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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...

A Perspective On Shiny Things

Have you ever noticed how December seems to be a month filled with “shiny things”: clothes with sequins, trees with lights, decorations that...

Pork Chops with Cranberry Mustard Sauce

I have been going to a wonderful Sunday school class at my church taught by my friend Anne.  It is about the season...

A Gift That Keeps on Giving

This time of year it’s important to think of all the charitable organizations that depend on our contributions to keep their missions...

Everyone Should Own a Dog

Recently, I was asked to serve as a reference for friends who are hoping to adopt a lovable, happy dog from the SPCA. ...

It’s Time to Take Some Facts for a Walk

Here are three data points that have nothing whatsoever to do with each other.  Nothing at all.  1. The Humane Society estimates that...

We Are Always Teaching

How well do you know your children?  Luckily, most parents would answer that question confidently with an assurance that they know their kids...