The people have a right to know. That was the idea in 1972 when a citizens’ Coalition for Open Government in Washington state successfully worked for the passage of Initiative 276, a …

I was thinking the other day about just how much freedom we have living in the USA. What got me thinking about this? Simple, I happened to be driving past a very large gas station – …

Editor’s note: We are happy to provide this public service announcement from columnist Maria A. Montalvo. It’s one we heartily agree with. The English language boasts 170 …

The latest edition of The Beacon Magazine is outstanding, or should I say, delectable. After being lured in by the mysterious-looking golden chanterelle on the cover, I gobbled up the …

As an environmentalist and an activist preparing for the climate crisis, I am often asked “What can I do right now, immediately that will really make a difference?” I do have my …

My annual salute to the Irish always includes a pint of Guinness beer, a delicious black stout from Dublin, Ireland. This full-bodied beer has a considerably smooth finish despite its bold …

Today, I have good news and bad news. Thankfully, I still know fellow Americans who regularly encourage empathy and compassion towards fellow human beings, recognizing shared struggles and values, …

Since March is the month to explore introverts, I have this to offer: After over 19 years of teaching on the university level and now looking back at my grading process, I know I had it all wrong …

I am proud that our state legislators acted to prevent book bans from taking hold in our schools and libraries by passing what’s called the Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2331. …

In 1991, my wife Cate and I, along with our 5-year-old daughter Caitlin and her Dalmatian Sparky, headed north on I-5 from Southern California to our new life in the Great Northwest. We wanted our …

Soon, you may be using batteries to create your own microgrid to keep the power running in an emergency while lowering your energy bill the rest of the time. Best of all, you may be able to have …

Like any artistic medium, a creator may never know how their creative weight will change the world. An example: quilters. Rather than those journaling an emotional memory or talking about a social …

I was very pleased to see the piece on Richard Emery in the Feb. 28 Mukilteo Beacon. My husband Phil and I have known Richard, and his wife,   Liza Patchen-Short, since they all served on the …

I have been following the story of unnecessary staff and student illnesses and educational distractions at Fairmount Elementary (in Everett) in the Mukilteo School District for some time now.

Anyone ever wire money to help that Nigerian prince who keeps finding himself in jail? Probably not, but if you have then I’ve got 40 acres of prime swamp land I’d like to sell you. …

Every time I approach a large city, especially where one has a view of the entire city – rather than just a small portion of it, I always wonder how much does everything weigh? I’m …

Women in Aviation Week is celebrated annually in March. This year it's March 4-10. Aviation history was supportive of it being “utterly unfeasible” for women to become pilots; this …

I hope your year has begun with both productivity and positivity! It is with great pride that I report the City government, propelled by the dedication of our City Councilmembers, the mayor, and …