This is third and final part of an ongoing series on maternal health care from Rachel Bruns. Iowa families navigate a challenging maternal health environment including a rise in unnecessary C-sections that are primarily driven by provider and hospital finances and maternal health policy that makes it difficult to receive Read more…
As 2026 arrived, I got news that made me simultaneously proud and broken: My theatrical project advanced to the final round of a prestigious national competition, top 7% of applicants. I’m a Creative Capital finalist. Entering Creative Capital this year meant artists were considered for two awards: the classic artist Read more…
This is the second part of an ongoing series on maternal health care from Rachel Bruns. In part 1 of this series, I discussed the impact of rising C-section rates and challenges some families face in avoiding unnecessary cesareans due to a wide range of challenges including financial pressures from Read more…
By Jennifer Scheck, guest contributor One certainty in life is change. Some changes can be intentional such as graduating college, starting a first job, getting married or having children. Other changes can be unexpected including illness, job loss, divorce, infertility, loss of a spouse or loved one, or being a Read more…
By Lisa Rossi, BPC staff writer When I first was told by a psychiatrist I had bipolar disorder 2, I was ashamed. I cried. There would be a stigma. Now I make money off of the information, slinging jokes on stage about how my medication is so effective in moderating Read more…
By Molly Varangkounh, guest contributor I am the mom of three daughters who are now young adults. From the beginning, I have been aware that the small, ordinary choices I make every day shape how they see themselves and how they show up in the world. Watching them grow into Read more…
By Brittany Heard, guest contributor Having walked alongside several women as they went through separation or divorce, I have seen firsthand how overwhelming, emotional and isolating this transition can be. For many women, divorce brings not only grief and uncertainty, but also the sudden responsibility of managing financial decisions that Read more…
Karla Rendall arrived in Des Moines in 1999 with a new degree in special education and the goal of finding a teaching job. While the path she eventually took has allowed her to educate others, it looked much different than she anticipated. “I had gone into a local commercial bank Read more…
By Krista Tedrow, Guest contributor What if this year didn’t need fixing? What if you didn’t need another list, another reset, another version of yourself that requires discipline and self-correction to exist? What if you chose a word? Instead of a goal or a resolution, what if it was an Read more…
By Jenna Feeney, Guest contributor I first learned about adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in the Aug. 21, 2023, Fearless newsletter guest column by Krista Tedrow, and the concept was further discussed in the Nov. 13, 2023, article about The Beacon. I sought out the ACEs questionnaire and discovered I have Read more…