Unchained melody

Shackled producer: The California Department of Corrections has released a photo of recently imprisoned record producer and murderer Phil Spector.

The man who developed the “Wall of Sound” is now behind four walls of concrete blocks.

Oh, bite me: Lake Stevens school officials are asking concerned parents to lay down their torches and pitchforks; vampires are not biting students at Mount Pilchuck Elementary School. It appears a seventh-grader’s overly friendly hug of two younger students spiraled into wild rumors of a vampire.

Lake Stevens officials, however, do want to take the opportunity to remind everyone about the big Quidditch tournament this weekend. Students should remember to bring their own brooms.

Less-than-brilliant deductionThe head of the IRS is proposing a federal law that would require professional tax preparers to be trained and licensed.

Until then, here are some signs that may persuade you to reconsider the neighborhood tax preparer:

  • He informs you that you can claim Octomom’s 14 children as dependents.
  • He tells you he’ll file your taxes as soon as he’s filed for an extension for his taxes — for 1987.
  • He can’t decide between orange red or red orange when he reaches for a crayon to sign your return.
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    Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, March 18

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

    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: One option for pausing pay raise for state electeds

    Only a referendum could hold off pay increases for state lawmakers and others facing a budget crisis.

    Friedman: Rule of law is on the line in Israel and the U.S.

    Both Trump and Netanyahu appear poised to force constitutional crises in their quests for power.

    Comment: ‘Forced joy’ is alienating employees and customers

    Starbucks baristas must now doodle greetings on cups. It’s the wrong way to win engagement.

    Comment: How long can Musk count on being White House fixture?

    With Musk’s popularity suffering from his DOGE cuts, his money may not keep him in Trump’s good graces.

    Comment: Have lawmakers forgotten they have constituents?

    Some, particularly in the GOP, are begging out of town halls. Others are trying to limit initiatives.

    Comment: Jury’s still out on economy, except for road report

    Regardless of opinions on the eventual strength of the U.S. economy, getting there will be bumpy.

    **EMBARGO: No electronic distribution, Web posting or street sales before Saturday at 3:00 a.m. ET on Mar. 1, 2025. No exceptions for any reasons. EMBARGO set by source.** House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, (D-NY) speaks at a news conference about Republicans’ potential budget cuts to Medicaid, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Feb. 27, 2025. As Republicans push a budget resolution through Congress that will almost certainly require Medicaid cuts to finance a huge tax reduction, Democrats see an opening to use the same strategy in 2026 that won them back the House in 2018. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times)
    Editorial: Don’t gut Medicaid for richest Americans’ tax cuts

    Extending tax cuts, as promised by Republicans, would likely force damaging cuts to Medicaid.

    Two workers walk past a train following a press event at the Lynnwood City Center Link Station on Friday, June 7, 2024, in Lynnwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
    Editorial: Open Sound Transit CEO hiring to public review

    One finalist is known; the King County executive. All finalists should make their pitch to the public.

    Sen. Noel Frame, D-Seattle. (Washington State Standard)
    Editorial: Hold clergy to duty to report child abuse

    Teachers, health care providers and others must report suspected abuse. Clergy should as well.

    Comment: Learning costs of ignoring environment the hard way

    EPA chief Lee Zeldin can’t flip a switch on protections, but we’ll lose precious momentum on climate.

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