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Local columns

More than a week: fairgrounds at work year-round

When most people think of the fairgrounds, they picture one thing ~ fair week. Bright lights, grandstand entertainment, great fair food, livestock shows, and traditions that bring generations together. And yes, that week is absolutely something special. But what many may not realize is that ...

Almanac for April 25, 2026

Today is Saturday, April 25, the 115th day of 2026. There are 250 days left in the year. Today in history: In 1898, the United States Congress declared war against Spain. The 16-week Spanish-American War resulted in an American victory, after which the U.S. took possession of the ...

The triumph of economic freedom?

Prices rise. People blame capitalism. Politicians promise "solutions." President Donald Trump wants to cap credit card interest rates. My socialist mayor wants to freeze rents. Elizabeth Warren wants politicians to decide what prices are "excessive." So I was surprised to see economist ...

DOJ watchdog reviewing release of Epstein files

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department's internal watchdog announced a review Thursday of the department's compliance with the law mandating the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, stepping into a politically sensitive saga that has shadowed the Trump administration for the past ...

Almanac for April 24, 2026

Today is Friday, April 24, the 114th day of 2026. There are 251 days left in the year. Today in history: In 1916, Irish republicans launched the Easter Rising, a rebellion against British rule in Ireland. Though the rebels surrendered to British forces six days later, the uprising set the ...

Empty cans and Earth Week

ESCANABA- Henry smiled at the golden sun setting on the far side of the river. Three speckled trout lay in his fishing creel. A shiny new 1956 Ford F-100 pick up truck was parked near the riverbank. Frank Sinatra was sing “You Make Me Feel So Young” on the radio. Henry reached into his ...