ASK THE DOCTORS
Donald Trump has just a few weeks to find a way to pay, or guarantee that he will pay, the $355 million fine that a New York judge imposed on him in the lawsuit brought by the state’s Democratic Attorney General Letitia James. The suit was the culmination of James’ campaign to bring financial ruin on the former president, and it might succeed; unless it is reduced on appeal, the actual amount Trump will owe, including interest, could top $450 million.
Does anybody really believe the United States is going to have a 'normal' presidential election in 2024, with Joe Biden and Donald Trump as the nominees and a peaceful resolution? Or will chaos and disorder take the nation to the brink, as MAGA supporters appear to wish?
DEAR HARRIETTE: Juggling work commitments and the responsibilities of caring for a child can be an immense challenge. On one hand, I have professional obligations that require my time, energy and focus. On the other hand, I have the critical role of nurturing and providing for my child, which demands attention and care. Finding a way to successfully navigate both realms can often feel like an impossible task. It has been a demanding and overwhelming experience, and I am uncertain about how to continue. Can you please offer some insights on how I can manage these responsibilities effectively? — Out of Balance DEAR OUT OF BALANCE: Take a deep breath. Accept the fact that this is hard for every parent, and most figure out a way forward. Being organized with your time will help tremendously. Keep a calendar that includes your work duties and your child care responsibilities. Write down everything that you can so that you are aware of what has to be done. Check off all completed tasks the moment you finish them. Enlist support whenever possible. That doesn't mean giving up responsibilities. It means do your very best all the time and be of help to others. Then when you need help, others will want to support you.
ASK THE DOCTORS
Jerry Brown and Gary Hart did it. So did Ted Kennedy and Hillary Rodham Clinton. Also Henry Jackson and Jesse Jackson. Nelson Rockefeller did it and — going way, way back — so did Oscar Underwood. There's also Lyndon Johnson and Ronald Reagan, the only ones who eventually became president, though not the first time they tried it.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I am married and have been living with my in-laws for the past few months. Living with them has brought a unique set of challenges, as it involves merging two different households and navigating different dynamics. One of the main difficulties I have encountered is the clash of expectations and routines. My in-laws have their own way of doing things, and it often conflicts with what I am accustomed to. This has led to misunderstandings and occasional disagreements, causing tension within the household. I must admit, it has been quite tough. I'm feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what steps to take next. Can you offer any guidance or advice on how to live in this situation? — Uncertainty DEAR UNCERTAINTY: You have less power here because you are living in their house. To survive and thrive, you will need to learn their expectations first and then slowly work to soften some of their rules (probably not many) to incorporate your natural ways of doing things. It's all about communication.
Last night was surprisingly calm, all things considered.
The United States Congress is facing a critical crossroads. On a bipartisan vote of 70 to 29, the Senate has passed a vital foreign aid package that includes $60 billion for Ukraine and $14 billion for Israel.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been feeling uneasy for quite some time now. I am the mother of an almost-4-year-old little girl. Toddlers grow up at the speed of light, as they say. My child is becoming more and more inquisitive these days, and I can't help but worry that in a few short years, she will have to make her own decisions.