GUEST ESSAY: A new year, a shared commitment to every student in Georgetown ISD

By Dr. Devin PadavilAs we prepare to welcome students back for a new school year, there is a sense of excitement across Georgetown ISD. Our campuses have been anything but quiet this summer.

Guest Essay: A long-term fiscally conservative and responsible decision

By DEVIN PADAVILI am writing to you, as shareholders in Georgetown ISD, to explain the decision to defer the opening of the district’s new elementary and middle school in Southeast Georgetown until 2027.

Guest Essay: Staying focused on students and staff as we navigate budget challenges

By DEVIN PADAVIL,  Georgetown ISD’s superintendentI often think of our community as shareholders in our school district.

Guest Essay: Remembering overlooked women heroes who fought for voting rights

By FELICIA MIYAKAWA and HELEN CORDESIn recent months, the legacy of local hero Jessie Daniel Ames has been honored with two building-naming events.First, Southwestern University announced that one of its newest residence halls will be named Jessie Daniel Ames Hall in her memory.

Guest Essay: Early breast cancer detection saves lives

By JOSEPH P. JEANETTE, IIAs October dawns to an end, we are reminded of the critical importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This annual observance serves as a vital call to action, encouraging everyone to learn more about breast cancer, understand its risks and prioritize early detection.

Texas flooding: Balancing freedom with mitigation

By KEVIN PITTSWater is — and always has been — the lifeblood of Texas. But it comes with risk. Early native populations followed game trails that traced water sources. Cowboys on the great cattle drives planned their routes around reliable watering holes for themselves and their herds.

Guest essay: Five years of impact and resilience at Southwestern

By DINAH RITCHIE,  Vice President for Integrated Communications & Chief Marketing Officer for Southwestern University.

GUEST ESSAY: Being Justice of the Peace after a tragedy

By JUDGE EVELYN MCLEANAs a Justice of the Peace in Williamson County, I’ve had the solemn duty of conducting death inquests for many years. It is one of the most difficult and least understood parts of our role.

GUEST ESSAY: Site-Neutral hospital billing reforms will help save patients, taxpayers money

By MIA MCCORD  As the executive director of Texans for Affordable Health Care, I have a front-row seat to our current health care system’s intricacies and the challenges that are perpetuating exorbitant medical costs.

GUEST ESSAY: Outdated rule limits Austin businesses, residents from accessing nation’s capital

By BRITTNEY RODRIGUEZ At the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, our mission is clear: we advocate for a vibrant and inclusive business community in greater Austin.