Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press…

KEOKUK, Iowa (AP) — A jury has acquitted a former drug offender who voted despite having lost her right to cast a ballot, in a rare trial that highlights Iowa’s harsh policies toward voting rights for ex-felons. Jurors rejected a perjury charge yesterday against Kelli Jo Griffin, who was accused of lying on a voter registration form before she cast a ballot in a municipal election in November.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha-based economist says a survey of bankers in Iowa, Nebraska and eight other Midwestern states suggests the regional economy is experiencing slow to no growth. The Rural Mainstreet Index by Creighton University economist Ernie Gross rose slightly above growth neutral in March, to 50.1, compared with 48.4 in February.

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) — A two-hour standoff between a Davenport man and local authorities has ended peacefully. The Quad-City Times reports the suspect was taken into custody around 11 a.m. yesterday after speaking with a negotiator. No injuries were reported.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) —North Carolina Central is the Number 14 seed in tonight’s East Regional in a second round matchup Friday against third seeded Big 12 tournament champion Iowa State. Iowa State is taking note of what the Eagles have done this season: A 20-game win streak, a road win at North Carolina State and a close loss at Wichita State, the only undefeated team in the country and the Number One seed in the Midwest.