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The Long Rise of the New Democratic Party

Can I claim to have predicted, way back in 1988, the result of Michigan's fiercely contested Democratic primary for U.S. senator this week? The developments that have made Abdul El-Sayed — who lost the 2018 gubernatorial primary to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.) by 20 percentage points — ...

Back to "cash is king"

I believe in supporting local businesses in my community, whether it's the small mom-and-pop gas station on the corner or a large national chain. To me, "support local" isn't just about who owns the business—it's about supporting the people who live and work here, our neighbors, friends, and families. Lately, though, I've noticed more and more businesses adding a 3.5% surcharge for using a debit/credit card. That makes me wonder: why? A debit/credit card is a direct payment from a customer's bank account. Yet many of these same businesses will gladly accept an old-fashioned paper ...

Almanac for Aug. 11, 2026

Today in History: August 11, Alcatraz takes first federal prisoners By The Associated Press undefined Today is Tuesday, Aug. 11, the 223rd day of 2026. There are 142 days left in the year. Today in history: On Aug. 11, 1934, the first federal prisoners arrived at Alcatraz Island, a former military prison, in San Francisco Bay; the island would be home to more than 1,500 prisoners over the next three decades, including gangsters Al Capone and James "Whitey" Bulger, before closing in 1963. Also on this date: In 1919, Germany's Weimar Constitution was signed by President ...

Almanac for Aug. 10, 2026

Today in History: August 10, derecho rakes the US Midwest By The Associated Press undefined Today is Monday, Aug. 10, the 222nd day of 2026. There are 143 days left in the year. Today in history: On Aug. 10, 2020, a powerful derecho struck several Midwest U.S. states, causing four fatalities and an estimated $11 billion in damage, making it the costliest thunderstorm in modern U.S. history. Also on this date: In 1792, during the French Revolution, mobs in Paris attacked the Tuileries (TWEE'-luh-reez) Palace, where King Louis XVI resided. (The king was later arrested, put on ...