Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 5:00 a.m. CST
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Nearly 50 years after Iowa moved to reduce partisanship in its court system, Republicans who control the governor’s office and the Legislature say it’s time to give politicians greater control. Legislative leaders want to change how judges are chosen after being repeatedly frustrated by court rulings on topics like gay marriage and abortion. The Iowa proposal appears to be part of a national effort in conservative states to bring the courts into sync with the other branches of government.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A storm has buried much of Iowa and Nebraska under more than a half-foot of snow. The National Weather Service says just over 8 inches of snow had piled up in Des Moines by midday Sunday, with totals a little higher in parts of southwest Iowa. About 6 inches of snow was reported in the Omaha area. The weather service issued a winter weather advisory throughout Iowa and for northeast Nebraska.
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — A jury has convicted a Council Bluffs man on charges related to the death of a 16-month-old girl but acquitted him of murder. The Daily Nonpareil reports the jury on Friday found Javon Jennings guilty of involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment resulting in death but not of murder. Jennings was charged in the death of 16-month-old Jazlynn Harshbarger, who died last April of blunt force trauma after suffering from numerous injuries.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A Des Moines woman accused of trying to pin a murder on an innocent man has been found guilty of second-degree murder and other counts in the case. The Des Moines Register reports that 54-year-old Helen Jeanette Frazier was convicted Friday of the murder count, as well as two counts of malicious prosecution. Police say Frazier stabbed 55-year-old Andrea Brown to death Jan. 2, 2017 and implicated two men who had nothing to do with the slaying.