Immigrant Voices

Without a doubt, COVID-19 has been tough for everyone. For some of us, the pandemic has disrupted our lives to the point that we all are suffering from cabin fever in springtime. But for others, it has been the worst time of their lives. Many families in our community are grieving the loss of their…

The human element is getting lost among the testing and unemployment data of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alexa Zarate and her family are getting the full experience. Zarate is a senior at Perry High School with parents recovering from COVID-19. Her father is almost 60 years old and works at the Tyson plant in Perry, where…

According to new state testing data, 221 employees have tested positive for COVID-19 at Tyson’s Columbus Junction location, making it one of the state’s largest known coronavirus outbreaks. About 26 percent of employees tested were found positive for the virus. After closing down for two weeks, the Columbus Junction plant reopened for limited operations on…

According to new state testing data, 221 employees have tested positive for COVID-19 at Tyson’s Columbus Junction location, making it one of the state’s largest known coronavirus outbreaks. About 26 percent of employees tested were found positive for the virus. After closing down for two weeks, the Columbus Junction plant reopened for limited operations on…

When I moved to the United States and my first 5 de Mayo was around the corner, several people were curious about how I would celebrate what they might have though was a special holiday for me. Some assumed that because I am Mexican, I would enjoy a few Margaritas, eat tacos and dance wearing…

As the old adage goes, “Actions speak louder than words.” Many members of the Perry community would settle for a little of both from its local Tyson meatpacking plant. With meatpacking plants across the country and in Iowa closing or scaling back their workforce due to employees testing positive for COVID-19, an executive order from…

As the old adage goes, “Actions speak louder than words.” Many members of the Perry community would settle for a little of both from its local Tyson meatpacking plant. With meatpacking plants across the country and in Iowa closing or scaling back their workforce due to employees testing positive for COVID-19, an executive order from…

As the old adage goes, “Actions speak louder than words.” Many members of the Perry community would settle for a little of both from its local Tyson meatpacking plant. With meatpacking plants across the country and in Iowa closing or scaling back their workforce due to employees testing positive for COVID-19, an executive order from…

Iowans are not out of the pandemic woods yet. Times are difficult and the federal stimulus checks will be a relief for many, but not for all. Last month Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, giving a package of more than $2 trillion of economic assistance. This package will provide a…

As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout Iowa, focus has turned to the state’s meat packing plants as virus hotspots. In West Liberty, the state’s first Hispanic-majority town, the community’s largest employer is reporting an outbreak of coronavirus cases. As of April 30, West Liberty Foods has reported that 71 employees at its West Liberty location…