Commentary

Second grade teacher Debbie Lindgren high-fives her students as they line up outside the classroom on the first day of school at Hazelwood Elementary on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Comment: Public schools still country’s ‘highest earthly duty’

A shift to private schools from public could leave the nation less prosperous and more divided.

Second grade teacher Debbie Lindgren high-fives her students as they line up outside the classroom on the first day of school at Hazelwood Elementary on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Comment: GOP’s dwindling Hispanic support is a huge failure

Both Trump and Republicans are losing Latinos’ confidence on immigration and the economy.

Illustration by Kathleen Edison

Comment: Our survival depends on shared health of all things

Taking a ‘One Health’ perspective on the environment and species is key to our quality of life.

Illustration by Kathleen Edison

Comment: What parents should know about covid vaccines

A pediatricians’ organization now differs with the CDC’s guidance. Here’s a Q&A to help parents.

Comment: Steep costs of Trump’s tariffs coming into focus

The impacts, somewhat delayed, are arriving as prices increase and rates of saving fall.

Comment: 10 ‘sticks’ U.S., allies can use to get Putin to table

Russia’s Putin has ducked cease-fire demands. Here’s how to get him to commit to a fairer give-and-take.

Comment: Success in Ukraine deal will put Trump first

Any peace agreement will serve Trump’s whims more than the needs of Ukraine and of Europe.

Comment: End to vote by mail would hurt GOP more than help it

Republicans made notable gains in mail voting during the 2024 election, especially in battleground states.

Comment: Falling crime stats alone won’t make people feel safe

Democrats need to acknowledge people’s concerns and offer better solutions than Trump’s military show of force.

Comment: Ukraine, Europe got a reprieve in D.C.; not an escape

It’s important that Trump sees the need for security guarantees; but he must convince Putin of that.

Comment: Brace yourself for Trump’s L.A. ‘MAGAlympics’ in 2028

The president and vice president already are angling to turn the event to their advantage.

Comment: CDC shooting shows contagion of misinformation

And that misinformation was and is promoted by those now running the national health agency.

Comment: If recession hits, will Republicans acknowledge it?

A good hint will come if the Senate confirms an unqualified nominee for the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Comment: Crime is down, but what else do the FBI’s stats show?

Notably, most crimes are reported as happening in people’s homes and just after midnight.

Comment: Voters should pick representatives; not other way around

What it would take to end gerrymandering and establish fair rules for congressional redistricting.

parents getting son with schoolbag from school after study happy family walking in city park boy eating ice cream back to home concept landscape background full length horizontal vector illustration

Comment: Getting more than “fine” out of your kid’s day at school

Being more creating with questions – and showing interest – can prompt a more satisfying conversation.

parents getting son with schoolbag from school after study happy family walking in city park boy eating ice cream back to home concept landscape background full length horizontal vector illustration

Comment: Edmonds must plan to face next extreme climate event

Other nearby cities are preparing for extreme heat and cold. Edmonds has its own work to do.

Comment: State lawmakers’ email secrecy an assault on records law

House leaders want to allow members to mark some email as ‘transitory,’ hiding them from the public.

Comment: Whales don’t live by election cycles; nor can research

Research is helping us direct efforts to protect marine mammals. It’s work that must continue without delays.

Comment: Healthier living helps aging brain, study shows

A study of seniors found, even late in life, better diet and exercise delayed dementia’s onset.