Commentary

Floodwater from the Snohomish River partially covers a flood water sign along Lincoln Avenue on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Comment: Aging levees, heavier storms a rising threat in West

Levees built 60 or more years ago, increasingly heavy rains and a move into floodplains pose dangers.

 

Comment: Chamber marks first year of building a Greater Everett

A relaunched Greater Everett Chamber is building connections, trust and community to aid businesses.

 

Comment: Some western states carrying more debt than others

Washington state’s bond and pension liabilities carry a per-capita debt of $15,400, 11th highest in the U.S.

 

Comment: U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen looks back at eventful, busy 2025

The 2nd District congressman listened, legislated and led on issues vital to his constituents.

Comment: Bookstores’ resurgence good news for readers, everyone

Barnes & Noble is adding stores, and independent booksellers also have opened more than 400 locations.

Comment: Even under attack, science saw major breakthroughs in ‘26

Advances in the study of blood, genetics, GLP-1s and more were among 2025’s intriguing scientific work.

Comment: States now are the check on presidential overreach

As Congress and the Supreme Court have bent to Trump’s will, states — blue and red — have challenged his orders.

People walk along a newly constructed bridge at the Big Four Ice Caves hike along the Mountain Loop Highway in Snohomish County, Washington on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

Comment: The upside of downtime and how to make the most of it

Rather than scrolling social media, plan leisure that builds relationships and restores your well-being.

People walk along a newly constructed bridge at the Big Four Ice Caves hike along the Mountain Loop Highway in Snohomish County, Washington on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

Comment: A Trump ‘pardon’ that justly will get nowhere

His order, feckless because he can’t dismiss state charges, means a felon convicted of election fraud will stay in prison.

Comment: Grocery store scanner one thing Trump can’t argue with

He can try his power of positive thinking and repetitive Jedi mind tricks, but it’s not impressing Americans.

Comment: Trump’s biggest strengths turned against him in 2025

He’s lost many Americans on affordability and a 2024 Latino coalition has also turned against him.

Comment: Trump immigration policy depleting health care workforce

Immigrants make up a significant portion of health care workers. Losing them threatens care for many.

Comment: No hoax in failure of Epstein’s ‘friends’ to call out abuse

Regardless of what’s in the files, we know who he was with and what should have been clear to all, Trump included.

FILE — Demonstrators at the Stand Up for Science rally at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, March 7, 2025. Some 1,900 leading researchers accused the Trump administration in an open letter on Monday, March 31, of conducting a “wholesale assault on U.S. science” that could set back research by decades and that threatens the health and safety of Americans. (Eric Lee/The New York Times)

Comment: ‘This year nearly broke me as a scientist’

U.S. researchers reflect on how the Trump administration’s cuts to science have changed their lives.

FILE — Demonstrators at the Stand Up for Science rally at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, March 7, 2025. Some 1,900 leading researchers accused the Trump administration in an open letter on Monday, March 31, of conducting a “wholesale assault on U.S. science” that could set back research by decades and that threatens the health and safety of Americans. (Eric Lee/The New York Times)

Comment: Clothed in fabric of leadership, service and showing up

Leadership Snohomish County’s service at Christmas House offers lessons in the exchange of community.

Comment: More spending not answer to better student outcomes

Spending and student testing in several states show a mixed bag. But one city shows a way forward.

Comment: State lawmakers can lower prices at the grocery store

Reversing a B&O surcharge on food wholesalers would show they see the hardships consumers now face.

Comment: A case for childlike wonder in our grown-up world

The Elf on the Shelf isn’t enchanted, of course, but what do we lose in telling ourselves it can’t be?

Charlie Brown and his little pals from the “Peanuts” gallery will gather once again for the special “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” and Apple TV+ is gifting non-subscribers with a free viewing from Dec. 22 through 25.

Comment: Finding wisdom and hope in ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’

A 60-year-old cartoon and its melancholic soundtrack got our mixed-up feelings right about the holidays.

Charlie Brown and his little pals from the “Peanuts” gallery will gather once again for the special “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” and Apple TV+ is gifting non-subscribers with a free viewing from Dec. 22 through 25.

Comment: Making space at our tables at holidays and all days

Efforts for DEI don’t have to water down celebrations. They are an opportunity to highlight all cultures.