And now, we watch

One of them wants to be everyone's friend; the other is emerging as no one's.And yet: One yearns for a romantic past of domestic accord and accommodation; the other yearns for a past of superpower supremacy.

How to own the future

Both national parties represent broad coalitions of wide-ranging interests, otherwise they couldn't win elections in such a vast and diverse country. These parties are most successful when they unify their factions behind an idea, a cause or a candidate.

Oklahoma’s Jim Inhofe confirms he is resigning U.S. Senate

(AP) — Oklahoma's U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, the ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, says he will step down before his six-year term is up and that he is "absolutely" at peace with the decision.

Attacks from within seen as a growing threat to U.S. elections

(AP) –Election officials preparing for this year's midterms have yet another security concern to add to an already long list that includes death threats, disinformation, ransomware and cyberattacks – threats from within.

CLINTON’S HISTORY 10, 20, 30 AND 50 YEARS AGO

30 YEARS AGO● Peppy Clinton Middle School cheerleaders, under the sponsorship of Pam Sauer, had been cheering on the CMS Whirlwinds basketball team. Among the peppy persons were Melissa Haley, Stacy Cordes, Stacy Duncan, Chrissy Roussell, Linda Johnson and Laci Rayner.

Respecting, appreciating police

It is good to live in a town where law enforcement officers are respected and appreciated.Unlike places that are defunding their police departments, we understand that criminals are the problem and not the police. But that isn’t the case everywhere.

Texas is learning from Oklahoma

When it comes to marijuana policy, Texas has gone slow, far too slow for some.But the pace is just right. Each step toward legalization should be modest and deliberate. Effects should be studied. Tradeoffs need examination.

Lichen planus can affect skin or mucosal tissue

Dear Doctors: I'm being treated for lichen planus, which has manifested in my gums. I've never heard of it before and would be grateful for additional information. I'd like to know if this is a common condition, if it ever goes away and what would happen if it goes untreated.

Son’s girlfriend mocks family’s faith

DEAR HARRIETTE: I grew up Christian, and I've raised my kids Christian; my dad is even a pastor, so we've lived a really faith-based life. My son introduced me to his new girlfriend a few months ago, and today the topic of faith came up.

Simple answers can be hard to accept

Sherlock Holmes fans love a locked-door mystery, so it was inevitable that the accidental death of TV comic Bob Saget in a Florida hotel room would get people buzzing. "Murder!" wrote suspicious fans on Facebook, Twitter and everywhere else rumors flourish online.