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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...

Horsing Around

by Nick Thomas Everyone has a method for picking the winner of the Kentucky Derby. Mine completely ignores form or pedigree, so I wouldn’t...

Nurse, Musician, Educator Knows Her Food

by Frances Stebbins If you've wondered how God's creation connects with good nutrition, you haven't met Laura Pole. The oncology nurse and nutritionist turned folk...

A True American Voice Falls Silent

byMike Keeler It's an honest voice, a beautiful road-tested voice, a glorious combination of coffee and wood smoke, maple syrup and moonshine. You may have...

A President’s Best Friend

by Nick Thomas Most presidents welcome the company of a dog in the White House. The reason is simple: every Commander-in-Chief needs at least...

Contemplation on the Slave Coast

by John Robinson A stir of hot air at the sole opening to the outside, high on the black wall, brings me back to...

Drama At The Dealership

I usually get lunch while heading to work. That is, I park in order to eat my drive-thru food so I don't have to...