", The police complaint states that Heitshusen told law enforcement officers "that as she was placing the handgun onto the kitchen table, she pulled the trigger, discharging it. Where are all the women who are in TV broadcasting over 50? position: absolute; width: 57%; 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. line-height: 1.5em; In addition to Nexstar, the lawsuit names Peterson and general manager Bobby Totsch as defendants. 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.
float:right; display: inline-block; background-color: #003388; border: 1px solid #999; } The seasoned reporter said she was told the company might find her a lower-paying digital job but nothing on television. .widget-row { Sonya Heitshusen. A company spokesman didnt immediately return a message seeking comment. Nexstar, which has characterized Heitshusens firing as a reduction in its workforce, has faced other lawsuits in recent years from female reporters and anchors. 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. } She sought treatment for infertility in the 1950s when options for women were few and far between. padding:7px 8px 8px; Prominent reporter and anchor Sonya Heitshusen leaves WHO-TV, I immediately thought it must be the way I look, Sonya Heitshusen says of leaving WHO, WOI-TV denies sex, age discrimination against former news director in federal court, Another senior TV newswoman in Iowa, April Samp, cites gender bias in her firing, this time by WOI, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. font-weight: 500; .votebox-scroll-container { These rescue missions would save thousands of mostly Jewish children from an uncertain fate in Nazi Germany. "It has to change. .leg-hnt-district-number { box-sizing: border-box; .inner_percentage, .inner_percentage.Nonpartisan, .inner_percentage.Independent, .inner_percentage.Constitution, .inner_percentage.unknown { Iowa was once number one in education in the nation. Heitshusen pled not guilty, claiming that the prosecution against her was politically motivated. font-weight: bold; Heitshusen left WHO-TV last summer after what the station called a remarkable 17-year stint in which she was a hard-hitting news reporter and an anchor also known for softer segments on fitness. My mother is my first role model. The strikes left 34 people injured, including three children, and caused widespread damage. .results_row.winner { float: left; WEST DES MOINES, Iowa The public information officer for Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand is charged with reckless discharge of a firearm after firing a gun from her West Des Moines home. [1], .votebox { Where are all the women who are in TV broadcasting over 50? } clear: both; 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. "Ms. Heitshusen maintains her innocence. Hinson: Standing up for the Second Amendment, Rob Sand Kills Laura Belins Open Records Lawsuit. background-color: green; They have a lot of great ideas. font-style: italic; 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. Iowa women deserve better. padding-left: 10px; Iowa House candidate Sonya Heitshusen was checking on a gun in her home after receiving ongoing threatening messages through social media when it accidentally discharged last week, she said in a media statement Wednesday. position: relative; display: inline-block; In addition to Nexstar, the lawsuit names Peterson and general manager Bobby Totsch as defendants. For subscribers:Gun safety taught at Iowa schools? SHNOWE SOUNDS A PUBLIC INFORMATIO. color: black; 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. a.communitylink { color:black; font-weight:bold; } } 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. Sonya Heitshusen, who previously worked at WHO 13 and WOI, announced Thursday she's running for the House district that includes part of southeast Dallas County comprised of Van Meter, Adel, and parts of West Des Moines. "It has to change. overflow-y: auto; She admitted, though, that she fired the gun into the door but claims she shouldnt be held responsible. A native Iowan told me his sister would like to return to Iowa to teach but it would mean a $20,000 pay cut. Ive listened to disabled Iowans who cant find caregivers to help them out of bed or make their meals. } .infobox p { She said she was devastated last August. Eger is a survivor of Auschwitz. Sonya Heitshusen, a Democrat who challenged Republican Rep. David Young in the 2022 election for West Des Moines-centered House District 28, was charged in June 2022 with reckless use of a. 7 in, Knights top Winnipeg 4-1 in Game 5, advance to second, Brossoit, Stone turn in standout performances as. The only thing that signaled to me was that its my appearance.. display: block; 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. ", "No one was hurt and no property was damaged other than my own," Heitshusen said in her statement. 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. "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.". .votebox-results-cell--check { This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Women are relevant after the age of 50. Is there a story that youve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. background-color: #f9d334; overflow-x: auto; They have a lot of great ideas. 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. 