Columnist John Moore loves grits. Real grits, that is. Photo John Moore Folks who aren’t from the South invariably aren’t familiar with grits. When they come for a visit, they often twist their eyebrows into a John Belushi-type look after they spot them on their...
For Christian Americans celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ Sunday, April 12, the timing could not be more appropriate. Citizens have been forewarned that the apex of this COVID-19 pandemic is about to hit the U.S. For some, that strikes a chord of fear, but...
Ask Rusty – About the Dreaded “IRMAA” Provision Dear Rusty: About a month or two ago I was notified that my Social Security was being reduced from $1,583 a month to about $1,283 a month - a $300 deduction! They said it was because my income was over the limit on my...
Saddened. Embarrassed. Determined. These three words evoke distinct feelings and emotions. In the context of an opinion piece we ran in the last week’s paper, they describe the aftermath of a community that lost its newspaper. After 130 years in business, the Commerce...
This week the media is focusing on Sunshine Week. It is a time to celebrate a free press and what it means for you and your community to have access to public information. Several weeks ago, I read a letter that should be shared with every community. While the message...
Dear Rusty: Can or does the Social Security Administration occasionally make mistakes in determining the benefits due? I’m now 72 but I retired early at age 61 and knew that my benefits would be reduced. I’ve always wondered if my monthly benefit calculation was...
AUSTIN — As the worldwide threat of novel coronavirus increased, state agencies already were working together to ensure the health and safety of all Texans, Gov. Greg Abbott said Feb. 27. After a briefing from state and federal health officials on coronavirus...
Whatever our political views, certainly we can agree we have the right to know how government is conducting business. How are taxpayer dollars spent? Who is influencing decisions? Access to information allows us to speak up and hold public officials accountable, while...
Journalists relentlessly purÂsue the truth in order to provide citizens with the information they need to be self-governing. And yet, for journalists, doing that work can be risky, dangerous and even cost lives. Just 15 months ago the deadÂliest attack on journalists...
