F. Amanda Tugade

1 week ago | desmoinesregister.com | F. Amanda Tugade

The number of people experiencing homelessness in Polk County continues to rise, according to a new , or PIT, count from local agency Homeward. Approximately 779 individuals were found experiencing homelessness on a single night in January — a 9% increase from last year's 715. Of that, 206 were unsheltered, breaking last year's record of 147, according to Primary Health Care, whose staff and local volunteers led the biannual count Jan. 29.

2 weeks ago | usatoday.com | F. Amanda Tugade

• Protests supporting immigrant rights occurred in Des Moines, Iowa, mirroring larger demonstrations across the U.S. against ICE deportation efforts. • The Des Moines protest, organized by the Iowa chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, expressed solidarity with immigrants and criticized President Trump's deployment of the National Guard. • Personal stories from attendees highlighted the impact of immigration policies on families and communities.

3 weeks ago | desmoinesregister.com | F. Amanda Tugade

Iowa launched Healthy Kids Iowa, a new summer food program for low-income children, that replaces Summer EBT. The program provides $40 worth of nutritious food per eligible child monthly. Six Iowa food banks manage 258 distribution sites across the state. Healthy Kids Iowa, a new state summer feeding program for low-income children, has begun, with some sites hosting their first food distributions this week.

3 weeks ago | desmoinesregister.com | F. Amanda Tugade

Capital City Pride lost corporate sponsorships but gained new donors supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion. The loss of sponsorships is attributed to political pressure from the Trump administration's stance against DEI programs. Capital City Pride may have lost roughly $70,000 in corporate sponsorships this year, but Executive Director Wes Mullins said his nonprofit found new donors devoted to efforts that promote diversity, equity and inclusion through arts and culture to fill the gap.

3 weeks ago | desmoinesregister.com | F. Amanda Tugade

The bomb squad was called to a prayer rally for Afghan refugees facing deportation from the United States. The small group, Love Them as Yourself, gathered in front of the federal building in downtown Des Moines on Wednesday, June 4, to advocate for the refugees who could be deported due to the Department of Homeland Security revoking their Temporary Protected Status.