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.Heitshusen left WHO-TV last summer after what the station called a remarkable 17-year stint in which she was a hard-hitting news reporter and an anchor also known for softer segments on fitness. Nexstar, which has characterized Heitshusens firing as a reduction in its workforce, has faced other lawsuits in recent years from female reporters and anchors. From 2020:I immediately thought it must be the way I look, Sonya Heitshusen says of leaving WHO. She said she was bringing the lawsuit to help spur a cultural shift in the industry that makes discrimination no longer acceptable. Amazon Has Uncanny Dupes of CB2's Popular Dining Chair for Hundreds Less. @media screen and (max-width: 350px) { text-align: left !important; color: #888; ", More: Iowa primary elections: Sonya Heitshusen wins House District 28 Democratic primary, will face Republican David Young. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of KCCI-TV. Nexstar spokesman Gary Weitman declined comment, "as this is a matter of pending litigation.". 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. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. .infobox { Sonya is now the Director of Communications for the Auditor of State Office and assists on performance and investigative reports conducted by the Auditors Office. .leg-hnt-flex-item { In farewell segments, the NBC affiliate did not mention any reason for her departure. Heitshusen said she was blindsided in April of 2020 when the station's 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." To view Heitshusen's endorsements in the 2022 election, please click here. 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. Analysis: Golden Knights need a little more than, Knights say theyre resilient group, vow to be better, New selfie studio experience in Las Vegas promises, Understanding visceral fat with Fast Fit Body Sculpting, Buying or selling a home in the current market with, CinemaCon 2023: A Preview Of This Years Biggest, 8-year-old Las Vegas boy recovering from rare brain, Red Rock Search and Rescue offer hiking safety tips, Nevada gets $251 million boost from strong economy;, Nursing mothers offered more protection in workforce, Deadly rollover crash blocks multiple lanes of traffic, Some charges cut in Vegas Hells Angels freeway gunfire, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. height: 100%; .non_result_row div { While seemingly a joke, the comment reflected a deeper truth that her age was a concern to management, it alleges. A former television anchor for WHO-TV in Des Moines, Iowa, filed an age and gender discrimination lawsuit against the stations parent company, Nexstar Media Group Inc. .results_table { .leg-hnt-hide { position: relative; , Iowa House of Representatives District 28. if(document.getElementsByClassName("reference").length==0) if(document.getElementById('Footnotes')!==null) document.getElementById('Footnotes').parentNode.style.display = 'none'; .leg-hnt-container { 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. I look forward to this matter being resolved quickly.". Heitshusen left WHO-TV last summer after what the station called a remarkable 17-year stint in which she was a hard-hitting news reporter and an anchor also known for softer segments on fitness. Ms. Heitshusen will be . $('.showResponses').on('click', () => { } .leg-hnt-leadership-title { .contact_office { margin-top: 0.3em; margin-bottom: 0em;margin-right: 0.5em;} While seemingly a joke, the comment reflected a deeper truth that her age was a concern to management, it alleges. padding-bottom: 5px; .election_results_text { background-color: #f4f4f4; The charge of reckless use of a firearm causing property damage isan aggravated misdemeanor and could carry a sentence of up to two years if convicted. by Luke Martz | Oct 19, 2022 | Campaigns, Legislature, State Government. width: 90%; .race_header, .results_text, .results_table_container, .votebox_legend { I will also fight to close the gender pay gap. Sonya Heitshusen, 54, was suddenly let go from NBC affiliate WHO-TV last summer after 17 years of appearing on camera and was the oldest female anchor in the station's history. William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. In court filings, Heitshusen had sought dismissal of the charge, arguing that an accidental discharge is not an "intentional discharge" under the relevant law. 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. If you want to plan the perfect spring picnic, food and drink are important, but its certainly not the only factor to consider. A company spokesman didnt immediately return a message seeking comment.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. It has to change. In farewell segments, the NBC affiliate did not mention any reason for her departure. The lawsuit alleges Heitshusen, 54, was thrown out to pasture because she was no longer seen as camera-worthy, after years in which she saw her male colleagues receive better treatment from management. Examples include lifting the ban on same-sex marriage in 2009 and the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1919 (the 10th state to do so). I highly recommend it. The news was first published on the conservative website Iowa Field Report. This is also affecting our workforce. ' recounted Heitshusen, who was the oldest female anchor in the stations history. