Breaking News

Opinion

When grocery lists meet rocket ships

Columns

Dear Annie: I recently introduced my 62-year-old husband to emojis, and now I fear I’ve made a huge mistake. Every text I receive -- whether it’s “Pick up milk” or “Your sister called” -- is followed by a winking face, a heart and, inexplicably, a rocket ship. He signs grocery lists with smiley faces. He even sent our plumber three flame emojis. I’ve gently suggested that not every situation requires digital fireworks, but he says the emojis “make every message more fun.” Must I accept a future filled with cartoon faces, or is there a tactful way to dial it down? -- ...

Don’t need a president seeking spotlight

Letters

To the Editor: I am writing because I have to let my frustrations out, so many issues to address. • The lack of concern, as well as the lack of respect and communication, for and between people, seemingly championed by President Trump. • Our president, who is talking of developing, and testing new nuclear weapons, started a war with Iran. And, he seems to think he has a say in who becomes Iran’s next leader. He has a need to be the center of attention. • Trump  shows no desire to keep our environment healthy. He hopes to lessen, or delete control on emissions from gas ...

Minneapolis deaths sad and unnecessary

Letters

To the editor: I read with detached bemusement the recent diatribe, “What is happening to our democracy?” Let’s look at what happened in Minneapolis during Operation Metro Surge. The Biden administration’s immigration policy allowed an open border that ushered in millions of immigrants to the United States unvetted. Foreign countries sent people with serious criminal histories to the United States. With established sanctuary policies Minneapolis attracted many of those criminals to settle in and become new “neighbors”. In 2024, voters, fed up with the Democrat open ...

GOP leadership downplays anti-Muslim hate

Letters

To the editor: Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) recently posted on social media that “Muslims don’t belong in American society.” Similarly, in February, Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) wrote on X: “If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one.” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has declined to condemn these comments, asserting, “I’ve spoken to those members and all members, as I always do, about our tone and our message and what we say.” Furthermore, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) evaded the issue, stating, “People who refuse to ...

Partisan politics and rhetoric causing long-term damage

Columns

There’s something deeply broken in the way political arguments are being made right now. Honestly, for the last 16 years. Supporting limited government, stronger regulation, more spending, less spending are legitimate political debates. But what we see now are partisan talking points that are exaggerated, embellished, or completely fabricated, repeated as if they are established fact. And the damage goes far beyond politics. When someone throws out numbers that clearly don’t withstand even basic scrutiny, like claiming $400 million in fraud when the publicly charged case is ...

International Women’s Day: Give to gain

Columns

March 8 marked the 115-year anniversary of International Women’s Day, launched in 1911 to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. At that time, only eight countries allowed women to vote. Women faced low wages, workplace dangers and exploitation, and freedom to speak out was limited around the globe. Fast forward 64 years, and, through sustained education and organizing, the United Nations declared 1975 as International Women’s Year, and adopted International Women’s Day officially on March 8th. While major progress in voting rights, ...