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Columnists

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, and it has been hard to figure out where and how to jump back...

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...

ROBERT L. MARONIC: Sometimes President Trump Needs To Think Before He Speaks – Part II

Contrary to what President Trump believes, I think that Lakanwal was adequately vetted before September 2021,...

What Does the Bible Mean When It Says Not to Love the World?

"It means to love God more than your puppies," says Tori, 7. "It means you're not supposed to love money or toys," says Tyler,...

They May Be Off to College in Style but It’s Still Tough to Say Goodbye

On May 24, 1992 at 5:02 p.m. my life changed forever; on August 25, 2010, it changed again. The baby boy who debuted...

“The Way to a Man’s Heart…”

When Harry lived with his parents before we were married, he missed out on a major gustatory delight. Although his mother was an...

Prejudice at the Pivot Point

We have, thankfully, passed 9/11 without a major catastrophe . . . but we came close.  In the weeks preceding, the furor over...

Perils and Lessons of the Toy Car Caper

I was five, certainly old enough to know better, but the temptation was irresistible. I mean, I had been crazy about vehicles of all...

Are We Listening to the Best Voices? by Joe Lehman

Two weeks ago, in an email, I received an article concerning the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 9-11.  It was sent by...