Opinion

Make time to talk about future health care wishes

Whether someone is 25 or 75, having a conversation about health care wishes with the people they love isn’t just important – it’s essential. Emplify Health by Bellin is helping community members have these discussions in honor of National Healthcare Decisions Day, observed annually on April 16, which is Thursday. “Advance care planning isn’t just a conversation for older people,” Maria Lodenkamp, chaplain at Emplify Health by Bellin, said in a news release. “Unforeseen things can happen to any of us, at any age, which is why it’s important to be ...

Why Democrats should shun Hasan Piker

Hasan Piker, the far-left streamer, is having a bit of a moment. Democrats are quarreling over whether he should be kept at arm's length. What kind of opinionator is Piker? He said in 2019 that the United States "deserved 9/11." When someone challenged him online about his anti-Israel rants, ...

A week for those who handle emergency calls

This week recognizes the people behind the calm, steady response when reporting an emergency. Their vital contributions are the focus of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week that runs through Sunday, according to the State 911 Committee. “Let’s take a moment to honor the incredible individuals behind every 911 call — the telecommunicators,” Amy Thomas, State 911 administrator, said in a news release. “More than just a voice on the other end of the line, they are compassionate, resilient and dedicated professionals who serve our communities with unwavering ...

Editorial cartoon for April 14, 2026

Almanac for April 14, 2026

Today is Tuesday, April 14, the 104th day of 2026. There are 261 days left in the year. Today in history: In 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was shot and mortally wounded by John Wilkes Booth during a performance of the play "Our American Cousin" at Ford's Theatre in Washington; Lincoln was taken to a boarding house across the street and died the next morning at 7:22 a.m. Also on this date: In 1828, the first edition of Noah Webster's "American Dictionary of the English Language" was published. In 1912, the British liner RMS Titanic collided with an iceberg in the North ...

Swalwell to leave House amid sexual assault allegations

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California announced Monday he will resign from Congress after sexual assault and misconduct allegations that prompted loud bipartisan calls for him to step down. The decision caps a swift political fall for the seven-term lawmaker, who ...