In farewell segments, the NBC affiliate did not mention any reason for her departure. Following the 2022 redistricting, the new District 28 encompasses southeast Dallas County, including Van Meter, Adel, Boone and parts of West Des Moines. overflow-y: auto; flex-wrap: wrap; Click here to contact us for media inquiries, and please donate here to support our continued expansion. 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. 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. .widget-row.value-only.black { Traditionally, Iowa has been one of the most progressive states in the country. 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. border-top: 1px solid #aaa; font-size: 12px; document.getElementById('leg-hnt-content6450bb2a28ea0').classList.remove('leg-hnt-hide'); Dec 2 #OTD in 1938, the first Kindertransport arrived in Great Britain. a report for the Auditors Office that showed an 890% increase in illegal denials of care by Managed Care Organizations in Iowa post-privatization. if (typeof $ != 'undefined') { } } Were now middle of the pack, in large part because lawmakers have underfunded education for a decade. 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. 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. Recreation Fund, which voters overwhelmingly approved in 2010. Who do you look up to? Judge Cobb has scheduled a hearing on the recusal request for October 18, but Heitshusen is asking the court to reschedule the hearing for November 10, two days after the election. 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. font-size: 1.2em; padding-bottom: 7px; 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. ", More: Iowa primary elections: Sonya Heitshusen wins House District 28 Democratic primary, will face Republican David Young. The attorneys have therefore asked Judge Cobb to remove herself from the case, but Heitshusen is fighting to keep her on. background-color: white; I'm running to build a better Iowa for future generations. There were no incumbents in this race. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. They are hard workers and can make a difference.. .inner_percentage.Republican { If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. } background-color: #6db24f; This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Heitshusen has pleaded not guilty. The minimum wage in our state remains $7.25 per hour the lowest of any neighboring state while Illinois's minimum wage is $12 per hour and Minnesota's is $10 per hour. width: 57%; 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. According to. Heitshusen, Read More 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 devastated last August when she realized she could not report on the derecho, the powerful wind storm that ripped across the state. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Roughly 700 waterways in Iowa are deemed impaired to the point they cannot be used for sources of drinking water or for recreation. Will the Las Vegas MLB team be called the As? } else { The only thing that signaled to me was that its my appearance.. max-width: 75px; 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of KCCI-TV. display: inline-block; Sonya Heitshusen, former WHO 13 anchor, announces run for Iowa House font-weight: 500; margin-bottom: 4px; } The report notes that Heitshusen had been drinking. 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. color:white; In farewell segments, the NBC affiliate did not mention any reason for her departure.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. Heitshusen, now public information officer for the Iowa State Auditor, got emotional recounting how the firing ended her award-winning journalism career. Public policy. background-color: red; .leg-hnt-district-container { .widget-row.Green { Sonya Heitshusen is running for the Democratic nomination for Iowa House District 28, along with Tom Walton. Education is the foundation for every child's future. font-style: italic; "Where are all the women who are in TV broadcasting over 50? Heitshusen, now public information officer for the Iowa State Auditor, got emotional recounting how the firing ended her award-winning journalism career. ", 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. was arrested this summer after she fired a handgun into her sliding glass door, sending the bullet across a busy city road. text-align: center; Sonya Heitshusen (@newzgirl) / Twitter font-weight: 300; document.getElementById('leg-hnt-toggle6450bb2a28ea0').addEventListener('click', event => { display: flex; document.getElementById('leg-hnt-content6450bb2a28ea0').classList.add('leg-hnt-hide'); background-color: #f9f9f9; 7 in, Knights top Winnipeg 4-1 in Game 5, advance to second, Brossoit, Stone turn in standout performances as. width: 50px; } .widget-key { Elections in 2023 | The report notes that Heitshusen had been drinking. State legislature | 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. } } All rights reserved. They're moving out of the state because one man is a teacher, who feels his profession is under attack. 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. $('.hideResponses').on('click', () => { column-width: 175px; column-gap: 1em; width: 90%; 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. 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. .race_header, .results_text, .results_table_container, .votebox_legend { We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. .panel-heading:hover { cursor: pointer;} In addition to Nexstar, the lawsuit names Peterson and general manager Bobby Totsch as defendants. According to court records, she also must complete an online gun safety course as a condition of her probation. Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. font-size: 12px; Redistricting created new boundary lines that include parts of West Des Moines in . If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you. column-rule: 1px solid #aaa; Ballot measures, Who represents me? Copyright Times Republican | https://www.timesrepublican.com | 135 West Main Street, Marshalltown, IA 50158 | 641-753-6611. State executives | Her career experience includes working as a communications director for the Iowa Auditor of State and a television anchor and investigative reporter. display: block; background: #4c4c4c; Sonya went to bat for him, eventually securing the treatment he needed and legally deserved. "I loved my job. p.survey-question {font-weight:bold;} ", "No one was hurt and no property was damaged other than my own," Heitshusen said in her statement. text-align: center; Sonya Heitshusen - West Des Moines, Iowa, United States - LinkedIn 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. 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. Heitshusen, 54, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday,. State and local courts | display: inline-block; .leg-hnt-flex-column { Heitshusen, 54, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021, against the station's parent company, Nexstar Media Group, Inc., alleging she was removed from the air because of her age and gender. 