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Columnists

BOB BROWN: When the Underdog Bites Has Rabies, and a Mean Owner

We have a strong human urge to identify with the “underdog.” There is nothing new about this tendency. The biblical story of David and Goliath, reported 3000 years ago,...

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

Unfortunately, Trump’s present ceasefire as of October 9 is analogous to the armistice signed between...

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...

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...

SCOTT DREYER: December 7–“Remember Pearl Harbor” at 80

A common theme from both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible is "remember." In American history, which is short compared to world...

SCOTT DREYER: Nave Campaign Makes 11-Point GOP Swing In Roanoke City’s Deep Blue 11th House District

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.                ...

Press Misinformation on Critical Race Theory in Schools Fuels the Fight

By James C. Sherlock Americans are at one another’s throats over critical race theory in schools. The debate is skewed and the rage fueled by completely...

H. BRUCE RINKER,P.h.D.: During These High Holy Days

This time of the year is filled annually with noisy festivals and twinkling lights, and earnest petitions to the Divine; none more important than...

MELINDA MYERS: Brighten Someone’s Holiday Season With A Christmas Cactus

The holidays have arrived and so has the Christmas cactus. Set this favorite holiday plant in a basket, decorative pot or foil wrap and...

SCOT BELLAVIA: Pet Insurance

I swear I’m not an animal person, but here I am shopping for pet insurance. I even used to be scared of dogs and was...