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Iowa early News Headlines: Mon., Feb. 29th 2016

News

February 29th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Nearly four months after Johnson County became the first in Iowa to gradually increase its minimum wage above the federal standard, workers are welcoming the change. But some business owners say they’re unsure how to handle the extra expense. Workers like Ghada Jameel, a 38-year-old daycare employee, say the first 95 cent increase that took effect November 1st has already made life easier for her and her husband. She’s looking forward to two more raises that will bring her pay to $9.15 in May and to $10.10 an hour on January 1st, 2017.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Police officers in Iowa are finding ways to use social media tools to share information and connect better with the people they are trying to protect. The Press-Citizen reports police in Iowa City, Coralville and at the University of Iowa all post regularly on Facebook, Twitter and Periscope.

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — A hearing will be held this spring to determine whether a Dubuque man is competent to stand trial on sexual assault and murder charges. The Telegraph Herald reports a judge decided a competency hearing will be held for 20-year-old Helmon Betwell on April 4th.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Marc Loving scored 25 points, including both ends of a 1-and-1 with less than 2 seconds to go, and Ohio State rallied from a late deficit to stun Number 8 Iowa 68-64 Sunday. Iowa led by as many as six points in the second half.