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. } Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it. Friday was Sonya Heitshusens final day at WHO 13. I will support our educators and appropriate the necessary funds to keep quality teachers in Iowa and attract new educators to the state. } Sonya Heitshusen and Tom Walton are competing for the Democratic nomination for Iowa House District 28. . } The news was first published on the conservative website Iowa Field Report. 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. The bullet went through the glass of Heitshusen's sliding glass door, police said. No injuries were reported but, on Tuesday, the West Des Moines Democrat was arrested on a charge of reckless use of a firearm. You don't see women on TV with gray hair and wrinkles," she told The Associated Press last week. padding-bottom: 3px; position: absolute; Women are relevant after the age of 50. text-align: center; I highly recommend it. break-inside: avoid-column; Heitshusen left WHO-TV 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. 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. According to court records, there are recordings of Heitshusen discussing the incident, but those are being kept confidential until the trial. We also need to take measures to restore and protect Iowas land and natural resources for our farmers, our children, and future generations. Click here to read the survey answers. He can be contacted atwrmorris2@registermedia.com, 715-573-8166 or on Twitter at@DMRMorris. Heitshusen, a former WHO-TV news anchor, said in a. Sonya Heitshusen defeated Tom Walton in the Democratic primary for Iowa House of Representatives District 28 on June 7, 2022. } Company statistics show that nearly 80% of its managers last year were men. If youre thinking of altering your workout routine, youre probably looking for new exercises and equipment to help you reach your fitness goals. She earned a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University in 1992. border-bottom: 1px solid #aaa; $('.hideResponses').show(); a[aria-expanded=true] .fa-chevron-right { display: none; } } Nexstar spokesman Gary Weitman declined comment, as this is a matter of pending litigation.. .inner_percentage.Libertarian { padding:7px 8px 8px; He also said his sister would not return to Iowa because of the policies that undermine public schools. Both men feel less welcome because of their sexual orientation. All rights reserved. This spring, Le Creuset has introduced an exciting new shade thats already selling fast: shallot, a soft lavender with pink and slight gray undertones. It has to change. We will lead them by telling them the truth and entrusting them with it. color: white; While seemingly a joke, the comment reflected a deeper truth that her age was a concern to management, it alleges. On average, Iowa's public schools have received less than a 2.5% increase over the last decade. Irecently forgot that I have a neck. @media screen and (max-width: 350px) { $('.showResponses').on('click', () => { Court records show Heitshusen on Thursday pleaded to a reduced charge of reckless use of firearm with no injury or property damage, a simple misdemeanor. Heitshusen recounted. .results_row td { I will be forever grateful to my mother for instilling in me the values of public service, hard work, courage, and strength. font-size: 110%; The views and content on this page are the Sonya Heitshusen | Des Moines IA } Iowa was once number one in education in the nation. } } } } .leg-hnt-responsive-columns { } $('.pastResponses').show(); .leg-hnt-hide { .contact_office { margin-top: 0.3em; margin-bottom: 0em;margin-right: 0.5em;} } .inner_percentage { } color: #fff; .votebox-covid-disclaimer { 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. City of Henderson to make decision on possible Station, Deadly car crash shuts down portion of US 95 in central, Las Vegas police search for driver after officer, Las Vegas area high school students win International, 200,000 Nevadans could lose Medicaid benefits as, Las Vegas bus rider threatened with knife questions, Las Vegas bus supervisor stabbed, suspect charged, Body found next to dumpster near Las Vegas casino:, No one can say what specific hazardous materials, Man accused of killing mother also wanted in Las, TV ads for 2024 presidential election already airing, Raiders take edge rusher Tyree Wilson at No. $(".collapse-all").on('click', () => { } Democrat Sonya Heitshusen and Republican David Young are running in Iowa House District 28, an open seat in Dallas County . left: 0px; .widget-row.value-only.white { .expand-all:hover, .collapse-all:hover {cursor: pointer; text-decoration: underline;} 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. Click here to contact our editorial staff, and click here to report an error. Take a look back at her remarkable career at WHO 13. Sonya Heitshusen (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Iowa House of Representatives to represent District 28. left: 0; It has to change. Ex-Iowa anchor hopes her age bias lawsuit changes TV news We need to stand up for what is right, defend democracy, and do the right thing, even when that might not be politically advantageous. .mw-body #mw-content-text th.votebox-results-cell--text { display: inline-block; They have a lot of great ideas. background-color: #ccf; } 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. .inner_percentage.Green { top: -5px; Sonya Heitshusen completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. Nexstar's company statistics show that nearly 80 percent of its managers last year were men. This is also affecting our workforce. Our teachers are resigning in near record numbers because they are underpaid and under attack by a far right national movement sweeping the country. font-weight: 300; .hideResponses { display: none;} } width: 43%; [1], .votebox { .results_table { width: 350px; display: none; @media (max-width:600px) { } "I thought, 'I'm good enough to work here but I'm not good enough to be on camera?'" color: #888; background-color: grey; } A society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable. Nexstar, which has characterized Heitshusens firing as a reduction in its workforce, has faced other lawsuits in recent years from female reporters and anchors. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. overflow-x: scroll; Ex-Iowa anchor hopes her age bias lawsuit changes TV news 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." For more than 17 years, Sonya has dedicated herself to serving the community and being a friend to all of us. Lack of childcare is preventing women in particular from joining the workforce. Heitshusen, now public information officer for the Iowa State Auditor, got emotional recounting how the firing ended her award-winning journalism career. People have also expressed concern that legislation recently passed is creating an "unwelcoming" environment in Iowa. I thought, Im good enough to work here but Im not good enough to be on camera? She said she was bringing the lawsuit to help spur a "cultural shift" in the industry that makes discrimination no longer acceptable. "I thought, 'I'm good enough to work here but I'm not good enough to be on camera?'"

