} .mw-body #mw-content-text th.votebox-results-cell--text { text-align: center; We must also commit to cleaning up our waterways. display: inline-block; padding-bottom: 0px; "I take full responsibility for the accident and we reported it to the police. She said she was devastated last August when she realized she could not report on the derecho, the powerful wind storm that ripped across the state. } A year after WHO-TV in Des Moines abruptly let her go, she is turning those skills on her former employer with a lawsuit challenging what she calls a widespread practice of removing older, female staffers from the air because of their looks. width: 100%; She was valedictorian of her class and earned music and academic scholarships to Valparaiso University but her father refused to let her attend. } Heitshusen, 54, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against the stations parent company, Nexstar Media Group, Inc., alleging she was removed from the air because of her age and gender. Judge Erica Crisp granted Heitshusen a deferred judgment, ordering her to serve one year of probation and pay a $105 penalty. font-size: 12px; She said she was devastated last August when she realized she could not report on the derecho, the powerful wind storm that ripped across the state. Company statistics show that nearly 80% of its managers last year were men. .race_header.democratic { They should be problem solvers who can work with others to find meaningful, long-term solutions to complex problems. } a[aria-expanded=false] .fa-chevron-down { display: none; } This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. recounted Heitshusen, who was the oldest female anchor in the station's history. U.S. Congress | She will face Republican David Young, a former U.S. representative, in the Nov.8 general election. SCOTUS Now Just Another Congressional Committee, Trump Ramps up Attacks on DeSantis: 'Dropping Like a Rock', Russian Strikes on Pavlohrad Aim to Hamper Ukraine's Counteroffensive, Greg Abbott Criticized for Response to Texas Shooting: 'A New Low', Democrat Sold First Republic Stock, Bought JP Morgan Before Collapse, Conservative Influencers Struggle With Countering Biden's Messaging. Click here to contact us for media inquiries, and please donate here to support our continued expansion. The lawsuit recounts an incident in which Peterson told the newsroom that Heitshusen had a reaction to the shingles vaccine but that others need not worry because only her advanced age caused her to need the shot in the first place. .widget-row.Democratic { .race_header.republican { She handed me my high school diploma. .widget-row.value-only.black { On average, Iowa's public schools have received less than a 2.5% increase over the last decade. They have a lot of great ideas. ul.key-messages {list-style-type: none; margin-left:10px; } } .widget-row.Republican { Meanwhile, the suit claims that managers told Heitshusen she could not negotiate for more time off, that one once commented to her and another female anchor about losing weight, and that managers gave her more support for pursuing softer feature stories than investigative news, it claims. We have a capacity for openness and candor in this state. They're moving out of the state because one man is a teacher, who feels his profession is under attack. For more than 17 years, Sonya has dedicated herself to serving the community and being a friend to all of us. }) document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. The lawsuit seeks orders requiring Nexstar to pay Heitshusen unspecified damages and to take remedial actions, including training for management on gender and age stereotypes and an analysis of how female employees have been treated. display: inline-block; float: left; float: right; Most of that area is currently part of District 19 . According to the County Attorneys Office, the nieces role in the Heitshusen campaign creates a conflict of interest for which the judges impartiality might be reasonably questioned. .indicate_scroll { document.getElementById('leg-hnt-content6450bb2a28ea0').classList.add('leg-hnt-hide'); Heitshusen filed an age and gender discrimination lawsuit Tuesday against WHO-TVs parent company, Nexstar Media Group, Inc., which calls itself Americas largest local television and media company, with 199 stations. I'm most concerned about education, providing opportunities for working families, keeping and attracting workers, and our environment. The youngest of six children, Sonya bailed hay and tended to livestock alongside her brothers. z-index:1; Hinson: Standing up for the Second Amendment, Rob Sand Kills Laura Belins Open Records Lawsuit. }) Heitshusen works as the communications director for the Iowa State Auditor's office. The case was originally set to go to trial before the election, but Heitshusen asked to reset the trial date until after voters have gone to the polls on November 8. p.survey-response {white-space: pre-line;} I thought, Im good enough to work here but Im not good enough to be on camera? recounted Heitshusen, who was the oldest female anchor in the stations history. Heitshusen is represented by Des Moines civil rights attorneys Tom Newkirk and Jill Zwagerman, who specialize in showing how implicit biases can impact the workplace and have won landmark cases in the past. } Click here to contact our editorial staff, and click here to report an error. In particular, she maintains that this was an accident and in no way intentional," defense attorney Grant Woodard said in a statement emailed to the Register. This spring, Le Creuset has introduced an exciting new shade thats already selling fast: shallot, a soft lavender with pink and slight gray undertones. } Nexstar spokesman Gary Weitman declined comment, as this is a matter of pending litigation.. If youre thinking of altering your workout routine, youre probably looking for new exercises and equipment to help you reach your fitness goals. There was no safety on the gun, and the gun did not belong to Heitshusen, according to the criminal complaint, which was filed Tuesday in Dallas County. U.S. President | We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. I