Judge finds that Board of Medicine withheld information from accused doctor

A judge ruled that Iowa licensing officials failed to provide all necessary information to a physician accused of incompetence. Dr. Giovanni Ciuffo faced charges of professional incompetence and misleading representation. A judge stayed the proceedings due to the board’s failure to consider Ciuffo’s arguments for a continuance. Another physician, Hamza Alsayouf, also took the Board of Medicine to court for failing to provide complete information. Continue reading Judge finds that Board of Medicine withheld information from accused doctor

They’re in the jailhouse now

As of July 15, 2024, the Siouxland County Jails in SE South Dakota house various individuals. The Clay County Jail contains detailed inmate information due to cooperation from the Sheriff’s Offices. The Union County Jail holds several individuals, with bond information included. The Lincoln County Jail also has numerous individuals with varied charges and bonds. Continue reading They’re in the jailhouse now

Nurse fights abuse ruling, says Mucinex overdose sparked satanic hallucinations

Nurse Ryan Tagge seeks judicial review after being placed on Iowa’s child abuse registry for allegedly endangering a 1-year-old relative. Tagge’s lawyers claim he hallucinated after taking medication and thought his wife was the devil, leading to an incident where he held onto the child and allegedly shook her. Tagge faces potential consequences for his nursing career. Continue reading Nurse fights abuse ruling, says Mucinex overdose sparked satanic hallucinations

Magic mushroom alternatives recalled across US, one person sickened in SD

Diamond Shruumz products have been recalled due to illnesses and one potential death. The recall affects psychedelic candies, leading to 48 reported illnesses and one death. The products, including chocolate bars and gummies, are under investigation by the FDA and CDC. The recall has prompted warnings about potential availability and related legal issues. Continue reading Magic mushroom alternatives recalled across US, one person sickened in SD

Iowa’s licensing boards shut off access to information on charges

Iowa’s licensing boards may now keep secret the alleged misconduct tied to charges of professional incompetence, ethical violations, patient abuse, and criminal convictions, restricting public access to information. Disclosure of charges against practitioners has been greatly limited since October 2021, following a ruling by the Iowa Supreme Court to keep investigative information confidential until final rulings. This has led to inconsistencies in public disclosure by various licensing boards, prompting concerns about transparency and access to information. Continue reading Iowa’s licensing boards shut off access to information on charges

Restaurant inspection update: Meatloaf loafing above the pork, slimy lettuce, rodent feces – and other food safety violations

State and city food inspectors in Iowa and South Dakota have found various food safety violations in local restaurants and stores in recent weeks. Violations include insufficient refrigeration, improper food cooling, handling food with bare hands, and dirty facilities. The public is reminded that these reports are only a snapshot in time and that violations are often corrected on the spot. For more details, visit the respective state departments’ websites. Continue reading Restaurant inspection update: Meatloaf loafing above the pork, slimy lettuce, rodent feces – and other food safety violations

Union County has new disaster notification system

The Union County in South Dakota has introduced a new disaster alert system called Hyper-Reach, allowing citizens to receive immediate notifications for various hazards and weather conditions. Through this system, alerts will be sent via landline, cell phone, email, and TTY, keeping the community informed 24/7 about potential emergencies and weather events. Continue reading Union County has new disaster notification system

Ruling that dilutes regulatory power could ripple through farm and ranch country for years

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright Enterprises vs. Raimondo has overturned the 40-year precedent known as the Chevron doctrine, limiting deference to federal agency expertise. This ruling will impact farmers and ranchers in South Dakota, allowing them better standing to challenge agency rules. The decision is expected to lead to more consistency in regulations and an increase in lawsuits over federal regulations. Continue reading Ruling that dilutes regulatory power could ripple through farm and ranch country for years

Reynolds, Congress members protest federal child labor law enforcement

The Iowa Legislature’s changes to child labor laws in 2023, including extended work hours and expanded job opportunities for teens, have triggered criticism from Gov. Kim Reynolds and the state’s congressional delegation. They accuse the US Department of Labor of unfairly penalizing Iowa businesses for complying with state regulations, raising concerns about excessive fines and federal interference. Continue reading Reynolds, Congress members protest federal child labor law enforcement

Noem, who sent Guard troops to Texas, resists using them for her own state’s flooding

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem faces criticism for deploying National Guard to the U.S.-Mexico border but not to assist with flooding in the state, citing costliness. Despite opposition, her spokesperson hints at possible Guard utilization. Noem’s decision comes after allocating funds to previous border deployments and faces backlash from state officials and residents. Continue reading Noem, who sent Guard troops to Texas, resists using them for her own state’s flooding