Tri-CityHerald.com

GUEST COLUMNISTS

In Focus: Protection for two rare plants has many benefits

The announcement last month that Endangered Species Act protections were forthcoming for the yellow-flowering perennial known as the White Bluffs bladderpod has inspired tall tales of secret agreements, restricted public outreach and draconian restrictions on private property.

GUEST COLUMNISTS

In Focus: We must retain our freedom of conscience

Recent legislation and legal skirmishes have highlighted discussion and debate on freedom of conscience.

GUEST COLUMNISTS

The best is yet to come for Washington’s biotech industry

With 70 Washington cities already home to 480 life sciences companies, our state’s role in developing cutting-edge medicines is something to be proud of.

GUEST COLUMNISTS

New opening created instead of wasted opportunity

Secretary of Energy designate Ernest Muniz recently stated that maintaining the status quo in environmental cleanup at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation is not acceptable. We agree. The inefficient cleanup at Hanford, coupled with the ballooning federal deficit, provides an opportunity to make some...

GUEST COLUMNISTS

Mental health reform should start now

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and it would seem appropriate at this time to take a look at mental health services in our bi-county region with an eye toward addressing some of its most serious shortcomings.

GUEST COLUMNISTS

New library in Pasco is for whole community

On April 20, Mid-Columbia Libraries opened its 12th branch at 7525 Wrigley Drive, just off of Road 68, in Pasco. We celebrated with a crowd of more than 1,000 local residents who came to experience their new West Pasco Branch.

GUEST COLUMNISTS

Tri-Cities Prep tackles controversial themes in ‘Merchant’

Shakespeare’s comedy has presented a serious challenge for centuries, one so significant that the play often is listed as one of his “problem” plays — one that cannot be easily categorized as a comedy nor a tragedy.

GUEST COLUMNISTS

America lacks sufficient social responsibility

The evolution of our ancestors’ propensity for compassion, sharing and cooperation was essential for societal development.

GUEST COLUMNISTS

Politicizing coal export opportunities misses the mark

We’ve heard a lot of discussion about the costs and benefits of new coal export facilities in the Northwest, and there’ll be a lot more talk to come. That’s as it should be in Washington, where we are as passionate about the environment and quality of life as we are about a...

GUEST COLUMNISTS

Every day in our state, about 18 children are abused or neglected.