2013 Opinion Archive Stories

Fatherhood – and really, parenthood – can take many forms. In some families, fathers are hands-on parents who love their children, and provide guidance, instruction, love and support to their sons and daughters. My daughter is very fortunate to fall into what’s becoming a rapidly smaller class – a family s

As some supporters of the one-cent sales tax and opponents of its permanence celebrated its end-of-May expiration “as promised,” it was hard for many of us to ignore the dark cloud of uncertainty that now engulfs Arizona education.Seven months ago, those who advocated hard, and often unfairly, for the sales tax's demise p

There's a trend emerging lately, and for once, it's pretty cool.Astronauts at the International Space Station are reaching out with unique, often entertaining videos about what it's like to live in space.It's a terrific outreach program, giving those of us anchored back here on Earth an unusual perspective of life in spac

Yuma has a variety of lovely attributes, such as beautiful scenery, mild winters and plenty of outdoor recreation options. But here in the newsroom, we often hear one big complaint, and that's from those who suffer from allergies.Many often say that their allergies seem to have gotten worse in recent years, and they blame

Much like when the Internet first emerged about two decades ago, there is a new technology evolving that I don't think is getting the attention it deserves from the general public.I have been watching for a while now and every few months something is reported which leaves me amazed and anticipating what the future may hold.

The revelations about the Department of Justice officials seizing Associated Press phone records are chilling – both for the press and the public.Journalists have a duty to pursue investigative reporting. It's an essential function of our jobs – reporting the stories that otherwise wouldn't be known, to hold government of

Decision by Disney to modify character doesn't make senseStep back, Disney.That was the message from parents after the children's entertainment powerhouse decided to revamp the image of Merida, the animated princess from “Brave.”Merida's makeover included a slimmer figure, fuller bust, more exposed

“Working mother” is a concept with which I've always struggled.Because let's face it – parenting is tricky, period. I'm very fortunate in that I have a lot of help and support when it comes to raising my daughter. I have a very supportive husband who is very active in our daughter's life, and splits the

The fate of major immigration reform legislation in the U.S. Congress remains uncertain, partly because critics of the policy are doubtful that there will be sufficient effort to prevent future illegal immigration.Much of the focus of these opponents continues to be on border control and enforcement, but there is more to this issue t

I went to Fry's on a Sunday morning in 2004. I saw people walking out of the store with flowers and balloons.“What's going on?” I asked myself.As I approached the entrance, I saw a huge Mother's Day display. The occasion was not on mind because my mom had died earlier that year.“What do I car

Working in a newsroom, it's easy – in fact, one could say it's necessary – to grow a thick skin.We report the news, whatever it may be. Some days, it's light, easy and fun, such as when we report on kids getting scholarships. Sometimes, it's exciting – say, when someone tries to rob a store, and is quickly apprehend

There was an amazing piece in USA Today on Friday about Ronny Porta, a Marine who was badly burned and disfigured while serving in Iraq.In 2007, Porta was driving in a convoy when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded beneath his truck. Two friends were killed instantly. Porta managed to get out of the truck, but his face and

It is hard to deny that the immigration system in America is broken. For Arizona specifically, the current federal immigration laws place an undue burden on our local business owners. Small business owners are the backbone of Arizona's economy and until we have more modern immigration policies, our small business will continue to suffer.

A recent news report naming the Colorado River the most endangered in the country left me feeling unsettled, to say the least.The article by the Cronkite News Service noted that increased demands on the water supply have put the river at a breaking point.The Colorado serves a variety of functions in Yuma. It's our primary

There has been no small amount of political drama these past three months as I've traveled the state – including to Yuma – advocating for my Medicaid Restoration Plan. Some media have chosen to focus on a perceived clash on this issue between myself and some members of my party. I get it.But no one should lose sight of th

Last week an astute reader pointed out that we ran a photo of a gopher snake with a story about rattlers.He was right — and as a native Arizonan and proud desert rat, I should have known better. After all, I have seen a rattlesnake up close — not by choice.One summer a friend and I were hiking up a steep hill

While watching coverage of the Boston Marathon bombing Monday, a security expert commented on something that I too have been wondering about for some time. He said those tasked with thwarting terror attacks have been questioning for years why terrorists were not making more use of small-scale bomb attacks here in the United States.

A wave of shock ran through the United States again Monday after two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. The race was dedicated to the 26 killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Conn. More senseless killings and horrible maimings of more innocent people. We stare at the gruesome photos

The annual Arizona Special Olympics torch run used to begin at the 4th Avenue Bridge, on the Arizona-California border, then pass through Yuma on its way to the Phoenix area, where the games would then begin.This year, the torch will be handed off from the Mexican side of the border to runners in San Luis, Ariz., who will then carry

A new study was released this week that contains a bit of disturbing news.Apparently, more than one-quarter of people who have had melanoma say they never use sunscreen. Even worse? Two percent said they had used a tanning bed in the last year, according to U.S. News and World Report.Melanoma accounts for less than 5 perc

In the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the nation was devastated. But the impact was felt strongest in New York City, where the skyline – and thousands of lives – were irrevocably changed that day.One of the icons in the wake of the attacks was a cross-shaped steel beam that was found two days later as resc

As soon as I read the headline, I suspected it was an April's Fool joke. As a cat lover, I chuckled at the thought: A new program that uses felines to work with military police.The KPBS.org story noted the advantages of using cats over dogs: superior smell and hearing, razor sharp claws and the ability to jump eight feet in a single

What's your favorite part of the fair, Yuma?I personally enjoy the variety of food – I'll take a yummy cinnamon roll any day of the week. Really, for that reason alone, it's a good thing that fair week only comes once a year.As a parent, my perspective has changed somewhat.It's really cool to take my dau

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg seems to be on a crusade these days.First, he targeted large, sugary beverages, by banning them for sale. The proposal was rejected by a judge.Next on his radar? Cigarettes.Bloomberg proposed legislation recently that would ban all stores from publically displaying any tobacco

The month of March is National Kidney Month. Before you turn the page in a big yawn, think of what these organs do for you and where you'd be if they stopped.• Using millions of filters called nephrons they clean wastes from your body.• Balance electrolytes• Regulate blood pressure&b