strongly believe compromise is necessary. } | margin: 0px 10px; The Dallas County Attorneys Office has asked Judge Virginia Cobb to recuse herself from the criminal case against Sonya Heitshusen for reckless use of a firearm because the judges niece is a volunteer for Heitshusens campaign. top: 0px; WHO-TV longtime Investigative Reporter and Anchor Sonya Heitshusen says that she was dumped by the Nexstar station and she says she thinks it was the station saw her as too old to be a woman on TV. Click here to read the survey answers. IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) As a prominent reporter and anchor at one of Iowas biggest local television stations, Sonya Heitshusen was known for doggedly investigating injustices and holding the powerful accountable. .inner_percentage { who challenged Republican Rep. David Young, Gun safety taught at Iowa schools? color: #fff; .expand-all:hover, .collapse-all:hover {cursor: pointer; text-decoration: underline;} $('.hideResponses').hide(); Education is the foundation for every childs future. div.oneoff-scrollbox.regular { height:400px; overflow:scroll; margin:20px; padding:10px; border:1px solid gray; } }) vertical-align: top; padding-left: 10px; Poverty in America estimates the livable wage in Iowa is $23.88 per hour. [1], .votebox { padding-top: 5px; word-wrap: break-word; The news was first published on the conservative website Iowa Field Report. Heitshusen, now public information officer . State executives | The lawsuit recounts an incident in which Peterson told the newsroom that Heitshusen had a reaction to the shingles vaccine but that others need not worry because only her "advanced age" caused her to need the shot in the first place. } $('.hideResponses').on('click', () => { if (document.getElementById('leg-hnt-content6450bb2a28ea0').classList.contains('leg-hnt-hide')) { Traditionally, Iowa has been one of the most progressive states in the country. .inner_percentage, .inner_percentage.Nonpartisan, .inner_percentage.Independent, .inner_percentage.Constitution, .inner_percentage.unknown { background-color: #ccc; "Knowing my partner was leaving town for an extended period of time, I checked one of the firearms, and while checking it, an accidental discharge of the firearm occurred.". } border-bottom: 1px solid #aaa; We must finally put money into the Iowa Natural Resources and Outdoor .non_result_row th { Her conviction resulted in her becoming the first woman to serve as President of the local school board. overflow: hidden; } was arrested this summer after she fired a handgun into her sliding glass door, sending the bullet across a busy city road. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of KCCI-TV. .non_result_row { background-color: green; })(); See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection. I thought, Im good enough to work here but Im not good enough to be on camera? recounted Heitshusen, who was the oldest female anchor in the stations history. display: block; Sonya Heitshusen, a former WHO-TV anchor who now works as the public information officer for Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand, and Tom Walton, who works as director of legal services and general counsel for Delta Dental of Iowa. } Heitshusen completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. Lack of childcare is preventing women in particular from joining the workforce. font-size: 2em; div.survey-scrollbox { height:400px; overflow:scroll; margin:20px; padding:10px; border:1px solid gray; } All rights reserved. Heitshusen, 54, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday,. Heitshusen entered what is called an Alford plea, meaning she maintained her innocence but conceded the state had sufficient evidence to convict her and wished to take advantage of the plea deal. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Elected officials are public servants. .leg-hnt-responsive-columns { .inner_percentage.Democratic { She said she was devastated last August. I highly recommend it. text-align: center; I'm running to build a better Iowa for future generations. margin: 0 5px; SHNOWE SOUNDS A PUBLIC INFORMATIO. Trump's latest attack addresses DeSantis' overseas trips to the U.K., Israel, Florida's Covid-19 record, and polling support for the 2024 Presidential race. You dont see women on TV with gray hair and wrinkles, she told The Associated Press last week. } display: inline-block; Sonya grew up on a family farm in eastern Iowa near the Amana Colonies in Iowa County. box-sizing: border-box; Above, Donald Trump, as a Republican presidential candidate, speaks with moderator Dave Price of WHO-TV during a town hall meeting at Des Moines Area Community College Newton Campus on November 19, 2015, in Newton, Iowa. $('.collapse').collapse('hide'); top: 2px; Cities | No injuries were reported but, on Tuesday, the West Des Moines Democrat was arrested on a charge of reckless use of a firearm. .race_footer { Redistricting created new boundary lines that include parts of West Des Moines in . While seemingly a joke, the comment reflected a deeper truth that her age was a concern to management, it alleges.The lawsuit also alleges that male anchors received higher pay, more vacation time and more on-air recognition for journalism awards, and that they were not judged by their appearances.Meanwhile, the suit claims that managers told Heitshusen she could not negotiate for more time off, that one once commented to her and another female anchor about losing weight, and that managers gave her more support for pursuing softer feature stories than investigative news, it claims.In addition to Nexstar, the lawsuit names Peterson and general manager Bobby Totsch as defendants. She said she was devastated last August when she realized she could not report on the derecho, the powerful wind storm that ripped across the state. Ive listened to disabled Iowans who cant find caregivers to help them out of bed or make their meals. margin-top: 0px; } background-color: green; The book details her time in the concentration camp but it's ultimately about forgiveness, healing, and transformation.
