Former Iowa Prosecutor Faces One-Year Suspension of Law License 2024-10-09

A former county attorney who has been convicted of drunken driving on three separate occasions has agreed to a one-year suspension of her law license. The Iowa Supreme Court suspended Rivera's law license for 30 days in 2019 and for 90 days in 2021 after her second drunken-driving arrest. Rivera was arrested again in May 2024 and sentenced to two years in prison. The Iowa Attorney Disciplinary Board has recommended a six-month suspension of Rivera's law license, citing her self-reporting and cooperation with the board's investigation, as well as her efforts to address her substance abuse issues.

public policy

Iowa Joins Lawsuit to Block New Nursing Home Staffing Requirements 2024-10-09

The state of Iowa has joined 19 other states in suing the Biden administration to block the implementation of new nursing home staffing requirements. The lawsuit argues that the new staffing requirements, which would require homes to provide 3.48 hours of direct nursing care per resident per day and have a registered nurse available 24/7, pose an 'existential threat to the nursing home industry.' The lawsuit claims that the new requirements would force nursing homes to hire an additional 27,000 full-time registered nurses and 78,000 full-time certified nurse aides, at a cost of more than $7 billion. The lawsuit also questions the hardship exemptions included in the new rule.

vandalism

Vandalism Reported at Sun Prairie Little League Park 2024-10-09

The Sun Prairie Police Department is investigating vandalism at the Sun Prairie Little League Park. The damage is believed to have occurred between the evening of Oct. 7 and the morning of Oct. 8. A freshly poured concrete area at the park sustained damage, and various markings and vandalism, including graffiti and other damage to the property, were found on the site. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, and anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the police department.