Running on empty

But full of excuses: Motorists won’t be surprised to hear that the average price for regular gas in the U.S. increased by 11 cents in recent weeks. A petroleum industry analyst said the price increase was “driven by infrastructure problems downstream at the refinery level.”

Allow us to translate for the oil companies: “You’re paying more for gas because we just realized it’s almost summer and there’s no way the kids are going to let you talk them into another ‘staycation.’ Now, fill ‘er up.”

More beans, Mr. Taggart? Among this week’s best bets on TV is a documentary and interview with comedic director Mel Brooks, creator of “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein,” Monday night on PBS.

The “American Masters” episode is titled, “Mel Brooks: Make a Noise.” The Buzz will wager his DVD copy of “Blazing Saddles” that they’re referencing the campfire cookout scene.

Must love ants: Zookeepers at a Connecticut zoo are puzzling over how one of their anteaters, named Armani, recently gave birth, considering there hadn’t been a male anteater in her pen since August, long before the anteater’s six-month gestation period would have started.

Among other possibilities, the zoo staff are asking Armani about a recent “casual encounter” ad on Craigslist for a “female anteater seeking male anteater.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Friday, Jan. 2

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Schwab: Everett’s police department puts emphasis on community

A Police Chief’s Advisory Board seat allows a closer look at Everett’s policies and innovations.

Comment: As cracks widen in Trump’s power, the resistance grows

Leading the fight, instead of political figures, have been citizens at protests, elections and on grand juries.

Herald’s LifeWise coverage succinct, factual

Thanks for William Geschke’s great article on the LifeWise lawsuit against Everett… Continue reading

Photo among 2025’s best photos showed Herald’s bias

Looking at your article about the best photos of 2025 and seeing… Continue reading

Steves’ generosity to community saves Lynnwood hygiene center

The generosity of Rick Steves has once again supported the local community… Continue reading

Congress should press for full release of Epstein files

Why do you suppose Donald Trump adamantly opposed the release of the… Continue reading

CNA Nina Prigodich, right, goes through restorative exercises with long term care patient Betty Long, 86, at Nightingale's View Ridge Care Center on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Skilled nursing care must remain state budget priority

The governor’s spending plan would claw back Medicaid reimbursements that pay skilled-nursing care staff.

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.

Comment: Bookstores’ resurgence good news for readers, everyone

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

Collins: Quiz yourself on how much you were paying attention

Considering the year in all things DonaldTrump, maybe a low score is a good thing.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.