Opinion

Governor introduces plan to improve early reading achievement

Unfortunately, Alabama has ranked near the bottom of the nation when it comes to reading proficiency for state students. Read more

COLUMN: Change in the air (but not your pocket)

I went to buy lunch in Columbiana the other day when I was greeted with a sign that read something like, “Card or exact change ... Read more

Chelsea gets much-needed improvement

The last few years there was concern surrounding the Chelsea athletic program that only those in the building truly experienced and knew about, and while ... Read more

A question of loyalty

It was a brush with fame, albeit a momentary one. Read more

COLUMN: Facing the challenge head-on

The novel coronavirus pandemic has dominated our news feeds and weighed heavily on our minds the last several months. Read more

Back to school, 2020 edition

The 2020 edition of anything just isn’t normal. It seems like it was aligned in the stars for this to be a year that tested ... Read more

Alabama students deserve best education options despite pandemic

When schools shut down in Alabama last March, it was hard for students and teachers to imagine that they would not return back to the ... Read more

We sure could use a little good news

Anne Murray remains among my favorite musicians (and I trust she celebrated a happy 75th birthday last week). Her first song I remember is “Snowbird” when ... Read more

COLUMN: Does anybody know what’s happening?

Stay home or you’ll get coronavirus. But wait, go out and shop so you can support our economy. Hold on a second though, wear a ... Read more

A great escape during a tough time

If you are looking for a serene place to escape to during what has been a stressful four months across Shelby County, look no further ... Read more

Unemployment rate drop gives hope for economic recovery

Back in April, the Alabama unemployment rate was 13.8 % as the state was in the beginning stages of the coronavirus pandemic. Businesses were closed ... Read more

God is in the business of changing hearts

Some skate-boarders discovered our church parking lot, and some young men our basketball goal, and this is fine. I’m glad we can share with them ... Read more

COLUMN: Be respectful, not judgmental about masks

This month I’m going to (gasp!) wade into some potentially controversial subject matter during this seemingly never-ending pandemic in which we find ourselves. Read more

It’s nice to see camaraderie

The longer we live in Shelby County, the less amazed we should feel for the strong sense of community and comradery that the 200,000-plus residents ... Read more