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? margin-bottom: .75em; }. Heitshusen filed an age and gender discrimination lawsuit Tuesday against WHO-TV's parent company, Nexstar Media Group, Inc., which calls itself "America's largest local television and media company," with 199 stations. Former Iowa anchor hopes her lawsuit changes TV news, PVACCINATEDEW N AT FIVE OF FORME LONG-TIME DWAYNE TELEVISION NEWS ANCHOR AND REPORTER IS SUING HER FORMER STATION CLAIMING. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? width: 250px; I strongly believe compromise is necessary. The Privatization of Medicaid is not working for many individuals, especially the most vulnerable Iowans. Redistricting created new boundary lines that include parts of West Des Moines in . font-size: 12px; While seemingly a joke, the comment reflected a deeper truth that her age was a concern to management, it alleges. Heitshusen, now public information officer for the Iowa State Auditor, got emotional recounting how the firing ended her award-winning journalism career. We need to invest in our teachers, our public schools and most importantly our kids. height: 56px; } In addition to Nexstar, the lawsuit names Peterson and general manager Bobby Totsch as defendants. background-color: red; $('.showResponses').show(); As first reported by Iowa Field Report, Heitshusenwho also serves the public information office for State Auditor Rob Sandwas arrested this summer after she fired a handgun into her sliding glass door, sending the bullet across a busy city road. She said she was devastated last August. It has to change. background-color: grey; The lawsuit claims she was "thrown out to pasture" because she was deemed no longer fit to appear on camera while male anchors at the station got higher pay, among other better treatment. Photo courtesy Sonya Heitshusen via AP 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. SHEED FIL THE LAWSUIT TODAY AGAINST THE STAONTI AND ITS OWNER THE NEXT STAR MEDIA GROUP. Company statistics show that nearly 80% of its managers last year were men.Heitshusen, now public information officer for the Iowa State Auditor, got emotional recounting how the firing ended her award-winning journalism career. padding-bottom: 3px; Her career experience includes working as a communications director for the Iowa Auditor of State and a television anchor and investigative reporter. Heitshusen, who spent a combined total of nearly 28 years as a reporter at WOI-TV, then as a reporter and news anchor at WHO-TV, is now communications director for Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand's office. For more reporting from the Associated Press, see below. ap photo } We need to stand up for what is right, defend democracy, and do the right thing, even when that might not be politically advantageous. Iowa voters established the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Fund in 2010 but lawmakers haven't figured out a way to fund it. float: right; 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. margin-right: 10px; font-size: 12px; Heitshusen previously worked as a news anchor and reporter at WHO 13 and WOI in the Des Moines metro. $('.hideResponses').show(); It's hard for me to say which book is my favorite. .widget-row.Democratic { I thought, Im good enough to work here but Im not good enough to be on camera? We also need to find innovative solutions to the childcare crisis. } Take a look back at her remarkable career at WHO 13. She is the recipient of numerous Emmy, Edward R. Murrow, and Eric Sevareid awards. Nexstar spokesman Gary Weitman declined comment, "as this is a matter of pending litigation.". Rob Sand, who continues to employ Heitshusen as his public information officer, has not commented on Heitshusens arrest. }) color: white; 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. text-align: center; Company statistics show that nearly 80% of its managers last year were men. 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. ul.key-messages {list-style-type: none; margin-left:10px; } color: #fff; width: 43%; I've also heard from teachers who feel overworked and under attack. top: 0px; While Iowa women currently have a constitutional right to an abortion, Republicans have started the process of passing a constitutional amendment that would take away that right. She quickly established herself as a fact-driven, truth-seeking anchor and investigative reporter devoted to giving a voice to the voiceless and uncovering injustices. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. margin-bottom: 0px; a report for the Auditors Office that showed an 890% increase in illegal denials of care by Managed Care Organizations in Iowa post-privatization. .inner_percentage.Libertarian { 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. font-size: 1.2em; Nexstar, which has characterized Heitshusen's firing as a reduction in its workforce, has faced other lawsuits in recent years from female reporters and anchors. