Being toyed with

Being toyed with

Jarts, anyone? A consumer watchdog has issued its list of “10 Worst Toys,” including a “Catapencil,” a pencil with a slingshot launcher on one end (Page A6).

We have our own rule of thumb about toy safety: If it’s a toy we would have begged our mom to buy for us, it’s obviously not safe.

Look for the union label: Amazon.com, following a settlement with the National Labor Relations Board, has agreed to allow its warehouse workers to talk about pay and working conditions without fear of retaliation, opening the door to unionizing (Page A7).

Amazon workers who asked about unions also sought better pay and health benefits, reasonable warehouse temperatures, working without harassment from managers and their basic rights as Americans.

Just in time for gift shopping: Take a look at recent innovations in toilet technology, including heated seats and toilet bowl night lights (Page D1).

Although it’s still a work in progress, the bathroom industrial complex is also testing toilet bowls that move independently and can adjust for the poor aim, nighttime or daytime, of male users.

—Jon Bauer, Herald staff

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.