Sandra Duerr

Compelling photos can tell a story — and move us emotionally — in powerful ways. After Tribune copy editor Jennifer Robillard noticed Thursday that the Associated Press had distributed some of the most disturbing wildlife images to date from the Gulf Coast, we knew we should play them large so readers could clearly see the impact of the thick brown oil along the Louisiana shoreline.

Now that the election season is well under way, at least one local candidate is sending us regular updates from his campaign polls. Will we publish them?

What crimes are being reported near your home?

Placing Bob Cuddy’s “commentary” (on President Ronald Reagan) on the front page April 25 is a new low for the editors of The Tribune, and it demonstrates a lack of professionalism that boggles the mind. When did it become so important to The Tribune to put one person’s opinion about a subject on the front page rather than on the Opinion Page where it belongs? Are you so hurting for “news” that you were forced to place this diatribe on the front page? It did nothing more than to express Mr. Cuddy’s utter disdain and contempt for a past president and clearly demonstrates your political biases and prejudices. …

Hint to letter writers: Review your words carefully before sending us your missives. And be sure the words are your own. Consider the Letter to the Editor we were e-mailed last week:

Now that the candidates for local races are set, election season will certainly rev up.

As the election season intensifies we’re seeing the usual corresponding increase in letters from readers who want to comment on specific races, candidates and ballot measures — and not just local ones.

I just want to express my enthusiastic approval of your choice of Charles Krauthammer as an addition to your lineup of syndicated columnists. He is wise, experienced and well-informed, which, in itself, is refreshing! His conservative views need to be heard in counterpoint to the backdrop of the extreme liberalism currently in power in our government. ... I am not familiar with Gail Collins, but I am trusting your good judgment in choosing her for a balance of opinion and will most certainly read her column. Thanks again for providing a quality newspaper!

How do you select the “Viewpoint’’ pieces? Do you seek out the authors, or do they submit the piece?

In covering the Haiti earthquake, I don’t think you need to show the body of a child, as you did on the front page Thursday. What were you guys thinking?