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.
Ankeny Schools Superintendent Matthew Wendt recommended to his school board that the book “And Tango Makes Three” not be banned from the East Elementary School library.
The Des Moines Register reports that Wendt wants the board to consider adopting a new selection process for library materials, and while that takes place materials currently in the libraries of Ankeny schools will remain.
The board had planned to vote Monday on whether to ban or restrict the book, which tells the story of two male penguins who raise a chick together. Ankeny parents Cindy and James Dacus have waged a months-long campaign to remove the book or place it in a parents-only section.
Cindy Dacus told the board last month that the book should not be allowed in the school’s library because it attempts to “normalize” homosexuality to children who are too young to understand the “risky lifestyle.”
The School Board’s attorney said the district could face a tough time in court if they do remove the book. The matter is expected to be discussed again Dec. 15.
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