Commentary

Comment: Tipping out of control; Harris, Trump would make it worse

Removing income tax on tips could expand tipping to other jobs and require others to pay more in taxes.

A Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) in an old growth forest.

Comment: To save one species, should we be killing another?

A federal program to cull barred owls to save native spotted owls is raising questions about wildlife policy.

A Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) in an old growth forest.

Comment; Congress considers change to open primaries in states

States now use many types of primaries. A bill would open primaries to all voters, regardless of party.

Comment: Joint effort to hit cancer in state with a CAPOW!

Cancer Action Plan of Washington is a team effort to help state residents prevent, treat and survive cancer.

Comment: Protect state’s strength in drug research, development

Life sciences are a leading employer in the state and are must continue work on life-saving therapies.

Comment: Beside chain owners, who likes switch to self-checkout?

The machines take workers jobs, are avoid by customers and increase the losses from shoplifting.

Comment: What to make of candidates’ flip-flops on policy

It’s common practice in appealing to voters, but the most recent pledges are what they usually stick to.

Comment: Guesswork of recession is as reliable as it sounds

Despite the touting of “rules” and volatile numbers, we’re likley not far off from normal.

Comment: Harris, Trump shouldn’t pander to crypto crowd

If Bitcoin and others can prove their utility, then they can follow existing rules on fraud and transparency.

Comment: Homes will be affordable again; just not anytime soon

The causes of the crisis have ebbed, but supply and easing mortgage rates will move slowly.

Comment: Walz’s timely reminder of Social Security’s true purpose

The program is meant more as insurance than retirement, as Walz’s story of survivor benefits made clear.

Comment: Harris must prosecute her case for the presidency

Donald Trump, already, has begun distorting her record as a prosecutor. She’ll have to seize that narrative.

Attendees at a rally in Philadelphia where Vice President Kamala Harris, introduced Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota as her running mate, on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024. Democratic women say much has changed since voters rejected Hillary Clinton in 2016 — and many lessons have been learned.  (Erin Schaff/The New York Times)

Comment: Are U.S. voters ready for a Madam President?

Polling finds that hostile sexism is helping to make the election closer than it would otherwise be.

Attendees at a rally in Philadelphia where Vice President Kamala Harris, introduced Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota as her running mate, on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024. Democratic women say much has changed since voters rejected Hillary Clinton in 2016 — and many lessons have been learned.  (Erin Schaff/The New York Times)

Comment: Overdose awareness efforts key to saving lives around us

Know where to turn for resources, tools and support to respond and prevent overdoses in your community.

Comment: Patients of color shouldn’t face unexpected in childbirth

Black and Latina patients face higher rates of complications at birth. Better prenatal care is necessary.

Comment: Washington a model for striving for climate resilience

Unlike my native state of Florida, our lawmakers made sure we include climate change in land-use plans.

Comment: Democrats made abortion personal; Trump had no answer

The testimony of women at the convention exposed the hypocrisy of Republicans hiding behind ‘state’s rights.’

Comment: ‘Weird’ is too good a word to use on Trump, Vance

True ‘weirdness’ embraces all things different and unusual. Both GOP candidates are simply typical.

Comment: Executive bids haven’t favored women, perhaps until now

Ferraro, Palin and Clinton enjoyed early excitement, before doubts dragged them down. Will Harris defy history?

Comment: A.I.’s deepfakes a bipartisan threat at all levels

What makes them difficult to quash is Americans’ willingness to swallow lies and examine information.