, See also:Iowa House of Representatives elections, 2022. Counties | Suggest a Correction Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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. 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. } } padding-left: 10px; 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. Judge in Sonya Heitshusen case asked to recuse herself because of Investigative reporter. Doing so would be a good first step to cleaning up our waterways, which in turn would attract more people to our state. letter-spacing: 0.03em; padding: 2px 0; div.oneoff-scrollbox.regular { height:400px; overflow:scroll; margin:20px; padding:10px; border:1px solid gray; } background-color: #6db24f; .votebox_legend { 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. width: 250px; A native Iowan told me his sister would like to return to Iowa to teach but it would mean a $20,000 pay cut. Friday was Sonya Heitshusen's final day at WHO 13. David Young advanced from the Republican primary for Iowa House of Representatives District 28 on June 7, 2022. $('.collapse').collapse('hide');
float:right; 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. 		top: 2px; 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. We have a capacity for openness and candor in this state. 	 		font-size: 1.25em; Ex-Iowa anchor hopes her age bias lawsuit changes TV news Cities | She determined all of her children would receive the best education possible. 		box-sizing: border-box; 	.non_result_row { We shouldnt skimp on it. 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. Now, he has sanctioned a Chicago lawyer to "write and produce a training video in which" she, or a partner in her firm, "addresses the impropriety of unspecified 'form' objections, witness coaching, and excessive interruptions." . 		margin-top: 16px; 		margin-right: 10px; 		color: #888; 	} 	} 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. While seemingly a joke, the comment reflected a deeper truth that her age was a concern to management, it alleges. 	} p.survey-response {margin-left:10px;} 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. I will also fight to close the gender pay gap. $('.pastResponses').hide(); 	.leg-hnt-flex-row { They have a lot of great ideas. 	background-color: #003388; Sonya Heitshusen - Facebook 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. Ex-Iowa anchor hopes her age bias lawsuit changes TV news William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. . # Sonya Heitshusen - Bleeding Heartland 	} SHNOWE  SOUNDS A PUBLIC INFORMATIO. They have a lot of great ideas. 	.results_row td:first-child { Elected officials are public servants. clearInterval(nTimer); 		width: 100%; Heitshusen, now public information officer for the Iowa State Auditor, got emotional recounting how the firing ended her award-winning journalism career. Read More 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. Now, people are leaving the state in search of better schools and a more welcoming environment. $('#candidate-connection-email-117956').on('click', () => { ga('send', 'event', 'surveycta', 'surveycta-click-email'); }); Ten years after treatment, my mother and father were the proud parents of six children.  Her conviction resulted in her becoming the first woman to serve as President of the local school board. 		font-size: 2em; }. 	.race_footer { .widget-row.Independent, .widget-row.Nonpartisan, .widget-row.Constitution { "Where are all the women who are in TV broadcasting over 50? recounted Heitshusen, who was the oldest female anchor in the station's history. The seasoned reporter said she was told the company might find her a lower-paying digital job but nothing on television. margin-bottom:0px; Heitshusen has been affiliated with the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, Team Run Free, the Central Iowa Shelter and Services, One Iowa, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Ankeny YMCA, and the Alzheimers Association. In farewell segments, the NBC affiliate did not mention any reason for her departure. 	} 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. by Luke Martz | Oct 19, 2022 | Campaigns, Legislature, State Government. This is the official Facebook page of Sonya Heitshusen. I'm most concerned about education, providing opportunities for working families, keeping and attracting workers, and our environment. ul.key-messages {list-style-type: none; margin-left:10px; } In farewell segments, the NBC affiliate did not mention any reason for her departure. 	} Offering world-class education will strengthen our families, our communities, our workforce, and our state. 		color: #6db24f; 	} 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. Her attorney, Grant Woodard, said she would vigorously defend herself in court. We also need to find innovative solutions to the childcare crisis. 

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