Opinion

I was shocked and saddened to see that James Van Der Beek, the actor best known for lead roles in “Dawson’s Creek” and “Varsity Blues,” died of colorectal cancer on Wednesday at the age of 48, leaving behind his devoted wife, Kimberly, and their six beautiful kids. He announced his cancer diagnosis in 2024.

On Tuesday, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi endorsed Kennedy heir Jack Schlossberg to be the next leader of New York’s 12th Congressional District – because of course she did.

When I was a teenager, my 8-year-old brother Ryan disappeared from our backyard while he was playing. Two days after his disappearance, his body was discovered, and a man was arrested in connection with his murder.

Bill could do more harm

I once sat with Jimmy Lai on a remote Hong Kong beach as he told me the story of his life.

When an older loved one is missing, minutes feel like hours. For seniors, especially those living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other cognitive impairments, being alone and disoriented can quickly turn dangerous. Many families know this fear all too well. When a senior goes missing or becomes the victim of a crime, the sense of urgency is overwhelming.

Baumgartner doing well for constituents

We need new water management

By Nichole June Maher, Natasha Hill and Alex Galeana

After the historic tax increase in 2025 – the largest in state history – Washington families are being told once again that Olympia needs more money. The latest push includes calls for a state income tax and other new taxes, framed as necessary to fund public services and protect our future. Before lawmakers give state government another multibillion-dollar budget bump, taxpayers should ask a basic question: Have the politicians who created this mess earned more of our money?

Young people will save our democracy