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Maggie Mulqueen: Here’s how we can show up for others during a hard time

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 17:57:43 GMT

Over and over again in my psychotherapy practice, I hear the lament, “I don’t know what to say.” When heartbreaking events happen on either a personal or public scale, such as a medical diagnosis or mass shooting, there is a need for people to show up in some capacity to help, be it to lend emotional support or provide direct care. Unfortunately, many people find themselves paralyzed or, worse, pulling away from the grieving person out of a sense of inadequacy.Our failures to show up in words or deeds for friends, family or communities have lasting implications not only for these relationships but also society as a whole. In our broken world, we need to enhance our connections, not shrink from them. Developing the skills to support people in pain is an estimable endeavor.The first and most important thing to remember about showing up is that at its core, it is an offer to listen to another person. Showing up can be as much, if not more, about listening as it is abo...

Letters: No snow, no woods nearby, but reminded nonetheless of Frost’s famous poem

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 17:57:43 GMT

To walk in beautyRecently while walking down St. Paul’s Summit Avenue one chilly evening, I am reminded of Robert Frost’s poem, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” There are no woods near, but rather homes adorned with bows and greens, and lights glowing brightly. And there is no snow.What strikes me is the quiet and calm, similar to that conveyed in Frost’s poem. I do have miles to go before I sleep, and feel fortunate that I am able to walk surrounded by such silent beauty. Also, my hope is that the world becomes such that everyone has the opportunity to walk in beauty and peace.Ursula Krawczyk, St. Paul End-of-life compassionBurt Riskedahl’s letter about having the personal freedom to end his life after being diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer touched me deeply (“A plea before dying — on behalf of those who might need it,” Dec. 17).Imagine yourself being in his shoes, knowing you only have a few months to live. When I try to do ...

St. Louis police arrest suspect in grocery store shooting case

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 17:57:43 GMT

ST. LOUIS — A follow-up on the deadly shooting that occurred four days ago reveals that it took place last Wednesday in the parking lot of a grocery store in Country Club Hills, Saint Louis County. The police have arrested 30-year-old James Stampley, charging him with first-degree murder, robbery, and tampering with evidence.According to the police, surveillance video captured Stampley shooting 43-year-old Brandon Cotton and taking something from his pocket.

Shooting in Gravois Park area under investigation

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 17:57:43 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- A man was shot and killed overnight in the Gravois Park neighborhood of South St. Louis. This happened just after 3 a.m. this morning on Minnesota Ave. and Potomac St. The victim was shot in the neck and taken to the hospital, where he died. It's unclear if police have made any arrests but we do know that homicide detectives are investigating. 

Letters: The Colorado ruling — Is Trump a threat to Democracy or isn’t he?

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 17:57:43 GMT

Is Trump a threat to Democracy or isn’t he?Re: “Colorado Supreme Court: Trump off the ’24 ballot,” Dec. 20 news storyThe Colorado Supreme Court ruled that former President Donald Trump cannot be on the 2024 Colorado ballot. Why? Mr. Trump has not been charged, let alone convicted, of any crime from the Jan. 6, 2021, events at the U.S. Capitol. Our top justices have resorted to convicting someone prior to any fair trial or following the constitutional requirements of due process. These actions have eliminated any creditability and judicial independence the Colorado Supreme Court had.Trump may or may not win the Republican nomination. If nominated, he may not win the election. But the outcome will be decided by the American people. Trump is an egotistical narcissist and does not deserve my vote. The irony is that he may win the sympathy vote and a second term due to the Colorado Supreme Court’s actions.The actions of the Colorado Supreme Court were wrong ...

Hunger Free Colorado sets out to eliminate food insecurity by connecting people with benefits, meals

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 17:57:43 GMT

A third of Coloradans lack access to healthy foods — a difficult reality exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation and longstanding gaps in the state’s food supply system.Hunger Free Colorado, which is part of The Denver Post’s Season to Share program, aims to slash that percentage by helping people navigate complex food assistance programs and by advocating for children’s access to free, healthy food at school.The Denver Post Season To Share is the annual holiday fundraising campaign for The Denver Post and The Denver Post Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Grants are awarded to local nonprofit agencies that provide life-changing programs to help low-income children, families and individuals move out of poverty toward stabilization and self-sufficiency. Visit seasontoshare.com for more information.“We absolutely can as a society end hunger if we set our minds upon that goal,” CEO Marc Jacobson said. The need is particularly...

