Tag: Iowa

Business, Healthcare, IowaLeave a comment

Judge finds nursing home worker was fired for being honest with inspectors

Gary Dickson

In a recent case, an Iowa nursing home worker was fired for being honest with inspectors. The worker revealed issues the employer didn’t want disclosed, leading to immediate termination. Similarly, another worker was fired for allegedly instructing a colleague to lie to state inspectors. These incidents resulted in unemployment hearings, with some workers being awarded benefits while others were denied. Lawton Bronson School and Hegg Memorial employees also had cases reviewed recently. Continue reading Judge finds nursing home worker was fired for being honest with inspectors

Community, SiouxlandLeave a comment

MRHD Provides First Round of Emergency Grants to Support Local Flood Victims

Gary Dickson

Missouri River Historical Development (MRHD) has awarded $71,650 in emergency grants to six local non-profit organizations to assist flood victims in the Siouxland area. The grants aim to address immediate necessities such as food, temporary housing, essential supplies, clean up, and emergency repairs. In addition, MRHD has modified its Impact Match Grant program to support flood-related projects. Continue reading MRHD Provides First Round of Emergency Grants to Support Local Flood Victims

Government, HealthcareLeave a comment

Judge finds that Board of Medicine withheld information from accused doctor

Gary Dickson

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

Government, HealthcareLeave a comment

Nurse fights abuse ruling, says Mucinex overdose sparked satanic hallucinations

Gary Dickson

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

Government, HealthLeave a comment

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

Gary Dickson

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

Government, Healthcare3 Comments

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

Gary Dickson

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

Government, Health2 Comments

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

Gary Dickson

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

Environment, Government, JusticeLeave a comment

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

Gary Dickson

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

Economy, GovernmentLeave a comment

Reynolds, Congress members protest federal child labor law enforcement

Gary Dickson

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

Agriculture, EnvironmentLeave a comment

Supreme Court upholds $4.75 million verdict for dairy affected by ‘stray voltage’

Gary Dickson

The Iowa Supreme Court upheld a jury’s $4.75 million award to Vagts Dairy for damages caused by electrical currents from a nearby gas pipeline. The dairy’s cattle suffered abnormal behavior, illnesses, and high mortality rates. The court’s decision rejected the gas company’s appeal, emphasizing the severity of the damages and supporting the jury’s verdict. Continue reading Supreme Court upholds $4.75 million verdict for dairy affected by ‘stray voltage’