Breaking News

Local columns

Almanac for Jan. 1, 2026

Thursday is Jan. 1, the first day of 2026. There are 364 days left in the year. It is New Year's Day. Today in history: In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War, declaring that all enslaved people in rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be free." Also on this date: In 1804, Haiti declared itself independent from France, becoming the world's first Black-majority republic. In 1808, the federal law prohibiting the importation of enslaved people to the United States took effect. In 1818, Mary Shelley's novel ...

Respect for Trump — or fear?

In the course of his losing race with the teleprompter during his Oval Office address on Dec. 17, President Donald Trump returned to a theme that obsesses him — respect. Even before his entry into politics, Trump was convinced that "weak" leaders including Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Obama ...

Judge orders transcript be released from Kirk hearing

A Utah judge Monday ordered the release of a transcript from a closed-door hearing in October over whether the man charged with killing Charlie Kirk must be shackled during court proceedings. State District Judge Tony Graf said the transcript must be posted on the court docket by the end of ...

Almanac for Dec. 30, 2025

Today is Tuesday, Dec. 30, the 364th day of 2025. There is one day left in the year. Today in history: In 2006, former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was executed by hanging after being convicted of crimes against humanity by the Iraqi High Tribunal. Hussein was captured in 2003 by U.S. forces while hiding near his hometown of Tikrit. Also on this date: In 1860, 10 days after South Carolina seceded from the Union, the state militia seized the United States Army arsenal in Charleston. In 1896, José Rizal, whose writings inspired the Philippine Revolution, was executed by ...

Taking Christmas seriously

We all know that God works in mysterious ways. Recently, I was deeply moved at a theatrical production of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." This is the famous and popular tale of the transformation and redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge from a rasping, grasping old miser into a lovable, ...

NY to feature patriotic ball for NYE, kicking off US 250th birthday year

After the crystal ball drops on New Year's Eve in New York City, it will rise again, sparkling in red, white and blue to usher in 2026 and kick off months of celebrations for the nation's upcoming 250th birthday. The patriotic touches at this year's Times Square gathering, including a second ...