
Christine Bader: The climate cost of reunion flights
It’s reunion season, when tens of thousands of U.S. college graduates return to their alma maters for a weekend of nostalgia and celebration. I’ve attended every quinquennial reunion ...
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 ...
Guest commentary: Citizens shut out on major county decision
By MEGAN CORVUS Concerned Yamhill County resident There’s another way to describe the outcome of Yamhill County’s new Strategic Investment Program with Hampton Lumber: It’s going ...
Guest commentary: What a tangled worldwide web we weave
By BOB FRANKEN Former CNN Reporter When we constructed the interstate system, we simply bypassed much of our country’s intricate variety. In spite of losing this national character, there ...
The Conversation: Remote Alaskan villages losing climate change fight
By P. JOSHUA GRIFFIN Of the University of Washington As winds and waves from Typhoon Merbok devastated communities along the coast of Western Alaska in 2022, Reppi Swan Sr.’s phone began to ...
PeaceVoice: Kissinger's tarnished legacy
By MEL GURTOV Of Portland State University At the ripe age of 100, Henry Kissinger remains an icon of the governing class and the foreign policy establishment. Amazingly, his advice is still sought, ...

Rusty Rae: What Memorial Day is really all about
On Monday, we celebrate Memorial Day. Many have the day off and take this time to spend with family and friends. There’ll be barbecuing, fun in the sun and a plethora of activities over the holiday ...
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 ...

Back, and Forth: Bearded space-fly guy comes in peace
Town festivals based on flowers, rodeos, derby races or other themes are always full of possibilities. But after seeing my second full-on version of the McMinnville UFO Festival, held May 19-20, I think ...
The Conversation: Strippers among the stars of new labor movement
By JOHN LOGAN Of San Francisco State University Dancers at the Star Garden Topless Dive Bar in Los Angeles have voted to become the only unionized strippers in the U.S., thereby joining a growing ...
The Conversation: Bees can learn, remember, even recognize human faces
By STEPHEN BUCHMANN Of the University of Arizona As trees and flowers blossom in spring, bees emerge from their winter nests and burrows. For many species, it’s time to mate, and that will ...

Casey Kulla: Wild rivers help preserve treasured local way of life
You can be forgiven if you didn’t know we have three large rivers flowing through and alongside Yamhill County. In fact, we are blessed with miles and miles of the North and South Yamhill Rivers, ...
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 ...

Offbeat Oregon: Bloody 1925 prison break ended badly for everyone
It was a typical balmy August evening at the Oregon State Penitentiary. The bell had rung for supper, so inmates were streaming out of their cells and heading toward the dining hall for the evening meal, ...