The National Football League's multibillion-dollar celebration of its own opulence has gained a pervasive hold on American life since it came into existence 43 years ago. ...more

February 1, 2009

As Barack Obama ponders whom to pick as agriculture secretary, he should reframe the question. What he needs is actually a bold reformer in a position renamed "secretary of food." ...more

December 14, 2008

I will never forget how I felt two weeks ago when I watched Barack Obama celebrating with more than a hundred thousand in Chicago, tens of millions across our nation, and millions more around the world. Now, Congress has to ensure that we live up to the possibility of that day, and the promise of this moment in history. ...more

November 23, 2008

Fear and uncertainty bring people together. Whereas Americans seem to be too competitive to share joy on any grand level, we have an amazing capacity for empathy during shared moments of pain. ...more

October 22, 2008

The House braced for a difficult vote today on a $700 billion rescue of the financial industry after a weekend of tense negotiations produced a plan that congressional leaders portrayed as greatly strengthened by new taxpayer safeguards. ...more

September 29, 2008

According to a report released last month, Florida is the fifth worst state in the nation when it comes to graduating black males, trailing only Louisiana, South Carolina, Wisconsin and Michigan. Only 38 percent of black males in Florida graduate on time, according to the Schott Foundation for Public Education. ...more

August 3, 2008

TAMPA - Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee will be honored Thursday for his office's work in effectively responding to people with mental illnesses by helping them avoid jail. ...more

January 9, 2008

One would think after 36 years of fighting fire, Dennis Hackett would be ready to put down the hose and hang up his helmet. ...more

December 5, 2007

Although my high school reunion held in Chicago a few weeks ago did not have a theme, one quickly developed: "Man, it's been 40 years!" ...more

November 11, 2007