The three candidates seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination in Iowa’s third congressional district are proposing different methods for raising incomes for low-wage workers. The topic was discussed last (Thursday) night during a 90-minute forum sponsored by The Des Moines Register and K-C-C-I television. Pete D’Alessandro of Des Moines supports immediately raising the minimum wage to 15-dollars-an-hour. “We should be fighting for a minimum wage that guarantees that you’re not living in poverty,” D’Alessandro said. “…That’s why I say the debate starts at $15 an hour. I won’t compromise on that.”

Cindy Axne of West Des Moines would establish an inflation factor that will keep raising the minimum wage periodically in the future and she suggests raising the wage too high too fast can have a negative effect.  “My concern is always about making sure that an individual has an opportunity for a life of dignity…and we certainly aren’t going to get there if people are laid off because businesses can’t afford it,” Axne said.

Eddie Mauro of Des Moines says rather than raising the minimum wage, he’d raise the earned income tax credit instead. “I think we need a bolder, better and more progressive plan,” Mauro said. “…At $36,000 to $40,000 a year, you can improve your skills and then you make your wages higher, your salary’s higher and then that credit comes down some.”

The three candidates are competing to be the Democrat who faces off against Republican Congressman David Young in November.

(Radio Iowa)

FORT DODGE, Iowa (AP) — A central Iowa sheriff who asked one of his deputies to ticket him has pleaded guilty to a traffic violation. The Messenger reports that Webster County Sheriff Jim Stubbs entered the plea in court Thursday to illegally driving an all-terrain vehicle on a highway. Stubbs says that a couple of weeks ago he was heading for some family property when he turned onto U.S. Highway 169 for a brief stretch. He soon recalled that he could legally drive the ATV on county roads but not along highways. He came upon the deputy who’d pulled off the highway and requested a ticket.

Stubbs says he wants to ensure “everyone’s equal as far as the Sheriff’s Department is concerned, and that includes me.” Magistrate William Thatcher commended Stubbs’ honesty and fined him $132.50.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Police say a Des Moines teenager accidentally shot and killed himself. The shooting occurred Monday when 17-year-old James Shorter moved the handgun while sitting in a car. He was hit in the neck when the gun fired. Police say Shorter died during surgery at Mercy Medical Center. Police Sgt. Joe Frentress told The Des Moines Register that detectives have determined the shooting was an accident.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The price of a private lunch with investor Warren Buffett could set another record this year because the bidding is already over $3 million. The online auction that raises money for the Glide Foundation’s work to help the homeless in San Francisco wraps up Friday night at 9:30 p.m. CDT. The record price of $3,456,789 that auction winners paid in 2012 and 2016 remains the most expensive charity item ever sold on eBay.

Buffett has raised more than $26 million for the Glide Foundation through these annual auctions over the past 18 years. Bidders continue to pay high prices for the chance to talk with the renowned investor and philanthropist who leads Nebraska-based Berkshire Hathaway, and the event raises a significant part of Glide’s $20 million annual budget. Buffett supports Glide because of the remarkable work the charity does to help people. His first wife, Susie, introduced him to Glide after she volunteered there. Glide provides meals, health care, job training, rehabilitation and housing support to the poor and homeless.

Buffett has said he gets asked about a variety of topics during the lunch. The only subject that’s off limits is what Buffett might invest in next. The winners of the lunch auction typically dine with Buffett at Smith and Wollensky steak house in New York City, which donates at least $10,000 to Glide each year to host the lunch.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A report says a business conditions index for nine Midwest and Plains states has jumped to its highest level in 14 years. The report released Friday says the Mid-America Business Conditions Index hit 67.3 last month, compared with 64.5 in April. The March figure was 62.1. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says the economy’s strength will be tested by trade skirmishes and other factors that could slow growth.

The survey results are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests growth in that factor. A score below that suggests decline. The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.