Silent running

Couldn’t you just put baseball cards in the wheels? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is proposing sound standards for electric vehicles. Not because they’re too loud but because they’re so quiet that pedestrians and cyclists often don’t hear them as they approach. NHTSA is proposing automakers choose from a range of added noises for electric cars.

This could be a huge selling point. We’d love to see the reaction of cyclists who hear a Harley coming up behind them and then see a Prius pass by.

No, the McRib doesn’t count: McDonald’s is expanding its test marketing to Chicago for its “Mighty Wings” chicken wings, deep-fried bone-in chicken wings served with a choice of dipping sauce.

It’s the first time that McDonald’s has offered a menu item that, unlike the McNugget and the McBite, actually comes from an identifiable part of the chicken.

Somebody’s been sleeping in my planet: Astronomers scanning the skies for Earthlike planets say the Milky Way galaxy is home to at least 17 billion planets similar in size to our planet, but they have yet to find one in the so-called Goldilocks zone, where a world would not be too hot nor too cold.

Even more sought-after is a world in the Hansel and Gretel zone where the planet’s crust is made of gingerbread.

Don’t know much about history: On this day in 1963, Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” measuring 30 inches by 21 inches, went on display at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., with President John F. Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline, in attendance.

Jackie remarked on its small size, to which John replied, “Ah, that’s what she said.”

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Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, April 16

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

A new apple variety, WA 64, has been developed by WSU's College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences. The college is taking suggestions on what to name the variety. (WSU)
Editorial: Apple-naming contest fun celebration of state icon

A new variety developed at WSU needs a name. But take a pass on suggesting Crispy McPinkface.

Liz Skinner, right, and Emma Titterness, both from Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County, speak with a man near the Silver Lake Safeway while conducting a point-in-time count Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, in Everett, Washington. The man, who had slept at that location the previous night, was provided some food and a warming kit after participating in the PIT survey. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: Among obstacles, hope to curb homelessness

Panelists from service providers and local officials discussed homelessness’ interwoven challenges.

Harrop: Expect no compromise from anti-abortion right

And no clarity from Donald Trump regarding his position, at least until he’s back in office.

Comment: What pregnant professor fears of Arizona’s abortion ban

There unease for women, even for wanted pregnancies, because of what the ban means for care.

Comment: Transgender care bans ignore science, humanity

Most laws banning care for youths are based on falsehoods about medicine and mental health.

FILE - In this photo taken Oct. 2, 2018, semi-automatic rifles fill a wall at a gun shop in Lynnwood, Wash. Gov. Jay Inslee is joining state Attorney General Bob Ferguson to propose limits to magazine capacity and a ban on the sale of assault weapons. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)
Editorial: ‘History, tradition’ poor test for gun safety laws

Judge’s ruling against the state’s law on large-capacity gun clips is based on a problematic decision.

This combination of photos taken on Capitol Hill in Washington shows Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., on March 23, 2023, left, and Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., on Nov. 3, 2021. The two lawmakers from opposing parties are floating a new plan to protect the privacy of Americans' personal data. The draft legislation was announced Sunday, April 7, 2024, and would make privacy a consumer right and set new rules for companies that collect and transfer personal data. (AP Photo)
Editorial: Adopt federal rules on data privacy and rights

A bipartisan plan from Sen. Cantwell and Rep. McMorris Rodgers offers consumer protection online.

Students make their way through a portion of a secure gate a fence at the front of Lakewood Elementary School on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 in Marysville, Washington. Fencing the entire campus is something that would hopefully be upgraded with fund from the levy. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Levies in two north county districts deserve support

Lakewood School District is seeking approval of two levies. Fire District 21 seeks a levy increase.

Comment: Are we getting our money’s worth from our taxes?

Most Europeans pay higher taxes, but add up our taxes and what we pay out of pocket and we’re seeing less.

Comment: Racial divide over O.J.’s trial is as fresh as ever

The trial divided friends and communities on issues of race and justice.

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