Editorial

No easy answers on homeless issue

Anyone who works in government, or even pays close attention to what government can and will do on any given issue, knows that policy is driven by money. Perhaps not entirely but certainly to some significant degree. That’s the case at the local level, where massive borrowing to cover pell-mell spending just doesn’t happen like it does at the federal and state levels. Where are we going with this? The most recent dust up involving residents and others who frequent the Room at the Inn facility on West Washington Street in downtown Marquette is a textbook example of government policy ...

Editorial cartoon for July 17, 2026

Operation Safe Driver targets risky behaviors

Though it should be normal practice at all times, drivers are being reminded this week of the importance of focusing on the road when behind the wheel — and following the rules on speeding and other risky driving behaviors. As law enforcement agencies across Michigan increase enforcement efforts as part of Operation Safe Driver Week that extends through Saturday, AAA — The Auto Club Group reminds drivers that the behaviors targeted by officers are the very same ones responsible for many of the nation’s most serious and preventable crashes. Operation Safe Driver Week focuses on ...

Editorial cartoon for July 16, 2026

Of course premiums for ACA plans are rising

If it wasn’t obvious before that the famous bill passed to make health care more affordable has done anything but, it should be now: Individual plans on the Affordable Care Act exchanges are projected to spike by about 14% in 2027, according to recent insurer filings. The ACA imposed a wide array of mandates on health insurance. Those mandates are expensive. To make up for the increase in costs, the ACA distributes subsidies so consumers don’t feel the impact of the increase. Many of these subsidies are “advance” subsidies that go directly from the federal government to ...

Editorial cartoon for July 15, 2026