IMMIGRATION

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…

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…

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…

Amid so much happening around us in Iowa and around the world, it is difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel, if any exists yet. It is at times like this, times of reflection that I find it healing to look on the brighter rays of light shed by individuals who…

Amid so much happening around us in Iowa and around the world, it is difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel, if any exists yet. It is at times like this, times of reflection that I find it healing to look on the brighter rays of light shed by individuals who…

During a year full of unexpected and dreadful events, hope emerges through the rubble. Young people are showing up in powerful ways and are becoming the catalyst for some of the most clear and difficult conversations we have had on racism, inequality and injustice in recent years in this country. The Black Lives Matter movement…

As the United States turns its attention to the crisis of injustice and racism, the coronavirus pandemic still rages on, continuing to impact the most vulnerable among us. For many Iowans working in meatpacking plants, the virus not only continues to threaten their lives, but they also are victims of employers’ neglect. Some employers have…

After more than two months of mostly staying at home and practicing social distancing, I had to take my grandson to the doctor this past week. I made sure he wore a face mask and gloves. We waited in the car until we were called. Once inside the clinic, I was constantly checking that he…

Iowa’s neighbors to the west are urging Nebraska meatpacking plants to be more transparent with positive COVID-19 cases and for better treatment to workers that are deemed essential. The fight has implications for Iowa; a massive outbreak at the Dakota City, Nebraska Tyson plant, the severity of which was kept from the public for weeks,…

When the coronavirus pandemic first struck Iowa, the initial local outbreaks had clear causes. The early spread in Johnson County originated from Iowans returning from a cruise in Egypt. Surrounding counties in Eastern Iowa soon had positive case numbers in the double-digits. Population centers like Polk County quickly followed. But as attention was focused on…