Opinion - Newton County Times

Playing up playgrounds

I miss playgrounds. Not just because playgrounds symbolize a carefree, joyous attitude toward life, but also because when I was a kid, I could cross the monkey bars without having vertigo. Now, the … more

By ALEXANDRA PASKHAVER | 6/2/24

Ready for Pat Sajak’s final spin of the wheel?

June 7 will be a bittersweet day in TV history, as the final “Wheel of Fortune” hosted by Pat Sajak airs. Sajak announced his retirement plans a year ago, allowing himself time for a … more

By DANNY TYREE | 6/2/24

Memories of my free-range childhood

t was the first time in my childhood I had an excuse for coming home late for dinner, but nobody — not even the cops — would listen. In the summer of 1972, when I was 10, Tommy Gillen and … more

By TOM PURCELL | 6/2/24

The NFL is always ready for some football

The other night the National Football League commandeered two hours of prime time on ESPN for what used to be accomplished in a minute or two with a fax machine — the release of next … more

By PETER FUNT | 5/26/24

Can the population implosion be stopped?

“And when I die / and when I’m gone / there’ll be one child born, in this world / to carry on / to carry on.” The song written by Laura Nyro and most famously performed by … more

By DANNY TYREE | 5/26/24

For Memorial Day, honoring family members of those who serve

Ida Ayres never served a day in the armed forces, but at 95, she knows plenty about the sacrifices of war. “Through six wars, I have been the daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother of … more

By TOM PURCELL | 5/26/24

Fulfilling a basic duty to Arkansans

I am honored to serve Arkansas in the United States Senate. A critical part of that responsibility is casting votes on the Senate floor, but another key component that often falls below the radar is … more

By US SEN. JOHN BOOZMAN | 5/26/24

Supporting Rural EMS

More than most, Arkansans understand the importance of dependable rural emergency medical services (EMS) providers. In rural areas where local hospitals are not always easily accessible to those … more

REP. BRUCE WESTERMAN Arkansas fourth District | 5/26/24

Arkansas breaks economic records; more Arkansans are working than ever before

Recent economic news shows that Arkansas’ economy is booming. This comes even as nationally, 63% of Americans believe the U.S. economy is getting worse under the Biden Administration and prices … more

From GOV. SARA HUCKABEE SANDERS | 5/26/24

Exploring national parks this summer

Summer is quickly approaching and Arkansans are looking for places to explore away from home. Our national parks have always been popular destinations and some folks are crowdsourcing for ideas about … more

By US SEN. JOHN BOOZMAN | 5/26/24

Honor and Remember

Memorial Day signifies more than just the unofficial commencement of summer. It is a day to pause, reflect, and honor the countless individuals who have laid down their lives in defense of our … more

From the Arkansas House of Representatives | 5/26/24

State Capitol Week in Review

LITTLE ROCK — Four election laws passed by the legislature in 2021 will continue to be enforced, thanks to an Arkansas Supreme Court ruling that upholds their constitutionality. The four laws … more

From the Arkansas Senate | 5/26/24

It’s all about Nov. 5, America

What’s happening on CNN and MSNBC is disgusting, but not surprising. Some of their so-called pundits and reporters have been downright giddy while watching Donald Trump on trial in New York … more

By MICHAEL REAGAN | 5/26/24

Youth sports at its worst: tennis, anyone?

Parents berating parents. Teenagers taunting one another. Parents taunting teenagers. Rampant cheating, dishonesty and an environment so putrefied and toxic it could breed a fish with three eyeballs … more

By RICH MANIERI | 5/26/24

Building up to something beautiful

New York has been voted the ugliest American city, not because of its architecture, but because of its people. Just kidding. It’s because of its architecture. Probably. Europe does things a … more

By ALEXANDRA PASKHAVER | 5/12/24

Is ‘value’ a dirty word?

As I sit here admiring my 88-cent container of mustard, I can’t help feeling self-conscious. I know that restaurants advertise their “value menus” and retailers offer no-frills … more

By DANNY TYREE | 5/12/24

Frustrated Fed not likely to cut interest rates in June

LITTLE ROCK — The U.S. economy still hasn’t slowed to the Federal Reserve’s satisfaction, so don’t expect the Fed to cut interest rates at its June meeting, said Ryan Loy, … more

U of A System Division of Agriculture | 5/11/24

For Mother’s Day — teaching the art of laughter

My mother would have been considered eccentric had she been financially wealthy. She would do almost anything — and wear almost any silly costume — to bring joy into the lives of others, … more

By TOM PURCELL | 5/10/24

Investments in Arkansas treatment courts save lives

Arkansans advocating for issues important to them regularly come to Washington to participate in Hill Day, a time to meet with their senators and representatives and encourage them to support their … more

By US SEN. JOHN BOOZMAN | 5/5/24

Happy Arbor Day

As the only licensed forester in Congress and Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, I am a passionate advocate for our forests. I often say that forestry is a win-win-win: healthy … more

By CONG. BRUCE WESTERMAN Arkansas's Fourth District | 4/28/24