Marriage defending itself just fine, thanks

DOMA, sayonara, Mr. Roboto: In separate opinions, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the federal Defense of Marriage Act and cleared the way for same-sex marriages in California.

The institution of marriage, now left completely defenseless by some accounts, went on with its day, picking up the kids from soccer camp, getting dinner ready, loading the dishwasher, going for an evening walk and wondering just what it was the Congress had protected it from all these years.

Mashed potatoes: Oregon State University’s Extension Office is using aerial drones to monitor the health of the state’s potato crop. Infrared sensors are used to spot unhealthy plants, something that isn’t readily visible from the ground.

The report doesn’t say whether the drones are armed or not, but several craters have been spotted in Oregon potato fields.

Speaking of drones: With honeybee populations hit hard by colony collapse, Washington State University has developed equipment that can now store the semen of honeybee drones to help preserve the pollinators and crossbreed heartier species of bees.

Again the details of the collection process are sparse, but we’re told it involves a centerfold of the queen from copies of Playbee magazine.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Friday, April 26

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

Solar panels are visible along the rooftop of the Crisp family home on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Federal, state program will put more roofs to work

More families can install rooftop solar panels thanks to the state and federal Solar for All program.

Schwab: From Kremlin to courtroom, an odor of authoritarianism

Something smells of desperation among Putin, anti-Ukraine-aid Republicans and Trump’s complaints.

Providence hospitals’ problems show need for change

I was very fortunate to start my medical career in Everett in… Continue reading

Columnist should say how Biden would be better than Trump

I am a fairly new subscriber and enjoy getting local news. I… Continue reading

History defies easy solutions in Ukraine, Mideast

An recent letter writer wants the U.S. to stop supplying arms to… Continue reading

Comment: We can build consensus around words that matter to all

A survey finds Americans are mostly in agreement about the ‘civic terms’ they view as important to democracy.

Comment: Raising stamp prices won’t solve USPS financial woes

The consistent increases in prices is driving customers away. There are better options for the service.

Patricia Robles from Cazares Farms hands a bag to a patron at the Everett Farmers Market across from the Everett Station in Everett, Washington on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Editorial: EBT program a boon for kids’ nutrition this summer

SUN Bucks will make sure kids eat better when they’re not in school for a free or reduced-price meal.

toon
Editorial: A policy wonk’s fight for a climate we can live with

An Earth Day conversation with Paul Roberts on climate change, hope and commitment.

Snow dusts the treeline near Heather Lake Trailhead in the area of a disputed logging project on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, outside Verlot, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: Move ahead with state forests’ carbon credit sales

A judge clears a state program to set aside forestland and sell carbon credits for climate efforts.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, April 25

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

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.