If you live in or around Mason County, you’ve almost certainly heard about the data center proposal, probably more than you ever wanted to. It’s been the focus of social media threads, local news stories, TV segments, backyard conversations, city and county meetings, and even a few spirited public meetings. Many seem to have a... Continue Reading →
A Quiet Retreat: How Federal Mental Health Funding Has Shifted in 2025
When the Trump administration returned to Washington in 2025, mental health advocates hoped that the progress made over the past five year - through COVID-era investments, 988 crisis line expansion, and bipartisan school safety law - would continue. Instead, the federal landscape for behavioral health has entered what some call a “retrenchment era,” marked by... Continue Reading →
Where Did All The Good Samaritans Go?
Most of us are familiar with the story of the Good Samaritan. A man is beaten and left for dead, ignored by a priest and a Levite, but rescued by a Samaritan, a member of a group despised by Jews at the time. Jesus told the parable (Luke 10:25–37) to answer the question, “Who is... Continue Reading →
The Digital Public Square: The Death of Nuance
It strikes me how many of us feel compelled to share our take on recent events across social media. Silence, in this interconnected, online world, can feel like disengagement, as though not weighing in means you’re absent from the public square. It is as if you don’t care if you haven’t posted your hot take,... Continue Reading →
Jeff’s Retirement Report: Round 2
Jeff’s Retirement Report Round Two The estimated read time for this post is about 6 minutes (requested by JB Penrose). I am approaching one month of being retired and these are my latest musings. I remain busy but have taken up a couple of new pastimes. On a trip to the Morehead Lowe’s with my... Continue Reading →
