There’s a cheap and effective way to tackle the opioid crisis — Safer smoking kits
In 2022, the White House set ambitious goals to tackle the opioid crisis through the National Drug Control Strategy proposal. Collaborating with federal, state and tribal governments, as well as local communities and health professionals, the strategy focused on two things: harm reduction efforts and racial equity in drug policy.
For an ethical and enjoyable wildlife experience, embrace the space
The opportunity to see fascinating species thriving in their natural environments draws many of us to national parks, waterways and wildlife refuges every year. Almost as alluring is the appeal of getting the perfect picture that captures an animal’s beauty, ingenuity or charisma. But our Instagram aspirations must not be achieved at animals’ expense. Experts agree that the best way to protect and respect wildlife is to put our binoculars and zoom lenses to good use by giving these animals plenty of room to roam. We’re visiting their home, after all —and we must respect them and their space.
Your Views for July 7
Trump a danger to freedoms and rights
Does America need a president?
As the belief that Joe Biden is fully equipped to be president dissolves like mist on a Delaware morning, some of his defenders have fallen back on the idea that the American presidency is not really a man but a team.
With or without Chevron, clearer laws are essential
Among the many rulings the Supreme Court handed down this term, a decision on so-called Chevron deference could prove especially consequential. The question at issue was whether the courts or government agencies should determine the meaning of ambiguous laws. The new ruling unsettles a 40-year-old understanding by shifting some of the power over these choices away from the executive branch. Many regulatory actions may now face a torrent of litigation.
Court supremacy: The Supreme Court appoints itself ultimate expert on governing
In an ideologically-split 6-3 ruling Friday, the Supreme Court overruled what’s known as Chevron deference, a longtime legal principle that held that when administrative statutes are not explicit, federal agencies have latitude to interpret them, particularly when it comes to regulations. It’s not a widely-known principle but has undergirded the functioning of government for more than 40 years.
President Biden: Teach them how to say goodbye
Immediately after Hamas invaded Israel on Oct. 7, I urged Israel to think about how to respond by asking itself one question: What does your worst enemy want you to do? Then do the opposite. Iran and Hamas wanted Israel to rush headlong into Gaza — without any plan or Palestinian partner for the morning after — and unfortunately, Israel did just that.
Child welfare reform: It’s complicated
As a social worker in the field of child abuse and domestic violence for the past 40 years, I feel compelled to add to recent discussions about child welfare reform that follow several tragic child deaths.
Court supremacy: The Supreme Court appoints itself ultimate expert on governing
In an ideologically-split 6-3 ruling Friday, the Supreme Court overruled what’s known as Chevron deference, a longtime legal principle that held that when administrative statutes are not explicit, federal agencies have latitude to interpret them, particularly when it comes to regulations. It’s not a widely-known principle but has undergirded the functioning of government for more than 40 years.
A shot at better health: Guns now an official public health threat
The U.S. surgeon general is charged with monitoring the public health of the nation. In an advisory issued last week, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy identified a threat we’ve long discussed on these pages: gun violence. Murthy pointed out that guns have for a few years been the leading cause of death for children and adolescents in the United States, outpacing even motor vehicles. Tens of thousands of people are killed every year.
Your Views for July 3
Many concerns about Keauhou Bay project
US chip dreams will fade without more immigrants
Democrats and Republicans worked together to pass the Chips and Science Act — but their persistent failure to unite behind common-sense, bipartisan reforms to bring more skilled immigrants to the U.S. puts this notable achievement in jeopardy.
There’s no reason to resign ourselves to Biden
Though Joe Biden’s debate performance last week was among the most painful things I’ve ever witnessed, it at least seemed to offer clarity. Suddenly, even many people who love this president realized that his campaign has become untenable.
After years of running, I quit and took up Pilates. Here’s how that turned out
About a year and a half ago, it occurred to me that if I didn’t start working out again, I’d be sliding into a sloppy, flabby late middle age.
‘Sticker shock’ at the grocery store? Not according to our Treasury Secretary
Perhaps, like many other Americans, you’re finding it harder and harder to deal with high food bills. Well, don’t look to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen for any sympathy.
Island Intelligencer: Trump verdict and foreign influence ops
International news focused on security issues remains awash with reports on foreign covert influence operations against elections, societal stability and charged political events worldwide. Some targets are far from our homeland (in Europe), some are closer (in South America), and others share our border (Canada, Mexico). The United States is, of course, a target, too. (Remember Russian and Chinese intelligence agencies’ efforts to exploit the Maui fires last fall?)
Courts again stand in way of Biden’s student loan scheme
President Joe Biden, who insists his presumptive GOP opponent is a dire “threat to democracy” and a potential “dictator,” openly brags about ignoring the U.S. Supreme Court when it comes to student loans. Judges are finally taking notice.
Urgent Care: Minding the gap!
“Thank you, Doc, for starting the Urgent Care in Hilo!”
Joe Biden is a good man and a good president. He must bow out of the race.
I watched the Biden-Trump debate alone in a Lisbon, Portugal, hotel room, and it made me weep. I cannot remember a more heartbreaking moment in American presidential campaign politics in my lifetime, precisely because of what it revealed: Joe Biden, a good man and a good president, has no business running for reelection. And Donald Trump, a malicious man and a petty president, has learned nothing and forgotten nothing. He is the same fire hose of lies he always was, obsessed with his grievances — nowhere close to what it will take for America to lead in the 21st century.
To serve his country, President Biden should leave the race
President Joe Biden has repeatedly and rightfully described the stakes in this November’s presidential election as nothing less than the future of American democracy.
