"Whatchamacolumn" by Jeb Bladine
The News-Register publisher writes about the community; people; local, state and national affairs; and sometimes whimsey.
Whatchamacolumn: System tries to ID political influencers
Campaign finance databases reveal much about cultural values, political influence and interesting trends. We found that, and more, in a recent News-Register investigation into local political fundraising. One ...
Whatchamacolumn: Just like that, my column is done
Artificial intelligence (AI) — a revolution brewing in our media world — already is spilling into your daily lives. Don’t believe me? Read on. My recent vacation, virtually devoid of ...
Whatchamacolumn: And that's just how political funds work
There are some misconceptions about reporter Nicole Montesano’s investigation into political finances flowing from the George family to candidates, measures, political action committees and political ...
Whatchamacolumn: A modest proposal for financial sanity
This week, President Biden, Speaker McCarthy and a cast of featured and bit actors are playing games with a financial nuclear weapon aimed at the heart of America’s economy. Tuesday’s face-to-face ...
Whatchamacolumn: Bright lights shine on school elections
McMinnville School Board elections are in a bright community spotlight this month. Three women — Audrey Aase, Shellie Reyes and Anita Humlie — have local families, friends and supporters with ...
Whatchamacolumn: Some weeks, it's a show about nothing
Occasionally, writing this column can be relatively easy; other weeks, simply choosing a topic is a frustrating challenge. Consider some current options that didn’t make the cut: Transgender phobia ...
Whatchamacolumn: Joe Dancer Park becomes a village
Ten days ago, our reporter counted 29 RVs and trailers parked in Joe Dancer Park, presumably examples of illegal daytime camping on public property. The new McMinnville Community Task Force has recommended ...
Whatchamacolumn: Packaged races in District 40 election
Conservatives should be commended for their transparency in seeking more ideological control of McMinnville School District with three high-visibility campaigns running in absolute lockstep. Governance ...
Whatchamacolumn: Mandates end, but masks still in play
Nearly three years of mask mandates mostly ended this week in Oregon when those requirements were eliminated for patients, workers and visitors in health care settings. It’s a relief for many, but ...
Whatchamacolumn: Follow the trail for just a few 'minutes'
Please second my motion in praise of minutes. This week, minutes saved me hours, perhaps days, in reviewing activities of the Yamhill County Parks & Recreation Advisory Board. Those hours and days ...
Whatchamacolumn: Long ago unveiling of downtown event
I remember waking at dawn, dressing silently, and sneaking out on a mission to see the early unveiling of long-awaited festivities. I watched tarps pulled off to reveal all manner of equipment, table-top ...
Jeb Bladine: The sun never sets on 'Sunshine Week'
This may be the end of “Sunshine Week,” but the sun never sets on the importance of retaining and expanding access to government public records. Media organizations often join and lead others ...
Bladine: A better plan for student debt relief
Three years ago, we reported a local woman’s campaign seeking debt relief and lending fairness in America’s federal student loan system. She had borrowed $108,000 for college 10 years before, ...
Jeb Bladine: Our lazy language needs new words
Here’s a fun hint for times when someone criticizes others for being “woke”: Look perplexed and ask, sincerely, “What does that word mean?” Whatever the response, you likely ...
