More than 600 new words added to dictionary

Merriam-Webster just added 640 new words to its dictionary. Contemporary words like "go-cup" and "vulture capitalism." The problem is, we all know how to spell those words and what they mean. After all, we invented them. Who needs a dictionary to look up the words we already know?

How can Dems talk down the economy?

“The recession talk in late 2018 got way, way out of hand,” New York Times economic reporter Neil Irwin tweeted a few days ago. Indeed it did.

Connection to former in-laws fades over time, remarriage

DEAR ABBY: I was married to my first husband for 13 years and was very close to his family. His parents and sister were like my own. We ended up divorcing, and it was an extremely painful situation on both sides. His family wanted to stay in touch with me afterward because they still loved me.

Heading a soccer ball can cause subconcussive injury

Dear Doctor: My granddaughters are absolutely crazy about soccer. They’re constantly trying to outdo each other with their maneuvers, and now one is trying to learn to “head” the ball. But isn’t that dangerous, especially for girls?

Reader’s family not interested in church

DEAR HARRIETTE: My family has lost the desire to go to church. We recently moved to a new home and have yet to find a church that suits us. The issue is that no one is making an effort to find a good option around us.

Son is gone but not forgotten after leaving clothes behind

DEAR ABBY DEAR ABBY: My husband and I are seniors who look forward to visits from our adult children. The problem is our oldest son. He visits every few months and leaves belongings behind.

Heart disease begins long before diagnosis is given

I will never forget the time when my son Spencer was five years old and I told him that I was going to work to take care of people’s hearts. His response—only a five-year-old could have put it so simply—was, “Why can’t the people take care of their own hearts?”

Dad keeps bashing kids’ accomplishments

SENSE & SENSITIVITY DEAR HARRIETTE: My father has an issue of saying the wrong things at the wrong time. He does not have a filter, and he often comes off as offensive when he speaks. Specifically, he does this with my siblings and me.

Do this before tossing plastic bags in the trash

We all can’t be completely perfect, so when you do use a disposable plastic bag and you’re forced to toss it in the trash, do one more thing before throwing it away: Make a knot.

Invitations from friend are declined for safety reasons

DEAR ABBY DEAR ABBY: I have a former co-worker whose husband was just released from a psychiatric facility. He had threatened to kill himself and take the entire family with him. I met him before the incident. He did not seem balanced then, and I was uncomfortable being around him.