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Editorial Roundup: The New York Times on the next 50 years of the United States

Columnists

On this Fourth of July, the United States turns 250. A quarter of a millennium is long enough to make a nation feel permanent, as though it had always been here and always will be. But the founders who signed their names to the Declaration of Independence knew that they were making a wager, not a guarantee. They pledged their lives, fortunes and honor precisely because the outcome was in doubt. Two and a half centuries later, the wager is still being placed by every generation that inherits it. That is the truth worth celebrating this summer — America is still being made. None of this ...

FUTURES FILES

Columnists

Mixed Cattle News Herd Live cattle futures faced downward pressure this week. A trend toward market liquidation seems to be continuing with active trading contracts trending lower toward August. Following the July holiday, demand looks to drop. However, fundamental supply constraints remain with the US beef cow supply at its lowest since 1951, favoring producers. Relaxed Tensions Ease Oil Flow By Friday afternoon, oil prices fell by more than 3% as Middle East supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz eased. Cooling geopolitical tension and ample global supplies eased fears ...

ASK AUGUSTINE

Columnists

Does biblical narrative supersede biblical law? According to Deuteronomy 21:17 firstborn sons are given a double share of the inheritance. Thus, if a man had two sons, the firstborn received two thirds of the inheritance; if a man had three sons, his estate was divided into fourths with the firstborn receiving two-fourths or one half; if a man had four sons, his estate was divided into fifths with the firstborn receiving two-fifths; etc. Unmarried daughters were supported by their father or brothers and they received an inheritance only if their father had no sons. Numbers 27 tells ...

Whole milk in schools

Your View

The recent decision to bring whole and 2% milk back to school lunches is a step backward for school nutrition. Many children—especially students of color—are lactose intolerant, while others simply don't need dairy to maintain a healthy diet. At a time when nutritious plant-based milks are widely available, expanding dairy options instead of embracing more inclusive choices makes little sense. School nutrition programs should reflect today's students, not yesterday's assumptions. Plant-based options better serve diverse dietary needs while also addressing the ethical concerns ...

Strengthening our communities recovering from storms and flooding

Columnists

Two years ago, when catastrophic flooding hit Northwest Iowa late in the evening, our communities were devastated by tragic losses. Families lost their homes, businesses were forced to close their doors, schools suffered extensive damage, and critical infrastructure was overwhelmed. In ...

Defending America's founding principles in a divided age

Columnists

The United States nation faces threats that extend beyond the familiar divide between Democrats and Republicans. Increasingly, two ideological movements -- one on the far left, one emerging on the populist right -- share a willingness to undermine the principles that have long defined the ...