Opinions

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday is a day set aside for measuring ourselves against the yardstick of King’s hope and dream. It is a time to reflect on our moral obligation to condemn social and economic systems that rob people of dignity and equal opportunity.

Left out of GOP debates about “the weaponization” of the federal government is the use of the FBI to spy on civil rights leaders for most of the 20th century.

Editorial Cartoon: Michael Ramirez

“Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.”

Last month, Stanford University published a list of 161 words and phrases that members of their “Harmful Language” initiative imagined might offend certain people in their IT department.

Wrestling is the ultimate sport: One-on-one, you win or lose; it’s up to you.

Today represents a new chapter in the story of our beloved state.

Eggs, where art thou? How we miss your oval beauty and deliciousness. How will we manage without this essential ingredient that goes into our yummy baked goods and perfectly with toast?

Newly sworn Gov. Katie Hobbs has many unenviable tasks ahead of her, but the state is also in a very good position economically as we stare down bearish forecasts.

We hope you had a Merry Christmas. I know at least 102 families had a better Christmas because of you, the community.

Soccer is a passionate game. It’s one of the few sports where players are free to follow the flow as they play, being less constrained by a game plan and more dependent on their ability to communicate and create opportunities.

Rants & Raves

Happy 2023! While 2022 seemed to last forever and there are many challenges on the horizon, there is always hope, too. Here are some wishes for the year ahead.

The gifts are unwrapped. Holiday decorations are coming down. We ushered in a New Year. Another chance to look forward to what is coming and to let go of what didn’t work. We have a whole new chapter to write. And saying “goodbye” to a year gone and anticipating a chance at new beginnings might be the real thrill of a New Year.

As we come to the end of 2022, a simple Thank You doesn’t seem big enough to tell our supporters how much I appreciate each one of you.

Editorial Cartoon: Michael Ramirez

2022 in the Verde Valley was full of important stories and interesting occurrences, triumphs and tragedies, and it would be difficult to gauge for what major story the year will be most remembered. However, there were situations and decisions made locally that will have lasting impact on 2023 and beyond.

There’s a saying in the West that when things get tough, you have to cowboy up. In Wyoming, the history of cowboys braving the elements to sustain ranches during subzero weather, and fixing things on their own in the harsh landscape, is ingrained in the people.

Tis the Season of Giving. As we approach a New Year, Americans are unified through one common bond over the holiday season.

Editorial Cartoon: Gary Varvel

In American culture, Christmas is supposed to be synonymous with joy. The familiar carols proclaim this message, with “Joy to the World” resounding in thousands of churches, while its secular counterpart exhorts listeners to have “A Holly Jolly Christmas.”

Editorial Cartoon: Michael Ramirez

The criminal referral of Donald Trump to the Department of Justice by a House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack is largely symbolic – the panel itself has no power to prosecute any individual.

Editorial Cartoon: Gary Varvel

Walker Evans was born into an affluent family. His father made sure he had access to the best schools, even paying for him to study in Paris.