OPINION

Mar 23 2026OPINION

A Day at the Ballpark: New‑Fan Finds Fun and Frustration

The first time a newcomer steps into a baseball stadium, the excitement is high and the details are new. After arriving at the field, the person notices a couple of tall strangers sitting in front of them; their presence blocks most of the view, so they move to a different row. The next game brings

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Mar 23 2026OPINION

Finding Joy by Listening to Others

The question is simple: are you happy? When people pause from daily worries and look inward, many say no. A recent survey of American readers revealed a mix of dissatisfaction and a few hopeful voices, but overall the mood skews toward unhappiness. The United States ranks 23rd in a global happine

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Mar 23 2026OPINION

Gas Prices Won’t Rise From the Strait Block

The Iranian forces have shut down the Strait of Hormuz, hoping to hurt America by pushing up fuel costs. But the U. S. relies on oil that passes through this waterway only a little, so American gas should stay stable. Most of the oil that moves through the strait is headed to China, India and Japan,

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Mar 22 2026OPINION

Coaches, Parents, and Young Athletes: A New Path for Mental Health

In Colorado, a new law called “Alyssa’s Act” is being discussed. It focuses on mental health for kids who play sports. The idea came after a family tragedy involving a young athlete named Alyssa. She loved soccer and skiing, but her life ended after several concussions. Researchers say head injuries

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Mar 22 2026OPINION

Kids on a Quest: How One Film Shaped a Generation

The 1986 movie “Stand by Me” is more than nostalgia; it is a snapshot of a time when kids could wander freely. A father and his 12‑year‑old daughter watched it together, each child in the film matching her age. The soundtrack, filled with songs from 1959, linked both generations to the same summer m

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Mar 22 2026OPINION

Hospitals Should Stay Safe Havens for Everyone

The recent press gathering in Minneapolis highlighted a troubling trend: federal agents have begun showing up at hospitals, making it harder for people to get care. This mirrors earlier incidents where immigration officials entered schools, churches and other “sensitive places. ” Emergency rooms

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Mar 22 2026OPINION

Bright Hats, Heavy Hearts

Anatoliy Paduka lives in Odesa, a city that feels like an old block of concrete and constant sirens. He rarely leaves his apartment, except to walk his small dog past the market stalls and neighbors’ homes. People pause when they see him because he wears bright hats and patterned scarves that cut th

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Mar 22 2026OPINION

When Feelings Rule the Headlines

In a 2016 TV interview, a former Speaker of the House shrugged off FBI crime statistics and said he would follow public opinion instead. The remark was simple, but it showed a bigger trend: people often trust how they feel more than hard data. The conversation began with a question about rising c

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Mar 21 2026OPINION

Is “Reply All” the New Show‑Stopper in Friend Groups?

A group of friends who love music had a routine: they sent emails to share news and plan gatherings. One day, one friend wrote that she was feeling ill and might not join them soon. Most people hit “reply all” so everyone saw the message. I chose to send a private note instead, letting her know I

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Mar 21 2026OPINION

A New Call to Welcome

In Utah, the debate over how to treat newcomers has reached a tipping point. A handful of strict immigration laws were introduced in the state legislature but failed to pass, showing that many lawmakers are reluctant to follow President Trump’s hard‑line approach. Religious teachings offer a c

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