Linda Dubois

It’s no wonder President Trump last summer laughed off entrepreneur Elon Musk’s attempt to start a new third political party as revenge for Trump persisting in pushing his “big, beautiful bill,” which promises to increase the national debt by at least $3 trillion.

And so, another year. I'm hoping for change, dancing for change, inflating my inner Portland frog for change. Alas, these cold, dark, damp days don't provide much fuel for action.

The previous article was about the failure to reach consensus at the recent Conference of Partners (COP 30) to move the ball down the field in terms of promises made in the 2015 Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

San Francisco’s mayor, Daniel Lurie, seemingly collects a pocketful of plaudits every day. By contrast, his counterpart in Los Angeles, Karen Bass, gets new grief almost daily.

When Nathan Hutchison was 9 years old, starting a business was the last thing on his mind. The young bird enthusiast just wanted to raise a few backyard chickens.

Back in July friend and climate expert Dallas sent me an article from The New Yorker with the title “4.6 Billion Years On, the Sun Is Having a Moment,” with his estimation that the article contains “the best news of 2025.”

My last column was fun to write. It was full of good news and optimism from the closest thing we have to a climate guru, Bill McKibben. There is more good news to report but before I get too happy, I want to acknowledge some pretty bad stuff.

They’re hardworking helpers, tackling the tough tasks that come with life on farms and ranches. They’re also loyal companions, bringing happiness—and often a bit of mischief—to daily rural living.

For young 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitors, the county fair auction ring is the reward for months of hard work, investment and responsibility—unless their animals don’t attract buyers.

For young 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitors, the county fair auction ring is the reward for months of hard work, investment and responsibility—unless their animals don't attract buyers.