Some businesses want to stay open but can’t

In defense of the businesses in Clinton, Okla., and the City of Clinton, there are things to consider: Clinton is a small town and does not have that many "non-essential" businesses.

Weird news from across America

COMPELLING EXPLANATION Slidell, La., police pulled over a driver on Feb. 27 for an undisclosed reason, but the car’s license plate really got their attention. The tag had expired in September 1997 – more than 20 years ago – the Miami Herald reported.

Protecting democracy from infection

The COVID-19 pandemic is altering many dimensions of our national life: economic, social, political. But it cannot be allowed to infect the health of our democracy or weaken the ability of every American to cast a ballot in November.

More religious questions need to be asked

After Democrats voted in the Alabama primary in early March, researchers for CNN and other newsrooms asked them several questions. Reactions to the candidates were sorted by gender, race, LGBTQ identity, age, education level, political ideology and other factors.

Parents still in dark about sibling’s abuse

DEAR ABBY: I was sexually abused by a sibling for 10 years during my childhood. I never told anyone what happened to me until I confided in my fiance after we were engaged. I have gone through counseling sessions and am at a place in my life where I am happy and healthy.

Job-seeker should send some belated thanks

DEAR HARRIETTE: Recently, a guy I haven’t talked to in years recommended me for a job. Out of the blue, it seemed, he called me and told me about this opportunity. A few months went by before things came together.

Loan remains unpaid even after threats

DEAR ABBY: I am an 83-year-old mother of four. I have been living with my second husband now for 21 years. Nineteen years ago, my husband loaned one of my daughters and her husband a large sum of money so they could buy a house and pay off bills and judgments.

Friend requests too much

DEAR HARRIETTE: I got a social media message from a guy who went to college with me. We have not communicated in more than 20 years, and there he was in my inbox. He was very pleasant, and we started chatting on WhatsApp.

Mandates scarce in rural communities

It was business as usual this week in Watonga, a city of fewer than 3,000 residents known for its fall cheese festival. If someone tests positive, “then we’ll decide if we’ll do anything,” Watonga Mayor Gary Olsen said.

Husband carried on an affair as wife cared for his mother

DEAR ABBY: My husband of 30-plus years cheated on me several years ago with one of his young private students. In our state, she would have been underage, but she was living in an adjacent state with different laws. I had just finished six months of nursing his mom to heaven.