From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
A bill changing child labor laws in Iowa is moving forward. The measure would allow younger Iowans, as young as 14, to do more jobs and lets them work later hours. It would also allow minors to handle alcohol. Supporters spoke at a subcommittee hearing for the bill Thursday morning in Des Moines, saying this change would help both employers and workers. Critics argue this legislation would wrongly put younger workers in dangerous situations, saying this is the wrong way to solve the state’s labor shortage.
Dubuque Police have identified the man who died in a garage fire… but have not said how the fire started. Police say 46-year-old Daniel Charles Montelius was found in a garage in the 1400 block of Iowa Street Wednesday morning. The State Fire marshal is helping in the investigation.
A service yesterday honored the teen victims of a shooting at a Des Moines youth outreach center. Families held a joint funeral for both 16-year-old Rashad Carr and 18-year-old Gionni Dameron. Both were at the organization called Starts Right Here, which supports at-risk youth, when police say two rival gang members planned and carried out the killings. The shooting also injured the organization’s founder, Will Keeps, who is a well-known local activist and rapper. He’s now out of the hospital.
Dubuque Police also say a Rock Island man is hospitalized after apparently being struck by a freight train Thursday. 21-year-old Jayden Upton was heard yelling for help under the 3rd Street bridge near Highway 151/61. Police found Upton lying along the Canadian National train tracks. He was conscious and alert but had sustained severe injuries and was transported to University Hospitals in Iowa City. The Canadian National railroad’s police service is investigating.
Bellevue may soon be latest city to install automated speed cameras. The two cameras would go up at the north and south ends of town along U.S. 52. The city administrator says the city has looked to improve safety in this area for some time. People have raised concerns about pedestrian safety on a bicycle and walking trail along the highway. If approved, the city hopes to have the cameras installed this spring.
