Opinion

Almanac for April 23, 2026

Today is Thursday, April 23, the 113th day of 2026. There are 252 days left in the year. Today in history: In 1971, hundreds of Vietnam War veterans opposed to the conflict protested by tossing their medals and ribbons over a wire fence constructed in front of the U.S. Capitol. Also on this date: In 1635, the Boston Latin School, the first public school in what would become the United States, was established. In 1898, Spain declared war on the United States, which responded in kind two days later. (Spain's declaration followed months of tensions with the U.S. government, which ...

Yes, of course, war settles things

Countless protest signs have informed us over the years that "war is not the answer." We hear this message, with varying levels of sophistication and differing underlying worldviews, from institutions and people ranging from Code Pink to Pope Leo. "War does not solve problems," the ...

Editorial cartoon for April 23, 2026

High-horse politics

This statement cuts both ways: "What is important to me may not be important to you." We've all been shaped by surrounding influences. Some examples would be the culture, a coach/mentor and teachers. However, most would agree that our primary influence is Mom and Dad. A very influential father said, "Son, you've got to get off that high horse." What he was really saying was too much pride will cause you to make bad decisions and because you think so highly of your own opinion, you won't/don't listen to anything but your own. Another extremely important lesson sounds like this, "Son, ...

Trump's approval rating on economy falls in latest poll

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's approval rating on the economy has slumped over the past month as the Iran war drives prices higher, according to a new AP-NORC poll, with even Republicans showing less faith in his leadership. The findings from The Associated Press-NORC Center ...

Almanac for April 22, 2026

Today is Wednesday, April 22, the 112th day of 2026. There are 253 days left in the year. Today in history: In 1889, the Oklahoma Land Rush began at noon as thousands of homesteaders staked claims to nearly 1.9 million acres of land that was formerly part of Indian Territory. By the end of the day, the cities of Oklahoma City and Guthrie were established with as many as 10,000 settlers each. Also on this date: In 1915, German forces unleashed their first full-scale use of chlorine gas against Allied troops at the start of the Second Battle of Ypres in Belgium during World War I. ...