CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – A bill introduced in the Iowa legislature would limit the amount of money people could be awarded for pain and suffering in medical malpractice cases. Last year, a jury awarded an Iowa family a state record of almost $98 million after a baby suffered brain damage during birth. Several million of the award was what is called noneconomic damages. The bill would cap the amount of noneconomic damages at $1 million. Healthcare providers say tort reform is necessary to ensure Iowans have health care and that the threat of a huge malpractice suit was driving doctors away from working in Iowa.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The founder of an educational program for at-risk youth in Iowa has been released from the hospital after a shooting that wounded him and killed two students. Will Keeps’ family says Monday that he is now recovering at home, a week after the Jan. 23 shooting at the Starts Right Here program. Keeps is a former Chicago gang member who moved to Des Moines and later founded Starts Right Here. Students Gionni Dameron and Rashad Carr were killed in the shooting. Police have arrested 18-year-old Preston Walls and 19-year-old Bravon Michael Tukes, both of Des Moines. Each is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder and criminal gang participation.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Teamster members covered by the Iowa Routes Agreement across the state rejected Aramark Uniform Services’ proposed settlement on Saturday. Teamsters Local 238 Business Agent and Aramark Bargaining Unit Chair Dave Miller had previously said that the company isn’t taking bargaining seriously and that the workers feel disrespected. Earlier this month he stated: “The behavior and reactions of the company’s negotiating committee toward our membership is unfortunate and arrogant,” Miller said. “It won’t be tolerated any longer. The level of disrespect is going to result in a strike, because the workers have had enough and are united. We are one.” Teamsters from local 90, 120, 238, and 554 voted on the proposal and rejected the offer by 87%. Members of Local 238 out of Cedar Rapids joined Teamsters from Local 554 rejecting the offer by 96%.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – The Cedar Rapids Fire Department is warning citizens of a scam that’s hitting social media accounts in the area. Officials say bogus sellers are commenting on community posts and tagging various individuals trying to sell “CRFD shirts and other apparel.” These links are unauthorized spam and potentially dangerous. Officials warn viewers not to click them, and to report them if they are seen. The Cedar Rapids Fire Department reminds people that they sell apparel to support the Cedar Rapids Firefighters Foundation. All of their actual posts will be advertised through their authorized account.
