Much is being said and written in response to the tragic shootings in Newtown. Will this quickly fizzle away from the headlines and from the mainstream lead topic of conversation throughout the country? That seems to be the pattern we have established in recent years.
Throughout 2012, The Herald-Sun has used this space to highlight the people of our communities who have gone above and beyond to help others; the people who have overcome illness, disease, disability, and hardship; the people who work selflessly and tirelessly to make life a little easier for their fellow residents.
As we enter 2013, I urge citizens of Durham County to consider a New Year’s resolution to volunteer in our schools. Durham Public Schools is focusing on early literacy with the goal of having all students reading on grade level or higher. Superintendent Eric Becoats has indicated that many more volunteers are needed to help with reading.
Remarkable juvenile justice outcomes have been achieved in this state, including a 10-year-low juvenile offense rate and reduction of confinement by two-thirds, saving taxpayers more than $20 million.
The recent shooting in Connecticut has renewed the ongoing discussion of guns. There is a lot of misinformation being propagated, and this is not helpful to a productive discussion.
Lines at stores and traffic at peak times showed that there are plenty of local folks out there who did a lot of holiday shopping. The same goes for the post-Christmas rush: lots of traffic, a lot of apparent business at a number of stores.
In a story just before Christmas, The Herald-Sun’s Laura Oleniacz talked to a number of local health care leaders about an important change coming in the federal health overhaul: An increase in Medicaid fees for certain expenses from primary physician care. Medicaid is the federal health insurance program for people with low incomes.
Public school principals, teachers, staff and students in North Carolina will end 2012 with much to celebrate.
How compassionate! How heart-warming! How public-spirited!
How are the North Carolina Democratic Party and the National Republican Party alike?
Throughout the year 2012, The Herald-Sun has brought our readers the biggest and most compelling stories of the past 12 months.
“Poor and in a manger” is a line from the familiar Christmas carol “O Come All Ye Faithful.” Those words indicate that Jesus was born not to the upper class or middle class, but in poverty. He was born in a barn feedbox “because there was no room for him in the inn.”
To all of our readers, we wish a happy, safe, and rewarding holiday season. That goes for those who celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and any and all other observances.
This is a comment for Robert M. Thompson (Letters, Dec. 18), who wonders why many of us are frustrated with John Boehner’s efforts to undermine the president.
Let me take you back six weeks ago -- I am sitting in the lobby of El Centro Hispano for the first time waiting to speak with one of its directors. Community members laughing and chatting in Spanish in the lobby, facilitators are busy organizing event, and children are huddled together, working on a puzzle.