Opinion

Almanac for March 3, 2026

Today is Tuesday, March 3, the 62nd day of 2026. There are 303 days left in the year. Today in history: In 1991, motorist Rodney King was severely beaten by Los Angeles police officers after a high-speed chase in a scene captured on amateur video that sparked public outrage. (The subsequent acquittal of four officers of felony assault and other charges in April 1992 triggered days of rioting and dozens of deaths in Los Angeles.) Also on this date: In 1845, Florida became a U.S. state. In 1849, Congress established the U.S. Department of the Interior. In 1863, President ...

It’s only a break in the weather

Take it to the bank, our area is in for more snow this winter, perhaps much more, given how things have transpired to date. How much and when, of course, who knows? But it’s at least likely that we will continue to have these occasional minor meltdowns during the balance of the season. According to American Family Insurance, it’s not too early to start thinking about spring driving challenges. In no particular order, AFI offers these general suggestions — — Look for leftover sand and salt: Many towns use sand and salt to combat icy roads — which is great in winter weather. ...

SOTU showcases a gelded Congress

The president in his State of the Union address last week wasted no time getting to his lies. It started in the first minute, when he claimed that: "When I spoke in this chamber 12 months ago, I had just inherited a nation in crisis, with a stagnant economy, inflation at record levels, a ...

Editorial cartoon for March 3, 2026

Public comment at meeting's conclusion would be beneficial

As someone who has had the privilege of serving our community on the Gladstone City Commission (2015–16) and the Delta County Commission (2023–24), I have always believed in the value of open government and constructive public involvement. During my time in office, I observed that residents often have their most relevant feedback after they have had the chance to hear a full board discussion. When a meeting allows for a brief comment period at the end of the agenda, it provides immediate clarity for the public and helps leaders stay connected to the community’s real-time ...

Boosting literacy the goal of March is Reading Month

Michigan’s younger students appear to be struggling when it comes to reading. Statewide test results released in August showed 61.1% of third graders and 57.6% of fourth graders did not pass the annual state assessment, a decline from 2024. Take a moment to let that sink in: More than half of Michigan’s third and fourth grade students tested in 2025 cannot read at their age-appropriate level. The results of the 2025 Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress, known as M-STEP, showed only 38.9% of third grade students and 42.4% of fourth grade students statewide scored ...