Gary Conklin: Novel suggestion raised on road project funding
Public affairs advocate Rick Metsger, a former legislator, has waded into the deep end of the pool by suggesting a bold idea for funding major transportation projects in Oregon — creation of a new state agency. Before rolling your eyes, hear him out.
Jeb Bladine: Scientists restore access to climate data
Decades ago, a NASA scientist told a U.S. Senate committee that human-caused “global warming” had begun, launching a wave of forums, programs and civic discussions focused on future risks. ...
Jonah Goldberg: Both right and left need to confront their own radicals
It’s starting to sound like we’re in the middle of the Spanish Civil War. For those of you who forgot, the Spanish Civil War was the great prequel to World War II, one in which the combatants ...
Investigating the Bible: Christmas in the summer
Jim Cymbala is pastor of Brooklyn Tabernacle. One hot August evening (90 degrees), he felt led to have his congregation sing, “Silent Night, Holy Night.” A drunk stopped to listen. Confused, ...
Quirk of the Week: North county whirl
Ankhs, horse rings and a thick pickin’ of ponderables in Yamhill, Carlton and Gaston The far north and south reaches of Yamhill County contain rich troves of Quirk. Greater Yamhill/Carlton/Gaston ...
Adam Davis: Communities coming together to make more of nation's 250th
As our country reaches the 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence, we’re not gliding into the celebratory or joyous moment we might have been.
David Sumner: All men are created equal too powerful to be thwarted
Part of my teaching assignment at Linfield is “American Dreaming,” a course that tells the American story, from first contact to ChatGPT, through literature.
Kirby Neumann-Rea: O say, can you see rockets’ red glare?
On June 27, a week before Independence Day, someone began setting off illegal fireworks a block away. It started about 10 p.m., the same time as the night before.
Jeb Bladine: Changed America shares McMinnville birthday
Happy Birthday, America. My, how you’ve changed! I remember when you were a youthful 200 years old. Who could forget your 1976 McMinnville birthday party: huge parade with downtown streets packed ...
Margaret Cross: Nostalgic for true ideals of our founders
If you like fireworks, a steak on the grill and a day off, have a good time. Don’t whine about the cost.
Investigating the Bible: July Fourth prayers
Will Rogers was a beloved Native American humorist of the 1920s until 1935. A popular quote from him is about politicians: “Ancient Rome declined because it had a Senate, now what’s going to ...
Quirk of the Week: Roadside roundup
“The whole universe is a complex of rhythms.” – Tom Robbins, “Another Roadside Attraction” The roadside roundup continues after last week’s start at the inimitable ...
What in the Yamhill: Carlton and Lafayette honor U.S. presidents on roadways
When you hear the names Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Madison, you likely think of the first four presidents of the United States. Those names are also ways to navigate the roads of Carlton and Lafayette. With ...
Sheri King: Looking back in history at Oregon's first Fourths
On July 4th of 1846, Oregon was not yet even an incorporated territory of the U.S., much less a state. But that didn’t keep Oregon’s earliest American pioneers from celebrating their country’s birthday on the Pacific shores.
