Jails are the wrong place to warehouse the mentally ill. Yet for years Florida has taken this approach toward those who are sick and turn to crime: Lock 'em up and don't worry about the treatment they need. ...more

March 29, 2009

In discussions inspired by the misadventures of David Earley, the apparent poster chap for so-called "deadbeat dads," anonymous commentators on TBO.com repeatedly strayed into the nightmare arena of parental visitation and shared custody, where the skirmishes are prolonged and brutal, and all the participants get bloodied. ...more

January 18, 2009

What with the gloomy status of education in the state of Florida, it is news worthy to report that Florida is No. 1 in nationally certified teachers. Highlands County has about 40 of them. ...more

December 14, 2008

In the case of Efrem Tyree, a remarkable 9-year-old whose last act of creativity was to fashion an escape from life, thoughtful adults rediscover what it means to be stumped. Welcome back to grammar school. ...more

November 26, 2008

Leaving aside for a moment the obvious difficulties facing Republican candidates this election season, much of what ails the campaign at the tip-top of the GOP ticket could be found Thursday night in, of all places, the kickoff event on behalf of John McCain in Pasco County. ...more

July 20, 2008

Wouldn't it be nice if we could just wish this bad economy away? Actually, that's not too far from the truth – at lease locally. Much of what ails the Highlands County economy is consumer confidence, not any one particular factor beyond our control with the possible exception of gas prices. William Pittenger, senior vice president and chief real estate economist with Seacoast National Bank, recently told members of the Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce that the local economy isn't as bad as a lot of people believe, and that with a better outlook, it could turn around much quicker. Pittenger is right about that. Our economy depends on consumers feeling confident to purchase goods. If they are scared jobs might not be there tomorrow, consumers are much less likely to spend. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy. ...more

June 18, 2008

A pair of investors disclosed plans Monday to name their own slate of four directors at The New York Times Co., saying the current board hasn't acted aggressively enough to meet the demands of the rapidly changing media industry. ...more

January 29, 2008

Following his team's win against Florida State a week ago - snapping a two-game losing streak to the Seminoles - Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski raved about the way FSU played in overcoming a 17-point first-half deficit before bowing out in the end. ...more

January 23, 2008

Bill Parcells reported to his new job and quickly put aside one theory about what ails the Miami Dolphins. ...more

December 28, 2007

As a civil engineer, Om Goel had faith that Chicago's world-famous El, however old, rickety and perennially cash-strapped, was maintained well enough that the trains would at least stay on the tracks. ...more

December 7, 2007