Marriage defending itself just fine, thanks

DOMA, sayonara, Mr. Roboto: In separate opinions, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the federal Defense of Marriage Act and cleared the way for same-sex marriages in California.

The institution of marriage, now left completely defenseless by some accounts, went on with its day, picking up the kids from soccer camp, getting dinner ready, loading the dishwasher, going for an evening walk and wondering just what it was the Congress had protected it from all these years.

Mashed potatoes: Oregon State University’s Extension Office is using aerial drones to monitor the health of the state’s potato crop. Infrared sensors are used to spot unhealthy plants, something that isn’t readily visible from the ground.

The report doesn’t say whether the drones are armed or not, but several craters have been spotted in Oregon potato fields.

Speaking of drones: With honeybee populations hit hard by colony collapse, Washington State University has developed equipment that can now store the semen of honeybee drones to help preserve the pollinators and crossbreed heartier species of bees.

Again the details of the collection process are sparse, but we’re told it involves a centerfold of the queen from copies of Playbee magazine.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, April 24

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Patricia Robles from Cazares Farms hands a bag to a patron at the Everett Farmers Market across from the Everett Station in Everett, Washington on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Editorial: EBT program a boon for kids’ nutrition this summer

SUN Bucks will make sure kids eat better when they’re not in school for a free or reduced-price meal.

Burke: Even delayed, approval of aid to Ukraine a relief

Facing a threat to his post, the House Speaker allows a vote that Democrats had sought for months.

Harrop: It’s too easy to scam kids, with devastating consequences

Creeps are using social media to blackmail teens. It’s easier to fall for than you might think.

Comment: U.S. aid vital but won’t solve all of Ukraine’s worries

Russia can send more soldiers into battle than Ukraine, forcing hard choices for its leaders.

Comment: Jobs should be safe regardless of who’s providing labor

Our economy benefits from immigrants performing dangerous jobs. Society should respect that labor.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, April 23

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Students make their way through a portion of a secure gate a fence at the front of Lakewood Elementary School on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 in Marysville, Washington. Fencing the entire campus is something that would hopefully be upgraded with fund from the levy. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Levies in two north county districts deserve support

Lakewood School District is seeking approval of two levies. Fire District 21 seeks a levy increase.

Don’t penalize those without shelter

Of the approximately 650,000 people that meet Housing and Urban Development’s definition… Continue reading

Fossil fuels burdening us with climate change, plastic waste

I believe that we in the U.S. have little idea of what… Continue reading

Comment: We have bigger worries than TikTok alone

Our media illiteracy is a threat because we don’t understand how social media apps use their users.

toon
Editorial: A policy wonk’s fight for a climate we can live with

An Earth Day conversation with Paul Roberts on climate change, hope and commitment.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.