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.
Iowa State University President Gregory Geoffroy has announced that the university's athletic program can have a religious adviser, the Des Moines Register reported today:
Geoffroy approved a "volunteer life skills" position for the department to provide faith-based counseling and referrals to athletes but warned that the adviser would be watched closely.
"In carrying out the volunteer work associated with this position, there must be no indication that the university, as a public body, is perceived to be promoting or giving preference to one religious faith or viewpoint over any others or promoting religion over non-religion," Geoffroy said in a memo to Jamie Pollard, Iowa State athletic director.
Geoffroy also incorporated guidelines requiring that no state, university, foundation or athletic department money be spent on the position.
Iowa Independent has been following the story and found that neither of Iowa's other two public universities–University of Iowa and University of Northern Iowa–plans on following suit.
William David, a music professor at ISU and a leader of faculty opposed to the proposal, initially expressed disapproval. "Essentially, what has been approved today didn't change anything from the original proposal made by [athletic director] Jamie Pollard," he told the Register. "I don't think it is a compromise at all."
But later in the day, David changed his mind, the Register reported: "After reviewing President Geoffroy’s statement more closely, I am a lot more encouraged that he listened to all sides of this issue and made a sincere effort to make sure that this very important and critical issue was addressed appropriately.
The reasons behind David's change of heart remain somewhat unclear, though he may have been comforted by the guidelines' requirement that the adviser be subject to an annual evaluation to guard against inappropriate activity. "Many interested parties will be watching and carefully examining the activities of the person filling the position," Geoffroy said.
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