Sounds of West 7th festival returns to celebrates Sioux City’s cultural history
After a year-long hiatus, the festival returns with performances from local artists, food trucks and a commemoration of Sioux City's jazz scene.
Gretchen's Latest Articles
DART prepares transportation service for annual Iowa State Fair
The Iowa State Fair begins this week. DART's Park & Ride will help you get there.
New ACLU report reveals Black Iowa students continue to face disproportionate school arrests, referrals by school resource officers
Report found Black students and students with disabilities face disproportionate arrests and referrals by school resource officers.
The Price of the Style: Toxic chemicals used in synthetic braiding hair raise health concerns for Black Iowans
A study found toxic chemicals and unidentified ones in the hair extensions that Black consumers use to create their popular braided hairstyles.
From the ground up: Reimagining housing in Iowa City
David Houston, founder of nonprofit Homes for My Peeps, brings affordable housing for the Black community in Iowa.
‘Banned in Iowa — Read in Waterloo’: 1619 Freedom School hosts Read-In featuring Black authors, book giveaways
In a time when book bans are becoming increasingly common in schools, the 1619 Freedom School pushes against literary censorship.
NAACP expresses concern over new Iowa law ending police bias training mandate
The Iowa-Nebraska State Area Conference of Branches opposes a new law that went into effect on July 1.
Experts say mentorship is contributing to the growth of Black-owned businesses in the U.S.
What is driving the rise in the number of Black-owned businesses in the U.S.? Experts weigh in.
Study reveals stress contributes to Black Americans’ higher risk of mortality
Racism and societal structures worsen stress and inflammation in Black Americans, which could lead to chronic problems, a study found.
Read to Succeed Luncheon, featuring author Don Tate, celebrates literacy and student achievement at King Elementary School in Des Moines
BCDI of Iowa and Reach Out and Read-Midwest partnered to foster a special event for King Elementary School families.