DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Supreme Court says the birth mother of an 18-month-old girl, paid as a surrogate to have the baby, is not legally the child’s parent. The opinion issued today means the girl remains with the Cedar Rapids couple raising her. The child will not be turned over to the woman who gave her birth. It’s the first time the state’s highest court determined surrogacy contracts in Iowa can be enforced.
MASON CITY, IA (IRN) – A Mason City man accused of murdering his grandparents in November has been found competent to stand trial. KIMT-TV reports a judge decided Codie Matz does not suffer from a mental disorder that would prevent him from understanding the charges against him. Matz is accused of stabbing to death 61-year-old Kenneth Hackbart and his wife, 64-year-old Kathleen Hackbart at their Mason City home in early November.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Mental health experts are calling for lawmakers to fund mental health programs rather than using the topic as a way to avoid difficult conversations about gun control. KCCI-TV reports counselors at Orchard Place Child Guidance Center work with adolescents in more than 30 metro schools. Dr. Stephen Mandler, chief medical officer at Orchard Place, says more funding is critical–“The services for children are in desperate need, and there are a lot of children in Iowa silently suffering.”
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A pro-gun bill known as “Constitutional Carry” did not advance through the Iowa Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday. The legislation would have removed the requirement have a permit to carry a dangerous weapon.
CORALVILLE, IA (IRN) – An inmate struck a correctional officer at the Iowa Medical Classification Center in Coralville Thursday, according to KCRG-TV. The officer handcuffed the inmate and then moved inside a cell to help move him, because the inmate uses a wheelchair. The inmate then used both fists to strike the officer on the side of his head. The officer suffered bruising, scratches, and a headache. He was taken to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for examination.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Des Moines diner-goers scored a side of Aquaman with their biscuits and gravy Thursday morning. The Des Moines Register reports Jason Momoa, the Norwalk-raised actor known on the big screen as D.C. Comics’ Aquaman, had breakfast at the Waveland Cafe Thursday. His order? The Double Lumberman with two eggs sunny side up and a mound of bacon.