In the introduction to a new, seasonal compilation of his speeches on hope, Pope Francis reflects on the legacy of the great German theologian Johann Baptist Metz.  Shaped by the early experience of living through…

Let’s stipulate this up front: The Des Moines Register’s poll of the presidential race in Iowa that was published just days before the election was miles off the mark. The poll, overseen by veteran pollster…

Donald Trump wants to end the war in Ukraine, and who doesn’t? Apparently Vladimir Putin, who used his annual end-of-year news conference last week to send the President-elect a message about his peace terms. “Now,…

In her annual budget address earlier this month, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem recommended the state cut spending by 27 percent, due to an unexpected decrease in sales tax revenues and the fact they have…

Much of the discussion around the issue of using taxpayer dollars to help families send their children to private schools has centered on coming up with a compromise, because it’s inevitable this is the year…

This week, Platte County, Mo., Commissioners refused to enact a quarter-cent sales tax meant to address youth mental health.  Nevermind that 56% of voters there approved establishing the Children’s Service Fund of Platte County to…

What is U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson waiting for? Months ago, the Louisiana Republican was handed broadly popular legislation to protect children from the harms of social media. But he vowed this week not to…

Judging from Thursday evening’s Christmas program, I would argue that second grade is the best of all. The children were idyllic. Neat as a pin. Well-behaved. And enthusiastic.  Such behavior is learned.  Before the program…

The arrest of 26-year-old Luigi Mangione on the charge of murdering a healthcare CEO ends the hunt for the mystery man with a hoodie. But what it doesn’t solve is the mystery of why an…

Fears of a press crackdown under Donald Trump’s second term deepened with his nomination of Kash Patel as FBI director — given his calls for retribution against journalists. Yet a rare chance to protect press…