Wire Service

Pope Leo XIV, in his first public appearance after he was elected, waves from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, becoming the first pope from the U.S. (Gianni Cipriano/The New York Times)

Comment: Catholicism at a crossroads in new pope’s own nation

Can a U.S.-born pope bring ‘cultural’ Catholics back to the fold and heal divisions in the church?

Pope Leo XIV, in his first public appearance after he was elected, waves from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, becoming the first pope from the U.S. (Gianni Cipriano/The New York Times)
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Comment: Better support of doula care can cut maternal deaths

Partners need to extend the reach of the state’s Apple Health doula program, before and after births.

Comment: Museums allow look at the past to inform our future

The nation’s museums need the support of the public and government to thrive and tell our stories.

Comment: We need housing, habitats and a good buffer between them

The best way to ensure living space for people, fish and animals are science-based regulations.

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Editorial cartoons for Saturday, May 10

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

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FILE - The sun dial near the Legislative Building is shown under cloudy skies, March 10, 2022, at the state Capitol in Olympia, Wash. An effort to balance what is considered the nation's most regressive state tax code comes before the Washington Supreme Court on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, in a case that could overturn a prohibition on income taxes that dates to the 1930s. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

Editorial: What state lawmakers acheived this session

A look at some of the more consequential policy bills adopted by the Legislature in its 105 days.

FILE - The sun dial near the Legislative Building is shown under cloudy skies, March 10, 2022, at the state Capitol in Olympia, Wash. An effort to balance what is considered the nation's most regressive state tax code comes before the Washington Supreme Court on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, in a case that could overturn a prohibition on income taxes that dates to the 1930s. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

Forum: Permit-to-purchase firearm law in state would save lives

Requiring a permit to purchase will help keep guns in responsible hands and reduce suicides and homicides.

Forum: Whether iron or clay, father and son carry that weight

Son’s interest in weight training rekindles father’s memories of a mentor’s high school ‘blacksmith shop.’

Attorney General Nick Brown (center) announces a lawsuit against the Trump administration in Seattle, Washington, on May 9, 2025, over its declaration of an energy emergency. (Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard)

Trump energy emergency latest target for Washington AG

In a 15-state lawsuit filed in federal court in Seattle, states argue the president is abusing his authority to fast-track fossil fuel projects.

Attorney General Nick Brown (center) announces a lawsuit against the Trump administration in Seattle, Washington, on May 9, 2025, over its declaration of an energy emergency. (Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard)
Members of the Washington Public Employees Association march at the 2025 public service recognition event at the state Capitol on May 7, 2025. (Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard)

Union urges Ferguson not to sign budget without their pay raises

Lawmakers say a union representing 5,300 Washington state workers and community college employees ratified a contract too late to be funded this year.

Members of the Washington Public Employees Association march at the 2025 public service recognition event at the state Capitol on May 7, 2025. (Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard)

The Buzz: We have a new pope and Trump shtick that’s getting old

This week’s fashion question: Who wore the papal vestments better; Trump or Pope Leo XIV?

Ask what Trump gets out of his tariffs

Just before Trump’s first election to the presidency, my wife and I enjoyed a river cruise in Bordeaux’s wine country. On the cruise I sat… Continue reading

EATS Act would overrides state protections for animals

I urge Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, to oppose the EATS Act, recently reintroduced as the Food Security and Farm Protection Act (S. 1326),… Continue reading

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Editorial cartoons for Friday, May 9

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

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Klein: Trump’s pick of Vance signaled values of his second term

Selecting Vance as his vice president cued all that what mattered now was not just loyalty but sycophancy.

More moderates needed in politics today

It looks like both the MAGA people and the liberal Democrats are not very popular here lately. They both seem to be underwater in all… Continue reading

Schwab: Trump isn’t a lawyer, but plays president on TV

Unsure if he has to abide by the Constitution, Trump’s next gig could be prison warden or movie director.

Seahawks defensive tackles Byron Murphy II (91) and Johnathan Hankins (97) celebrate after a defensive play against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)

Seahawks re-sign DT Johnathan Hankins

Mike Macdonald often says you can’t have too many defensive linemen. That’s why the Seahawks are bringing back another, a veteran one. Nose tackle Johnathan… Continue reading

Seahawks defensive tackles Byron Murphy II (91) and Johnathan Hankins (97) celebrate after a defensive play against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Photo courtesy of Historic Everett Theatre
The Elvis Challenge takes place Saturday at the Historic Everett Theatre.

A&E Calendar for May 8

Send calendar submissions to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your item is seen by an editor, be sure to put “Calendar” in the subject. MUSIC Chateau Ste.… Continue reading

Photo courtesy of Historic Everett Theatre
The Elvis Challenge takes place Saturday at the Historic Everett Theatre.