Just saying, if you know something, I'm willing to listen.
Yes, I know you have no case.
You could have 100 witnesses, and you still have no case.
You had no contract that was breached.
That's the closest thing you had to a remedy.
All you had, if you had anything, was a promise.
A promise absent consideration is not a contract.
You had a discussion, allegedly.
You heard one thing, and often the other party heard another.
Often the things are complete opposites.
For educational purposes, let's stipulate you are entirely correct in your synopsis of the conversation.
The employer gave you a raise.
By the way, no specific amount was promised for the raise.
Even if they had promised a $10.00 and hour raise, and gave you $5.00, or nothing, that would be entirely appropriate.
Promises are made, and promises are broken, assuming what they said was a promise.
Nonetheless, the next thing they said they'd do is look into it.
I suppose after looking, they have chosen NOT to pay you more.
Again, quite okay.
If you seek additional clarification, or evaluation, meet with thre eor four local employment lawyers.
Most lawyers will meet with a potential client at no cost for th einitial meeting.
Explain your position, lay out your demands, and ask if your remedy is possible.
If you find a lawyer to represent you, good luck.
Whatever is said is is nothing more than words.
Your remedy, if there is one, lies in some Iowa court.
Again, good luck.