Author: Carma Henry

      In U.S. political talk, Iraq is often treated as a “finished chapter.” The invasion is history, the occupation is history, and even the war against ISIS is presented as something largely completed. Yet in 2025, Iraqis are still living with the consequences of decisions made in Washington, and U.S. power in their country is not disappearing – it is simply changing shape.

     One of the inconveniences in my life these days is called gout, a condition – in my right knee – that absolutely lives up to the negativity of its name. Ongoing ouch. Careful, careful. I’ve had it on and off for a couple of years now, and recently it started getting worse. Indeed, getting around with the help of a cane – whom I had named Citizen Cane – no longer felt sufficiently safe. I started using a walker.

     These words, spoken by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson at the opening of the Nuremberg Military Tribunal of Nazi war criminals, might give pause to White House and Pentagon strategists who appear anxious to launch a U.S. war on Venezuela, if only they had a fear of violating international law.

     Growing up surrounded by World War II veterans, most of whom refused to discuss their service fighting the horrid fascist enemies, as kids we turned to the movies to learn about war. The WWII Vets I knew did not brag about their “lethality,” or their “warrior ethos.” Most of them refused to talk about it at all, apparently regarding their service as at best a necessary evil, not something to celebrate. That was the difference between America’s great citizen soldiers and Nazi Germany’s warrior culture that elevated war to be the highest achievement.

       State funding diverted to private school vouchers increased from 12% for the 2021 school year to 24% for the 2025 school year, according to data from the Florida Policy Institute, an Orlando-based nonprofit whose mission is to support equitable access to health care, education, housing and jobs.

     Monday’s adoption came amid intensified pressure by the United States amid weeks of political maneuvering by members of the presidential council, whose tenure is supposed to end on Feb. 7. 2026. Some members of the council had been attempting to use the law and its proposed date for elections as leverage to extend their tenure in office beyond February, and to oust Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. 

     “The Dawkins exemplify servant leadership. Their advocacy focused on the needs of the community, and the empowerment and encouragement of others to grow and prosper,” said Mary Washington, chair of a committee formed to create a mural in the duo’s honor. The committee is hoping to raise $80,000 by New Year’s Day to support the project.

       According to a Football Scoop report, Winston-Salem State has hired former all-CIAA quarterback Tory Woodbury as the team’s new head coach.

Holy Cross Health marks its 70th anniversary today, honoring a history that began in 1955 when the Sisters of Mercy established a hospital grounded in dignity, respect and faith-based healing. From its earliest days, Holy Cross Health has focused on providing dependable, compassionate care, a commitment that continues to guide the health system today. What started as a small, community hospital has grown into a trusted regional resource for patients and families across South Florida.

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