From the Left
/Politics
Newspapers Then and Now: Why Good Columns Stand the Test of Time
When Bob Hill was writing newspaper columns, it was a different era. But after our conversation, I realized some things are still very much the same. Bob is 82 years old. He's published a new memoir called "Out Here: Essays And Encounters From The Heart, Soul, And Left Field." It is a treasure trove of anecdotes about his time as a newspaperman ...Read more
Most Former Felons Don't Get the Second Chance That Trump Is Getting
Does America value second chances? Looking at presidential election results, you'd think yes. Donald Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. Then, Judge Juan Merchan issued an "unconditional discharge" for it all, meaning Trump will not face any jail time or be subject to any fines. He not ...Read more
In Divisive Times, Science Brings Us Together
We're living in divisive times. It's something said so often that it's become cliche. But collaboration across divides still happens, and the International Space Station is a great place to witness this in action. The ISS is entering its 25th year with crews on board modeling scientific collaboration on global research projects. Crew members ...Read more
Fashion Sense: This New York Designer Has Sustainability Tips You Can Use
I enjoy crafting and sewing, but lately I've become hyperaware of the waste produced to sustain this hobby. When I walk into a craft and fabric store, I feel like I could pick up the entire store and dump it directly into a landfill. It's mostly plastic -- yes, even the fabric -- and it likely won't get recycled. But I love to craft and sew. I...Read more
Make Anti-Racism Your New Year's Resolution
People take part in health challenges all the time, especially as New Year's resolutions. We count our steps, track our water intake and count carbs and calories with the intention of being healthier in the new year. There's one more health challenge I want you to consider for 2025 -- the Anti-Racism Challenge.
According to UCLA Health, "...Read more
The Bishop's Table: Louisville's Community Powerhouse for Police Reform
Louisville, Kentucky, got their Christmas present early this year. The Department of Justice, Louisville Metro Government and Louisville Metro Police Department have signed a Consent Decree, an agreement to enact significant, systemic reforms to policing in Louisville.
In 2020, the murder of Breonna Taylor sparked protests across the country ...Read more
This Holiday Season Feels Like a Post-Election Balm
We put up our Christmas tree on Nov. 9 this year. Right after the election. I cannot remember a time when I've been more eager for the holiday season. We have holiday favorites playing on Alexa and in the car when we're driving around town. This holiday season feels like a post-election balm, a well-timed return to everything the season ...Read more
If We Can Reelect Donald Trump, We Can Be Honest About the Alamo
En route to visit family in South Texas for Thanksgiving, we stopped in San Antonio to enjoy the riverwalk and take our 9-year-old son to the Alamo. Most kids in America learn the story of the Alamo in history class at some point. If you're a student in Texas, the state is really particular about how that 1836 battle at the old Spanish Mission (...Read more
Trees Matter: How One Man Throws Shade in a Good Way for His Community
While leaves changed color and floated to the ground, I talked to tree enthusiast Bill Hanavan, a retired gastroenterologist and co-founder of Heights Tree People in northeast Ohio. He believes everyone deserves a little shade -- from a tree, that is.
Hanavan started planting trees when he lived in his old house in western Michigan -- old as in...Read more
Americans Don't Do the First Thanksgiving Story Any Justice
We've all heard the story of the first Thanksgiving. The plight of pilgrims traveling from England to establish Plymouth colony in the new world. How they survived a brutal winter and then celebrated a successful harvest with Native Americans the following fall in what would become known as the first Thanksgiving. Holding this feel-good story up...Read more
Homesteading: How Off-the-Grid Living Reminds One Family What They're Capable Of
Turbulent times can make people feel helpless and hopeless, but we have more agency than we might think. We can still choose to live life on our own terms -- whatever that means for each of us individually. This is what the McCaffertys did. "So many people have fallen prey to this idea that what they do doesn't matter and that we're all doomed ...Read more