Commentary

Comment: Fair’s fair; kids get 3 dolls, Trump wants 3 jets

Trump’s tariffs require austerity from Americans, except when Trump sees a shinier aircraft on the tarmac.

 

Comment: Governor should veto change to mortgage interest deduction

A provision in state tax legislation would increase mortgage costs for families buying homes.

 

Comment: Nonprofits filling gap left by federal cuts isn’t answer

Relying solely on donors to fulfill needs means providers no longer are accountable to the people.

 

Comment: Welcome South African refugees, yes, but Afghans, too

There has been no good explanation why Afrikaners are admitted, when so many others are turned away.

Comment: U.S., China had no choice but to seek tariff offramp

Neither will admit market forces and public opinion aren’t with them. A 90-day pause was the best option.

Comment: A 100% tariff on movies? How would that even work?

The film industry is a export success for the U.S. Tariffs would only make things harder for U.S. films.

Comment: Trump conditioning citizenship on wealth, background

Selling $5 million ‘gold visas’ and ending the birthright principle would end citizenship as we know it.

Comment: Energy Star a boon to consumers; of course it has to go

In it’s 30-plus years it’s saved consumers $500 billion, cut carbon emissions and actually delivers efficiency.

Comment: RFK Jr.’s measles strategy leading U.S. down dark path

As misinformation increases, vaccinations are decreasing, causing a rise in the spread of measles.

Comment: To save the church, let’s talk nuns, not just popes

The church can save some parishes if it allows nuns to do the ‘field hospital’ work Pope Francis talked of.

Comment: We need more air traffic controllers; they need AI tools

As work continues to add controllers, tailored AI assistants could help them make better decisions.

Pope Leo XIV, in his first public appearance after he was elected, waves from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, becoming the first pope from the U.S. (Gianni Cipriano/The New York Times)

Comment: Catholicism at a crossroads in new pope’s own nation

Can a U.S.-born pope bring ‘cultural’ Catholics back to the fold and heal divisions in the church?

Pope Leo XIV, in his first public appearance after he was elected, waves from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, becoming the first pope from the U.S. (Gianni Cipriano/The New York Times)

Comment: Better support of doula care can cut maternal deaths

Partners need to extend the reach of the state’s Apple Health doula program, before and after births.

Comment: Museums allow look at the past to inform our future

The nation’s museums need the support of the public and government to thrive and tell our stories.

Comment: We need housing, habitats and a good buffer between them

The best way to ensure living space for people, fish and animals are science-based regulations.

Comment: Trump’s pursuit of Canada risks losing what we do have

Insisting ‘never say never’ isn’t how to win back a once-valuable trade partner and trusted ally.

Comment: Are MAGA faithful nearing end of patience with Trump?

For Trump’s most ardent fans, their nostalgia for Trump’s first term has yet to be fulfilled by his second.

FILE — Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary meets with then-President Donald Trump at the White House on May 13, 2019. The long-serving prime minister, a champion of ‘illiberal democracy,’ has been politically isolated in much of Europe. But he has found common ground with the former and soon-to-be new U.S. president. (Doug Mills/The New York Times)

Commentary: Trump following authoritarian’s playbook on press

President Trump is following the Hungarian leader’s model for influence and control of the news media.

FILE — Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary meets with then-President Donald Trump at the White House on May 13, 2019. The long-serving prime minister, a champion of ‘illiberal democracy,’ has been politically isolated in much of Europe. But he has found common ground with the former and soon-to-be new U.S. president. (Doug Mills/The New York Times)

French: A Cabinet selected on its skill in owning the libs

All errors are ignored. Their strength lies in surrendering fully to Trump, then praising him.

Comment: Help update county’s ‘constitution’ on charter commission

Filing begins next week for positions on the panel that considers proposals for the county charter.