By Caitlin Rothermel In our August 2026 issue, The Loop published an opinion article, “Should We Talk About Trans Issues? Yes, and Here’s Why …” that referenced Initiative 638 (I-638), being voted on in Washington state this November. This article was controversial. Online discussions were very critical. The Loop also received private input that was both constructive and…
Health Matters, September 2026
mRNA Again
The Flu This Time By Caitlin Rothermel The Loop has a reputation for being anti-vaccine. This is the case even though the only injectable drugs we’ve discussed are the COVID-19 mRNA (messenger RNA) shots. We can live with this. Let’s look now at the first mRNA flu vaccine, developed by Moderna and approved in August by…
August 2026, Recipes
Kale Slaw!
By Caitlin Rothermel This is a tasty, colorful, and consistently popular summer salad option that can be served as a side dish alongside anything, or as a light main dish. I have made it for years and brought it to every type of gathering – even non-salad and/or non-kale people like this dish. I call…
July 2026, Recipes
Summer Tomato Salsa Fresca
By Caitlin Rothermel It’s tomato season, and maybe your garden is overflowing. It seemed like a good time to share this delicious salsa adapted from “The Moosewood Cookbook.” I discovered Moosewood in college in the 1980s, just as I was learning to cook. At the time, it seemed like everyone owned a copy, and for…
Health Matters, July 2026
Humming Helps
A Health Matter By Caitlin Rothermel If humming came in a pill, you would probably consider taking it. One of humming’s most measured effects is on the nervous system. Even a single session of humming promotes parasympathetic activity, also known as the “rest and digest” state. This is the body’s natural recovery mode, where the heart slows,…
Editorial Page, Island Vehicles, June 2026
Vashon Gas: The Journey of Your Gallon
By Caitlin Rothermel On June 4th, 2026, the price of gas on Vashon was about $6.60 for a regular unleaded gallon. But where does the money go? The greatest expenses come at the start, for crude oil production and transportation, followed by oil refining. At about $4.00 per gallon, these factors make up more than…
Island Businesses, May 2026
Qigong on Vashon
By Caitlin Rothermel For a practice built around slow breathing and gentle movement, qigong has had a surprisingly turbulent history. Originating in China and thought to date back more than 2,000 years, qigong has moved into favor, out of favor, and eventually back into favor again. During the “qigong fever” of the 1980s and 1990s,…
April 2026, Editorial Page
Washington State to Discuss Equitable Ferry Initiative
Olympia lawmakers are poised to begin discussions of a proposed “Equitable Ferry Initiative,” with plans to pursue legislation in 2027 to increase revenue while balancing personal responsibility among Washington State Ferry system users. Washington State is unique in that its ferries are part of the state Department of Transportation highway system. Known as the “marine…
February 2026, Health Matters, Island Businesses
At Stillpoint
By Caitlin Rothermel There is something we can probably all agree on. Even right now. It’s something you may or may not think about. You want to take care of your nervous system. You want to be able to calm it down. You don’t want it running on high all the time. You may be…
January 2026, Recipes
Firefighter’s Lasagne
By Caitlin Rothermel My Uncle Mike lived in Breezy Point, New York. It was a sandy, lovely beach town, and during the summers and holidays, my family would visit his. Sometimes, Uncle Mike would cook lasagna. He didn’t just cook for us. Mike was a New York City firefighter, and I got to watch him…