Commentary

Comment: DOGE has failed; federal spending has only increased

Apart from some high-profile program eliminations, its cuts haven’t kept pace with other spending.

 

Comment: Is national debt too big for Congress to worry about?

The debt may have reached a point where adding a few trillion to the tab no longer seems to register.

 

Comment: To deter Putin, bring back NATO-wide exercise

Called ‘Reforger,’ the drill tests logistics and planning and is a show of force Putin needs to see.

 

Comment: Yes, Pope Leo is from Chicago; he also has Black ancestors

More was made of Robert Prevost’s Chicago roots than his Creole ancestors. It’s worth a conversation.

Comment: As Trump turns back, Ukraine, Europe on their own

The U.S. had the tools to pressure Russia and balked. There is a path forward for Ukraine with Europe.

Comment: Musk AI project ducks pollution permits with EPA help

The Memphis project, using methane turbines for electricity, is operating without permits.

Comment: Silver tsunami all that stands between us and recession

Those collecting from Social Security are sustaining consumption and the housing market.

Comment: What’s the upshot of FDA’s new covid shot policy?

It’s not clear, but for those younger than 65, it could be harder to get a booster shot if desired.

Comment: Nation’s debt problem is also a retirement problem

The costs of Social Security require changes that would increase the early retirement age for more.

Comment: Shouldn’t we benefit from education of foreign students?

Trump earlier pledged green cards with college diplomas. Now we’re looking for excuses to deport them.

Comment: Trump’s tariff crisis will hit beyond pocketbooks

More than increased prices, the larger economic effects will sap small businesses and local economies.

Comment: The ugly truth in the GOP’s big, beautiful bill

It will kick some 10 million off Medicaid, including those who are working or are disabled.

Comment: Barbarism against Israelies goes beyond Hamas

It includes the slaying of a young couple in D.C. and the promise of Israel’s right to “cleanse” Gaza.

Comment: Exit by U.S. ambassador to Ukraine signals Trump’s failure

Trump doesn’t hold the sway over Putin he boasted of, so the U.S. will capitulate rather than seek a true peace.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) speaks to reporters after returning from a meeting at the White House on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (Haiyun Jiang/The New York Times)

Comment: Congress, over years, has become second-class branch

How Congress lost its constitutional clout and what it means for Americans and democracy.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) speaks to reporters after returning from a meeting at the White House on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (Haiyun Jiang/The New York Times)

Chemicals inhaled from vaping make it no healthier than smoking

By Hunter Sinrud / For The Herald The problem with vaping is that it is harmful to your health. If you use a vaping product… Continue reading

Comment: Many veterans came home, fighting a war with addiction

Abuse of alcohol and drugs is common among vets, but services are available to individuals and families.

Comment: State worker pay raises behind $10B in tax increases

Gov. Ferguson missed his chance to pare tax increases that will hurt residents and businesses.

Comment: U.S. diabetes epidemic is far more than medical issue

Much of it has to do with ‘red-lining,’ creating boundaries based on race and economic status.

Youth Forum: Death penalty expensive, ineffective and risks innocent lives

By Jesslyn Dhillon / For The Herald How would you feel if one of your loved ones were wrongly sentenced to death? The death penalty… Continue reading

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