holiday tradition returns later this year ahead of Christmas. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is scheduled for stops in Clinton, Davenport, Muscatine, Ottumwa, and Mason City, among other smaller communities, from November 26th through December 8th, according to KCRG-TV.

IOWA (IRN) – Hundreds of books have been removed from school libraries in Iowa, with more likely to follow, according to a report by the Des Moines Register. Senate File 496 bands books with any description or depiction of sex acts. With no guidance from the Iowa Department of Education, some districts have banned dozens of titles, while others have remain largely unchanged. The Register is keeping an ongoing database for school districts statewide. CARROLL (IRN)- More than 100 dogs were rescued from a situation involving likely hoarding in Carroll County. KCCI-TV reports the sheriff’s office noted in a press release Friday that the canines were found in various states of filth. The American Rescue League of Iowa is providing care after the owner voluntarily let go of the animals. The sheriff’s office found 50 goats, several horses, and other animals on the property as well. The investigation is ongoing, but several charges are likely to be filed. IOWA (IRN) – The Iowa State Patrol dedicated two bridges to fallen officers Monday. Sgt. Jim Smith and Trooper Ted Benda both died in the line of duty in 2021. It has been a long standing tradition of the Iowa State Patrol to name a bridge after a trooper has paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting Iowans.

DES MOINES (IRN) – The Iowa State Capitol was threatened on Saturday. The Iowa State Patrol received information about a threat from the United States Capitol Police made via social media. The Department of Public Safety investigated and assessed the threat and determined it to be not credible. Out of an abundance of caution, the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Iowa State Patrol swept the building and located nothing of concern. The building was cleared at 1:30 p.m. and all normal activities at the Capitol resumed shortly after. IOWA (IRN) – Those in Iowa who want to see the most out of fall colors should do so early this week. According to the Iowa DNR, the most vibrant viewing from border to border takes place this week in the fast majority of Iowa communities. This year’s show started faster due to ongoing drought, but last week’s rain for many will keep the colors on trees a bit longer. IOWA CITY (IRN) – A new NCAA women’s basketball attendance recorded was broken as the defending National Runners Up hosted a game at Kinnick Stadium Sunday. The Des Moines Register reports the Iowa Hawkeyes and reigning, unanimous player of the year Caitlin Clark welcomed more than 55,000 fans for a scrimmage against DePaul. The Crossover at Kinnick event shattered the previous national record of 29,619 for the 2002 national title game. A check of $250,000 was given to the University of Iowa’s Stead Family Children’s Hospital from event proceeds.