Opinion

Veterans’ toxic exposure demands stronger action

Communities in Delta County have long been empowered by the dedication of individuals who have willingly donned the uniform of the U.S. armed forces, with nearly 3,000 veterans playing a steady and visible role in local civic life across generations. In many respects, military significance in this locality is far from an abstract national concept — it is manifested in residents, co-workers and even leaders whose time in service continues to carry meaning long after their retirement. And that enduring legacy is precisely what the National Military Appreciation Month seeks to celebrate ...

Judge refuses to block Trump order to limit mail voting

A federal judge has declined to halt President Donald Trump's executive order creating a federal voter list and limiting mail voting, clearing the way for potential sweeping changes in how American elections are run shortly before this year's midterm elections. U.S. District Judge Carl ...

Almanac for May 29, 2026

Today is Friday, May 29, the 149th day of 2026. There are 216 days left in the year. Today in history: In 1953, Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay of Nepal became the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Also on this date: In 1790, Rhode Island became the 13th and final original colony to ratify the United States Constitution. In 1914, the Canadian ocean liner RMS Empress of Ireland sank in the St. Lawrence River in eastern Quebec after colliding with the Norwegian cargo ship SS Storstad; of the 1,477 people on board the Empress of Ireland, 1,012 ...

Editorial cartoon for May 29, 2026

How US has endured for 250 years

This summer, the United States celebrates its 250th birthday. In 1776, few people believed this new version of self-government would last. After the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin was asked what kind of government the Founding Fathers had created. "A republic," he replied, "if ...

MDARD opens enrollment for forest program tax exemption

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development reminds private landowners that applications to enroll in the Qualified Forest Program are due Sept. 1 to receive the associated tax exemption for the 2027 tax year. “MDARD supports sustainable forest management as a means of preserving our environment, sustaining our $26 billion forest products economy and improving quality of life throughout Michigan,” MDARD Director Tim Boring said in a news release. “The QFP incentivizes sustainable forestry by offering tax exemptions to private landowners who commit to responsibly ...