Editorial

Ways to reduce exposure to ‘forever chemicals’

It seems like every week brings some new report about the dangers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — better known as PFAS — and the extent to which these “forever chemicals” have spread into the environment. In light of this growing threat, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has provided some guidance on ways to reduce exposure to PFAS whenever possible. “Michigan leads the nation in addressing PFAS contamination issues,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “As part of our continuing efforts to protect the health and safety of Michigan ...

Editorial cartoon for Feb. 20, 2026

US can’t compete in AI age without more energy sources

As America’s energy demands grow exponentially, the country won’t be able to keep up without more nuclear power. For decades, the climate-friendly industry has been held back by overly burdensome regulations, but that’s beginning to change. In the 1960s, plants took about four years to build, and they cost, in today’s dollars, about $1,500 per kilowatt of electricity generated. Now the idea of building a reactor in less than a decade is unheard of, and the cost of construction is six times greater. The Energy Department took steps this month to exempt certain advanced ...

Editorial cartoon for Feb. 19, 2026

Early taste of ‘pothole season’ in the UP

The last few days in and around the Upper Peninsula have provided a much-needed respite from the frigid temperatures that have dominated the region this winter. Mind you, while it hasn’t been too terribly warm out there, temperatures have reached into the upper 30s in many places and maybe a bit warmer in others, with some sunshine to boot. Regrettably, with the melting has come an early dose of what is known locally as “pothole season,” when the thawing streets and roadways reveal pavement craters made by traffic and freezing temperatures. It seems just about every roadway we ...

Editorial cartoon for Feb. 18, 2026