Where are all the women who are in TV broadcasting over 50? Rob Sand, who continues to employ Heitshusen as his public information officer, has not commented on Heitshusens arrest. Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. padding-bottom: 8px; } This saddens me. .external_links_table { width: auto !important; } ", "No one was hurt and no property was damaged other than my own," Heitshusen said in her statement. height: 22px; . Company statistics show that nearly 80% of its managers last year were men. Meanwhile, the suit claims that managers told Heitshusen she could not negotiate for more time off, that one once commented to her and another female anchor about losing weight, and that managers gave her more support for pursuing "softer" feature stories than investigative news, it claims. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Trial delayed for teen accused of killing 2 at Des, House Republicans advance bill that would kill Democratic, Iowa Republican leadership reach agreement on bipartisan, 7 bodies found in search for two missing OK teens, Biden administration announces new immigration rules, Drake and Iowa State to meet in NCAA Tourney, Andy Fales: Caitlin Clark reminds us of hypocrisies, Murphys Law: why Jack Trice matters so much, Faceoff: Cy-Hawk series, Van Lith to LSU, Rodgers, Mr. Soundoff Says: NFL Draft is just plain cool, Le Creuset just launched a dreamy new color for spring, Our fitness expert weighs in on this years top spring, Picnic-planning ideas for the spring season, Multiple dead after IL dust storm causes pileup, Fort Dodge Baptist missionary convicted of child, Chicago mayor implores Abbott to stop sending migrants, Trump returning to Iowa for rally in Des Moines, Rising Mississippi River tests Iowa, Illinois flood, Iowa students honored as part of Governors Scholar, Montana legislator sues House speaker over censure, Huxley restaurant named Iowas Best Burger winner, BestReviews.com - Top gifts to make everyone happy this spring, Surprise your mom with one of these Mothers Day, Mothers Day inspo: This foot massager has 20,000, Drew Barrymores Walmart collection is perfect for, Best Mothers Day gifts for the budding plant mom, Best Mothers Day Gifts for moms obsessed with books, 7 bodies found during search for missing Oklahoma, Iowa lawmakers OK new deer hunting season and allow, Police locate body, tentatively identified as missing, Guac talk to get the most out of avocados, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. (WHO-TV/Polk County Sheriff's Office) An award-winning news anchor was arrested for. width: 250px; ", More in September 2020:Another senior TV newswoman in Iowa, April Samp, cites gender bias in her firing, this time by WOI. Anything less will endanger the lives of women and harm already marginalized families and communities. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? Where are all the women who are in TV broadcasting over 50? top: -1px; Nexstar, which has characterized Heitshusens firing as a reduction in its workforce, has faced other lawsuits in recent years from female reporters and anchors. Women are relevant after the age of 50. } Sonya Heitshusen was born in Marengo, Iowa. We will miss you, Sonya! font-weight: bold; color: white; Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Heitshusen said she was blindsided in April 2020 when the stations news director, Rod Peterson, informed her that the station was exercising a clause in her contract to fire her without cause as a business decision. She said she was told the company valued her and might be able to find her a lower-paying digital position, but nothing on the air. margin-bottom: 1px; } border-bottom: 1px solid grey; Eger is a survivor of Auschwitz. width: 43%; How a bipartisan bill could make it happen, I immediately thought it must be the way I look, Sonya Heitshusen says of leaving WHO, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Sonya Heitshusen, the WHO anchor who was charged with drunken driving on June 7, pleaded not guilty . The only thing that signaled to me was that its my appearance.Heitshusen is represented by Des Moines civil rights attorneys Tom Newkirk and Jill Zwagerman, who specialize in showing how implicit biases can impact the workplace and have won landmark cases in the past.The lawsuit alleges that Heitshusen faced numerous micro-aggressions over the years, as her bosses treated male anchors more favorably and her age ultimately became seen as a liability.The lawsuit recounts an incident in which Peterson told the newsroom that Heitshusen had a reaction to the shingles vaccine but that others need not worry because only her advanced age caused her to need the shot in the first place. .results_row.winner { font-size: 1.25em; color: white; She said she was bringing the lawsuit to help spur a "cultural shift" in the industry that makes discrimination no longer acceptable. Heitshusen, now public information officer for the Iowa State Auditor, got emotional recounting how the firing ended her award-winning journalism career. She earned a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University in 1992.Weston Centre Directory,
Industrial Relations Legislation For Early Childhood Educators,
Chapels For Sale In Anglesey,
Michael Zuieback House,
Articles W