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Democratic Iowa House candidate charged with recklessly firing handgun, Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register, Iowa primary elections: Sonya Heitshusen wins House District 28 Democratic primary, will face Republican David Young, Democratic Iowa House candidate charged with recklessly firing handgun. They are hard workers and can make a difference.. Contact our sales team. A female former television anchor for WHO-TV in Des Moines, Iowa, filed an age and gender discrimination lawsuit Tuesday against the station's parent company, Nexstar Media Group Inc., alleging men were treated better by management, the Associated Press reported. People have also expressed concern that legislation recently passed is creating an "unwelcoming" environment in Iowa. background-color: green; "That said, she is pleased that this matter is now behind her.". We must hold the owners of long-term care facilities accountable. top: 2px; .votebox-covid-disclaimer { Ballotpedia features 408,503 encyclopedic articles written and curated by our professional staff of editors, writers, and researchers. display: inline-block; David Young advanced from the Republican primary for Iowa House of Representatives District 28 on June 7, 2022. $('.collapse').collapse('show'); Recreation Fund, which voters overwhelmingly approved in 2010. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? .votebox_bp_logo { https://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php?title=Sonya_Heitshusen&oldid=8819092, Iowa House of Representatives candidate, 2022, Conflicts in school board elections, 2021-2022, Special Congressional elections (2023-2024), 2022 Congressional Competitiveness Report, State Executive Competitiveness Report, 2022, State Legislative Competitiveness Report, 2022, Partisanship in 2022 United States local elections. .widget-key { Sonya Heitshusen is pictured on July 29, 2020, in Des Moines, Iowa, on one of her last days as a reporter and anchor for WHO-TV, an NBC affiliate. She said she was bringing the lawsuit to help spur a cultural shift in the industry that makes discrimination no longer acceptable. Please, Iowa House of Representatives elections, 2022. complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. This election is another opportunity for Iowans to bridge divides and support leaders who are open and honest, leaders who will do the right thing despite the political fallout, and leaders who will put in the time and effort to reach thoughtful, enduring solutions to long-standing, complex problems. } background-color: #dac113; While seemingly a joke, the comment reflected a deeper truth that her age was a concern to management, it alleges. .results_row td { As a result, Iowans wont know until next year what Heitshusen said to the police or what other admissions she made when they interviewed her. $('.pastResponses').hide(); } Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it. .contact_entity {font-size: 1.0em ;margin-top: 0.6em; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 0.5em;} State and local courts | 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. } } p.survey-question {font-weight:bold;} color: #6db24f; padding-top: 8px; Investigative reporter. Irecently forgot that I have a neck. Education is the foundation for every childs future. Heitshusen, 54, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday,. .leg-hnt-title { 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. 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. width: 100%; background-color: white; The bullet went through the glass of Heitshusen's sliding glass door, police said. 352 talking about this. letter-spacing: .03em; According to. } Heitshusen, now public information officer for the Iowa State Auditor, got emotional recounting how the firing ended her award-winning journalism career. display: inline-block; (WHO-TV/Polk County Sheriff's Office) An award-winning news anchor was arrested for. 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. .key-messages li {margin-bottom: 10px;} padding-bottom: 8px; margin: 8px auto; They have a lot of great ideas. Education is the foundation for every child's future. .outer_percentage { } .leg-hnt-section-title { padding-bottom: 7px; How to run for office | IOWA CITY 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. Her attorney, Grant Woodard, said she would vigorously defend herself in court. She said she was told the company valued her. border-top: 1px solid #aaa; Heitshusen, a former WHO-TV news anchor, said in a statement that she has received a variety of threats over the years due to her role as a journalist and now a candidate for office. Women are relevant after the age of 50. 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. } This is the official Facebook page of Sonya Heitshusen. Sonya was also instrumental in shutting down an organization that mistreated and neglected individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. } 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. I will fight to keep reproductive healthcare between a woman and her doctor. Click here to read the survey answers. I will work with anyone who has the best interests of Iowans at heart. width: 100% !important; background: #4c4c4c; In that report, police said Heitshusen "admitted to having a couple drinks prior to the incident. document.getElementById('leg-hnt-toggle6450bb2a28ea0').addEventListener('click', event => { .contact_office { font-size: 0.8 em; margin-top: 0.6em; margin-bottom: 0em;margin-right: 0.5em;} var nTimer = setInterval(function() { } She said in a statement last year she has guns in the home due to a history of threats against her as a journalist and political candidate, and that "an accidental discharge of the firearm occurred" as she was checking one of the weapons.
Plaintext To Ciphertext Converter,
Articles W