Wednesday was a difficult day for The American Independent News Network, which is the larger entity that operates The Iowa Independent. Our chief executive and founder announced two of our sister sites would close and their content would be moved to The American Independent.
A recently introduced bill could have far-reaching impact on the U.S. sugar industry, including American Crystal Sugar, a farmer-owned cooperative that locked out 1,300 Midwest workers on Aug. 1.
The chairman for Herman Cain’s Iowa effort says the campaign “relied more on the word of farmers than Washington regulators” in deciding to run an ad containing claims the Environmental Protection Agency says are false.
The Iowa Senate will remain under the control of a slim 26-25 Democratic majority when it reconvenes in January 2012.
Jim Romenesko at the Poynter Institute has posted on his blog a memo giving the details to the 1,000 job cuts to be enacted company-wide at Gannett Co. Inc., parent company of The Des Moines Register and Iowa City Press Citizen.
Publishers are instructed to inform their staffs by today of the job cuts at their paper, as well as say things like “We would prefer no more reductions, but…we must keep expenses in line with revenue” and to those being let go: “We will thank them for their years of service and treat them in a way that acknowledges their valuable contributions.”
The memo also outlines the severance package that will be offered to those employees losing their jobs.
Severance Benefits
• One week of pay for each year of service (52 week maximum)• Minimum two-week severance benefit
• Medical benefits will continue for the length of the severance period
• Employees laid off may begin receiving their pension plan and 401(k) benefits(depending on applicable laws)
• Government unemployment benefits may also begin after severance benefits end, depending on state law
The Des Moines Register told its employees today that 12 full-time and three part-time positions are being eliminated. In addition, 11 vacant positions will go unfilled.
Follow Jason Hancock on Twitter
Do you know where to vote on Election Day? Do you know what to bring with you? Get comprehensive voter information for your state here.
Sign up for our email newsletter