Commentary

Comment: Anti-vax culture war on mRNA may end up costing lives

False theories are discouraging research and prompting legislation to block valuable vaccines.

Comment: DOGE’s real goal is to privatize government services

And it will be red states and rural areas that will pay more for commercial service for mail and more.

Comment: Roberts had to chastise Trump for threat to judge

Calling for the impeachment of judges over rulings has a long history, and it’s why the chief justice spoke up.

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: Have lawmakers forgotten they have constituents?

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

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: 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.

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.

Comment: What promise to ‘review the data’ could mean for health

Noncommittal responses from the FDA nominee show a willingness to follow Trump’s whims, not science.

FILE — Smog in the Manhattan borough of New York on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, 1966. A century ago, a well-ventilated building could be a bulwark against disease, but with the arrival of COVID-19, when buildings could barely breathe, Americans gained a renewed appreciation for the health benefits of clean air. (Neal Boenzi/The New York Times)

Comment: What a loss of clean air rules could cost us

For more than 50 years, the rules have been a benefit to the economy as much as Americans’ health.

FILE — Smog in the Manhattan borough of New York on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, 1966. A century ago, a well-ventilated building could be a bulwark against disease, but with the arrival of COVID-19, when buildings could barely breathe, Americans gained a renewed appreciation for the health benefits of clean air. (Neal Boenzi/The New York Times)

Comment: Cap on rent would work against better housing supply

The state doesn’t need price controls; it needs to help builders create a supply that eases costs.

Comment: County must balance needs for housing and habitat

A proposed policy for the county’s critical areas rules sticks with standards that are working well.

Comment: County’s veterans, others need mesothelioma registry

The disease, caused by asbestos exposure, can affect veterans and others. A registry would improve care.

Comment: Recession isn’t a certainty, but it would fit pattern

All but one GOP president had to deal with recessions. Trump seems keen to create conditions for one.

Comment: Flying is still safe, but can be made safer

Fortunately, there’s a plan in place. What’s missing is predictable funding and quicker implementation.

Comment: Ukraine peace talks hinge on U.S. security guarantee

Without a credible ‘tripwire’ of peacekeepers in Ukraine, Zelensky has no incentive for negotiation.

Comment: Six weeks in, has Trump lowered grocery bill?

A check of prices before and after the inauguration shows an increase, but blame the price of eggs.

Comment: State push to limit ‘swipe’ fee could hit card use

Similar legislation in Illinois threatens to limit use of cards issued by credit unions.

Comment: Two messages in Supreme Court’s USAID decision

The 5-4 decision reversed Trump’s freeze on foreign aid, but the narrow decision raises concern.

Comment: What Trump may do to market, personal finances

Markets and investments prefer certainty. How much of that they see in Trump’s decisions is the question.