I’m planning my first trip to New York in June and I am so excited! » Read More

Despite what you may hear from some of his more fevered critics, President Barack Obama’s recent scandal-quakes don’t appear to fall anywhere near the level of Richard Nixon’s Watergate disaster. But by another Nixonian yardstick, trying to put a muzzle on press freedoms, Team Obama appears to have surged into the lead. » Read More

In countries around the world, the oak tree is the symbol of strength, fortitude and endurance. In the U.S., the oak was designated in 2004 as our national tree. Despite this status as a stalwart of the forest and city alike, oaks in our native and urban ecosystems face tremendous challenges from diseases, insect pests and human-caused disorders. » Read More

Last year about this time, I talked with you about how technology is bringing the magic of nature -- specifically, the majesty of American’s symbol, the bald eagle – into our living rooms. » Read More

WASHINGTON -- Folks, deep breath time. This is not the end of the Obama presidency. It’s a bad stretch with an unfortunate confluence of unfortunate events. None of which will make the first paragraph -- not even the first page -- of the account of the Obama administration in the history books. Let’s tick through the trifecta of scandals and what they tell ... » Read More

This past weekend, I had the rare, but always enjoyable, visit from my grandparents. I don’t know about you, but anytime I have the opportunity to spend time with them I learn something new; sometimes about myself, sometimes about life, but always it’s something. » Read More

Camden welcomed an extraordinary visitor and new friend last week: Nina Antonetti, an “urbanist.” She’s been teaching about cities at Smith College in Northampton, Mass., for the last 15 years. » Read More

WASHINGTON -- Breaking news: Conservative organizations suddenly have found common cause with one of their favorite objects of contempt -- the benighted Mainstream Media. » Read More

I meet with a lot of groups and committees over the course of the year, and I think it’s important for me to do so. One of my favorite groups is Student Cabinet, which is comprised of student government leaders from each of our high schools. We meet four times a year over lunch. What I love and value about students is that they don’t hesitate to tell you what’s ... » Read More

In 1929, my family moved from Chesterfield County to a farm adjoining the farm of Donald Holland’s parents in the Cassatt community. I was a year old at the time but before many years passed, Donald and I established a friendship lasting until Donald’s passing in 2003. » Read More

To say I was stunned was putting it mildly. I was shocked to learn about the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) decision to seize phone records belonging to the Associated Press (AP). The C-I does not belong to the AP; I have never written for the service. That doesn’t negate my outrage at DOJ’s actions. » Read More