The digital clock silently clicks 3:01 a.m. In a few hours, 27 pairs of third grade eyes will be staring …
Guest columns are written generally by people in the community, region or state. Most guest columnists have expertise in the subjects and issues they are addressing, and the opinions expressed can be personal or representative of a group. Some columns are requested by Gazette opinion staff, but many are unsolicited. We evaluate the columns based on local relevance, quality and accuracy. Read more about our editorial process here.
Bruce Lear Guest Columnists Jan. 6, 2026 9:22 am1d ago
The digital clock silently clicks 3:01 a.m. In a few hours, 27 pairs of third grade eyes will be staring …
Anne Dugger, Catherine McAuley Center Guest Columnists Jan. 6, 2026 9:13 am1d ago
The New Year ushers in fresh ways for our community to engage in new opportunities for creativity, for collaboration, and for partnership building! We are a community of helpers. We recognize humanity in our city, and we act together to ensure our neighbors are safe and secure.
Alicia Faust, executive director of Willis Dady Homeless Services
Guest Columnists Jan. 4, 2026 4:33 am3d ago
If we want real progress, we must move past stereotypes and the assumption that people choose homelessness. Housing First works because it combines stability with support. Solving homelessness requires a shared commitment across many systems, not just the efforts of those closest to the crisis.
Angie Albright and Aron Brecht, - HACAP
Guest Columnists Jan. 4, 2026 4:30 am3d ago
HACAP anticipates serving even more neighbors in the coming year. In FY2025, we served just under 55,000 individuals, up from 46,000 in FY2024. Economic pressures and uncertainty within the social safety net continue to push families toward food pantries as a vital lifeline.
Dr. Tawana Lannin, - Superintendent of the Cedar Rapids Community School District
Guest Columnists Jan. 4, 2026 4:30 am3d ago
This year, we will take intentional steps to right-size our system and design a district built for long-term excellence. Every decision will be student-centered. Every dollar will be aligned to learning. Every classroom will remain focused on achievement and belonging.
Dr. Ruth White, - founder and executive director of The Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success
Guest Columnists Jan. 4, 2026 4:30 am3d ago
Those of us in The Academy SPS are hopeful in the new year that with the coalescence of the community, we will continue to garner strong support, and soldier on.
Cathy D'mello Guest Columnists Jan. 4, 2026 4:30 am3d ago
Each year, more patients turn to His Hands Free Clinic for medical and dental services, often presenting with more complex and advanced conditions than in years past. In 2025, we expanded to include mental health services after witnessing firsthand the growing emotional and psychological strain affecting our patients.
Emma Huntzinger Guest Columnists Jan. 4, 2026 4:21 am3d ago
As we enter 2026, the need for services is growing faster than the resources available to meet it.
Jenny Turner
Guest Columnists Dec. 28, 2025 5:00 am10d ago
I became a widow at age 38 when my son was 7. Solo parenting is hard, but thanks to the Affordable …
Susan Futrell
Guest Columnists Dec. 28, 2025 5:00 am10d ago
I am concerned that the agreement between UI Libraries and the State Historical Society to offer ‘interlibrary loan’ access to …
Rep. Brian Meyer and Sen. Janice Weiner
Guest Columnists Dec. 28, 2025 5:00 am10d ago
It’s time to deliver for working Iowa families. That means all legislators working to find common ground and move past …
Gov. Kim Reynolds
Guest Columnists Dec. 28, 2025 5:00 am10d ago
When the legislature returns to Des Moines in 2026, one issue will cut across every community and every income level: …
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