Latest line: A good week for hourly workers, a bad week for Google

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 17:57:43 GMT

Hourly workersStarting Jan. 1, California’s minimum wage increases from $15.50 to $16 — more than double the $7.25 federal minimum wage. And another new state law means employees will receive at least five days of paid sick leave a year, up from the current three days.    GoogleMountain View tech behemoth agrees to pay $700 million to settle a lawsuit from 36 state attorneys general, including California’s Rob Bonta, that it violated anti-trust laws by blocking competition in its Google Play app store and overcharging customers.   Steve GarveyNew poll shows Republican former L.A. Dodgers and San Diego Padres first baseman moving into second place in U.S. Senate race. He might make the top 2 finalists in November, but Democratic voters outnumber Republicans 2-to-1 in California. 

Wish Book: Pink Ribbon Good helps cancer patients focus on healing through life’s simple necessities

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 17:57:43 GMT

Turning 30 is a major milestone in many young adults’ lives. For Esther Ashford, celebrating her 30th birthday this October meant she was still alive.Ashford was diagnosed with stage 2B cervical cancer at the beginning of the year, prompting her to return home to the U.S. with her two children — 10-year-old daughter Elisha and 7-year-old son E.J. — after more than a decade living in the Philippines.In March, her parents living in Milpitas convinced Ashford, a single mother who had recently earned her registered nursing license abroad, that flying back home would help provide support and a fresh medical perspective, especially since earlier routine health check-ups overseas, including ultrasounds and pap smears, had failed to detect a mass growing inside her body — despite her urging that something was wrong.But that new home address didn’t help ease the toll of undergoing months of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.In fact, Ashford’s simple daily necessitie...

Top 10 Bay Area stories of 2023 — and what they mean for 2024

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 17:57:43 GMT

In a sea of highs and lows, 2023 left the world and the United States celebrating and reeling.Hamas brutally attacked Israeli civilians on Oct. 7, sparking a new war in the Middle East. The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 emergency finally over. Taylor Swift and Beyonce packed stadiums. Bruce Bochy won another World Series, only this time for the Texas Rangers.Tony Bennett, Rosalyn Carter, Henry Kissinger, Sandra Day O’Connor and Tina Turner died.India became the fourth country to land a spacecraft on the moon and passed China as the world’s most populous nation.  A wildfire wiped out the historic Maui town of Lahaina. A revolt in the Republican Party wiped out the House speakership of Bakersfield’s Kevin McCarthy.King Charles III was coronated in Westminster Abbey. Barbie reigned at the box office. Tucker Carlson was dethroned at Fox News.And for the first time in American history, a former president was charged with crimes. Donald Trump was indict...

49ers-Ravens preview: 5 keys to gift-wrapping Christmas night win

Published Tue, 24 Dec 2024 17:57:43 GMT

SANTA CLARA – If the NFL is the gift that keeps on giving, here comes the greatest present of the regular season.It’s the NFC-leading 49ers (11-3) against the AFC-leading Baltimore Ravens (11-3) in the ultimate Christmas party at Levi’s Stadium on “Monday Night Football.”“It’s a hyped-up matchup. It’s Christmas. Everyone will be watching,” 49ers left tackle Trent Williams said. “In the football world, we’ve had some heavyweight matchups. Not just us, but every team. It’s been really good for the sport.”Only once before in NFL history have both conference’s leading teams met this late in a regular season, when Super Bowl-bound Seattle beat Indianapolis in 2005.Only once before have the 49ers played on Christmas, a 10-7 loss to the then-Houston Oilers at Candlestick Park 30 years ago. The Niners’ offensive coordinator was Mike Shanahan. His son, Kyle, is now in his seventh season as the 49ers’ coach, and this is looking like his best team.All of which paints this matchup as a potentia...