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The Jeffries-Kushner meeting reveals more than either party will admit

Columns

Private meetings in Washington often speak more loudly than public speeches. The recent meeting between House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and influential outside adviser, is one of those moments. The two New Yorkers reportedly discussed immigration, housing, affordability and possible areas of cooperation. Kushner also reportedly suggested that Jeffries meet with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Neither man has portrayed the conversation as a formal negotiation, but its timing less than three months before the midterm ...

Dear Annie: Stop putting life on hold

Columns

Dear Annie: I have been married for 45 years to a man who has never wanted much adventure in his life. His idea of a big night out is taking a short drive, finding a supper club, eating dinner and coming straight home so he can settle into his recliner. For years, I begged him to travel with me. I wanted to see new places, experience different cultures and make memories together. But whenever I pushed the issue, he would become angry or threaten to leave. I always backed down because I was afraid of losing my marriage. Looking back, I wish I had called his bluff and gone anyway. He ...

Dolly Parton was more than a musical idol – for some fans, she was a spiritual icon

Columns

As soon as news broke about the death of beloved songwriter Dolly Parton, I began receiving condolence messages from across the country, and around the world. They came from friends, family and colleagues who knew I’d been working on a biography of the country legend — everyone from a conservative Catholic monk to advocates for queer and trans rights. The list reflects the even more diverse array of fans, people from countless backgrounds, who are mourning her loss. The main focus of my project is Parton’s own spirituality, starting with her Appalachian upbringing. But it also ...

Dear Annie: Time to check out of this Friendship?

Columns

Dear Annie: Seven years ago, I retired and moved to a different state. A friend of mine who lives in my old town has continuously used my new house like her personal hotel. She has family and friends in my area and will text, “Are you open to company?” when she wants to come visit. When she does, she only sleeps at my house while she does business or sees her other friends. This last visit, she gave me a day and a half notice and then stayed for nine nights. She never says when she’s leaving, and I had to tell her on night nine that it was time for her to go. She seemed ...

Applause, Applause!

Columns

Each Saturday, The Express community newspaper highlights people, groups and activities our readers deem worthy of applause. A big THANK YOU to Mike Neff and his friend Carl for helping two damsels in distress last week when we locked ourselves out of our car at Calico Creek in Mill Hall. Thinking Mike would be able to recommend a local locksmith, we placed a call to Mike’s wife Lori, who relayed our situation to her husband. Not only did Mike and Carl drop everything and come to our rescue, but they wouldn’t take a dime for their efforts. Thank you Mike and Carl! You saved ...

Find your purpose, then work your gift

Columns

During the opening week of the fall semester, I had the honor of giving the convocation remarks for The Ohio State University’s Lima campus incoming freshman class. It was a perfect autumn morning, even though I still find northwest Ohio a little nippy during this time of year. The students were engaged, appearing eager to get college underway. I began by telling them to reflect on their key life milestone of graduating from high school as they start the next chapter with their beginning courses and eventually declare a major to prepare for their future careers. I then shifted my ...