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Columnists

ROBERT L. MARONIC: Is Phase Two Of Trump‘s Peace Plan In The Gaza Strip Doomed To Fail? – Part I

Phase one of Trump‘s twenty-point peace plan in the Gaza Strip, which began on October 9, called for a ceasefire, cessation of military operations, along with a hostage and prisoner...

FRED FIRST: Approaching the Longest Night

Yes, you’re right—if you’ve even noticed—that this space has been neglected for some weeks now,...

A Life Well-Lived: Shirley Padgett Lester (1947-2025)

Shirley Padgett Lester of Vinton went to her heavenly reward October 4. Below is the...

BOB BROWN: How the White House Functioned With a Diminished Biden “Presidency”

Permit me to think out loud as an old-fashioned person who respects authority, history, and...

JOHNNY ROBINSON: The Gratitude Perch

On the old road up Mill Mountain, part of Roanoke’s fabulous greenway system, there’s a...

JOY SYLVESTER-JOHNSON: Breathe

Just one moment—that’s what I asked for. I wished for just one moment without the political cacophony, without the whining and complaining, without the guilt...

LUCKY GARVIN: 3 Wildlife Memories

While there are sorrows in the rehabbing of injured, orphaned, or diseased wildlife, there are two events which make the endeavor worth the while....

SCOTT DREYER: Thou Shall Not Kill

Thou shalt not kill.  -Exodus 20:13  (The Sixth Commandment) There are six things the Lord hates,     seven that are detestable to him:         haughty eyes,         a lying tongue,         hands that shed...

STUART REVERCOMB: Loving Thy Neighbor Comes Later

A ministerial friend of mine recently asked their congregation to “take on the character of Jesus” while imploring them to “do more good things”...

MIKE KEELER: The Magic Monkish Word

After months of being stuck at home, you've probably cleaned out your closets, explored the dark corners of your fridge, rooted through your pantry...

SCOT BELLAVIA: Words Matter

One of the primary things my wife appreciated about me in the first few months after we started dating was how careful I was...