Immigration
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Des Moines Volunteers Angered By What They Saw In Cedar Rapids
The derecho hit Iowa hard and fast. From downed trees damaging houses and losing power for hours, even days, Iowans are slowly recovering from yet another crisis. Unfortunately, as it often happens, the storm hit already vulnerable communities the hardest. As with most natural disasters, nobody has control over the devastation, but our elected officials…
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From COVID To Derecho, Iowa’s Refugee Community Struggles To Hang On
Nduwimana Kanumba’s entrance into the world was rough. At five days old, a derecho tore through his family’s Cedar Rapids apartment, ripping off their roof and bringing debris crashing down onto his crib. His mother suffered a gash on her shoulder during the storm while protecting him in her arms. She and Kanumba’s two older…
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Meet The Young Women Of Iowa’s Charreadas (Mexican Rodeos)
Immigrants always bring a part their home country with them. In years past, immigrants were told by their parents to speak English and assimilate. Newer generations of new Iowans share their heritage openly and proudly. We bring our suitcases full of dreams, carrying our culture with us. As parents, we want our kids to learn…
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Blanca’s Light Shines From Guadalajara To “El Fogón” In Iowa
There are different ways to describe successful people. For most, success is defined by how much money a person may have. For me, it has more to do with achieving your goals and finding happiness with what you do. So in my list of successful individuals I include a special, smart, driven, and kindhearted immigrant.…
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Blanca’s Light Shines From Guadalajara To “El Fogón” In Iowa
There are different ways to describe successful people. For most, success is defined by how much money a person may have. For me, it has more to do with achieving your goals and finding happiness with what you do. So in my list of successful individuals I include a special, smart, driven, and kindhearted immigrant.…
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Blanca’s Light Shines From Guadalajara To “El Fogón” In Iowa
There are different ways to describe successful people. For most, success is defined by how much money a person may have. For me, it has more to do with achieving your goals and finding happiness with what you do. So in my list of successful individuals I include a special, smart, driven, and kindhearted immigrant.…
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Excluded By Iowa Task Force, Minority-Owned Businesses Push On In Pandemic
Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an executive order June 18 establishing the Governor’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board. The announcement reads: “The Governor’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board assembles an impressive group of business leaders to propel our recovery efforts forward and position Iowa for growth. Iowans will be at the center of this effort as we continue…
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A Latino Father, Teacher, Coach Prepares For School Return
If you meet Salvador “Chava” Aguirre, 48, you will instantly like him. He has that easy-going personality and once you get to know him better, you want to become his friend. Knowing Chava for many years, I would say that his heart is as big as his height, 6 feet 7 inches tall. He is…
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A Latino Father, Teacher, Coach Prepares For School Return
If you meet Salvador “Chava” Aguirre, 48, you will instantly like him. He has that easy-going personality and once you get to know him better, you want to become his friend. Knowing Chava for many years, I would say that his heart is as big as his height, 6 feet 7 inches tall. He is…
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Enough Is Enough: Iowans Rally For Vanessa Guillén Justice
The disappearance of Spec. Vanessa Guillén made national and international news. A young and beautiful Latina vanished inexplicably on April 22. Vanessa’s remains were found in late June after missing from Fort Hood, Texas for more than two months. A soldier was accused of her death and his ex-girlfriend was accused of playing a role…


















