Single mother by choice wants positive support from friends

DEAR ABBY: I’m a single woman who has always wanted children. As much as I would’ve liked, marriage isn’t in the cards for me yet and maybe not ever, which I’ve accepted. I have decided to not allow my single status to prevent me from becoming a mother.

New mosquito-borne diseases grab headlines

Dear Doctor: I just read that there’s a new mosquito virus being found in Florida that can harm the brain. What is it? I thought Zika was the one we’re worried about. Dear Reader: Mosquitoes aren’t your typical predators, but they can be deadly.

Parent struggles with becoming empty nester

DEAR HARRIETTE: My son is going to leave for college in a week, after he spent a gap year living at home, working and learning how to code. He’s my only son, and having him out of the house will be a huge change for me and my husband.

Direct or indirect taxes, either way you pay

CLINTON DAILY NEWS EDITORIAL We understand the need to level the playing field with countries that flood the United States with products produced with cheap labor that in turn eliminates manufacturing jobs here. One way to do that is to put a tax (tariff) on imports.

Power projects are a big plus for Oklahoma

Two of the nation’s largest power producers have announced plans to build and expand large-scale renewable energy projects in Oklahoma, including one that will feature 200 megawatts of energy storage capacity.

There are many people who are worse drivers than me

Ican't wait to get a self-driving car. I know most people hate the idea; they want to drive themselves. But I have never been a very good driver.

U.S. losing moderation in politics, religion

Americans who have been paying attention to arguments about religion in recent years know that two statistics have caused the most chatter in the digital public square, as well as coverage in the old-school press.

Wife vents her frustration after man loses his job

DEAR ABBY: My husband lost his job. He had worked there since we were married 10 years ago, and earned top wages because he had been with them for so long. Two years into our marriage, when we found out we were expecting our first child, we decided that I would be a stay-at-home mom.

Acupuncture gaining popularity as treatment option

ASK THE DOCTORS Dear Doctor: What do you think about acupuncture for lower back pain? What is it, and how does it work? Dear Reader: Acupuncture is a key component of traditional medicine in China, but until recently, it was viewed as alternative therapy here in the United States.

Don’t let pantry pests ‘bug’ you — deep clean

When the weather is cold and limiting outdoor activities, it is a good time to tackle some house cleaning projects you may have been putting on the back burner.