Stopping By: American rider

A cross-country cycling journey started for the Bicentennial completed for the country’s 250th

Commentary

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.

Part of my teaching assignment at Linfield is “American Dreaming,” a course that tells the American story, from first contact to ChatGPT, through literature.

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.

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 ...

If you like fireworks, a steak on the grill and a day off, have a good time. Don’t whine about the cost.

Editorials

Gov. Tina Kotek’s 15-member Oregon Prosperity Council released its 452-page prescription for Oregon’s ailing economy to great fanfare last week. Cutting through the report’s massive scope ...

Oregon’s school funding formula — last reconfigured in 1991, some 35 years ago — fails to provide more than 100,000 poverty-afflicted students with the extra help they desperately need ...

McMinnville has embarked, and wisely so, on planning for the next 20 years of operation, maintenance, rehabilitation and expansion of its sewage transmission and treatment system. The challenge is to ...

Initiative Petition 28 has succeeded in placing the PEACE Act, short for the People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions Act, on Oregon’s November ballot. And that has, understandably, ...

There have been numerous news articles and viral videos this graduation season featuring the Class of 2026 raining a chorus of boos upon speakers promoting the wonders of artificial intelligence (AI). ...

Letters

The News-Register welcomes written opinions about issues of public interest and about the content of this newspaper. Letters from non-local writers are accepted only if they focus on local issues. This ...

Hate is learned Dear Commissioner Starrett: Several years ago, I discovered a disturbing drawing on the sidewalk at Jay Pearson Park here in McMinnville. It depicted a person being lynched and was accompanied ...

Respect for all I am writing to express my profound concern regarding recent comments made by Yamhill County Commissioner Mary Starrett. As an elected official, she holds a position of public trust and ...

Wall of honor Adie and I just wanted to show you what we’ve done with all of your amazing work over the years. Thank you so much for shining a light on our special teammates, coaches and community! Adie ...

Canary in coal mine As a former hospital administrator in both non-for-profit and for-profit systems, and senior manager in a major Medicaid program, I read your article on United Healthcare Advantage ...

Most Viewed

• DCI International leaving for Wilsonville (3671)

• William "Willy" Hughes 1969 - 2026 (2197)

• Don Hale 1944-2026 (2130)

• Homeowner appeals over 50-year-old approval (1862)

• Second Street apartments appealed to planning commission (1610)

• Darrel Kendall Von 1951 - 2026 (1505)

• Council agrees on May bond for $80 million rec center (1444)

• Starrett faces backlash over comments about racism (1188)

• Trail group drops LUBA appeal (1120)

• 4th of July celebrations around the county (826)

Most Commented

• Council agrees on May bond for $80 million rec center (13)

• McMinnville, developer reach agreement on Alpine property (11)

• Starrett faces backlash over comments about racism (6)

• Rate hikes on horizon to address sewer needs (6)

• EMPWR takes fight over big sign to LUBA (5)

• Homeowner appeals over 50-year-old approval (4)

• Second Street apartments appealed to planning commission (4)

• Letters to the Editor: June 12, 2026 (3)

• Letters to the Editor: July 2, 2026 (2)

• Letters to the Editor: June 26, 2026 (2)