Opinion

Social media is hazardous to the US political landscape

If you’re unlucky enough to be required to spend any time on Elon Musk’s X, as we journalists are, you might well have been dragged through the bombshell investigative report — pardon us, idiotic conspiracy theory — that state Rep. James Talarico was seeking mental health assistance at a hospital in Ohio. Talarico had the flu. His campaign told everyone, including us, he had the flu. It’s flu season. People all over are getting the flu. He shakes hands with lots of people. The story seemed very believable. Alas, his explanation was too pedestrian for the MAGAsphere and its ...

Editorial cartoon for Oct. 26, 2026

New houses shouldn't be built on the workers' backs

Arguments over immigration can be smart or misguided, but they are always complicated. Let's start with an annoying one. Donald Trump's ramp-up of immigration arrests has hit the construction industry, much of whose labor force is undocumented. Employers of such workers are blaming the raids ...

UP fires may be waning, but fire risk still high

Warmer-than-normal temperatures and gusty winds in the Upper Peninsula weather forecast, coupled with more people working and playing outside, creates a wildfire risk that's higher than usual this late in the season, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources warns. "If you're at deer camp for archery season, camping, riding ORVs or working outdoors, be aware of the fire danger," Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist for the Michigan DNR, said in a news release. "It's warmer than normal, and fallen leaves and dry grasses increase the risk of a spark from equipment or an ember from a ...

Editorial cartoon for Oct. 24, 2026

Almanac for Oct. 24, 2026

Today is Saturday, Oct. 24, the 297th day of 2026. There are 68 days left in the year. Today in history: On Oct. 24, 1945, the United Nations formally came into existence as the Charter of the United Nations, ratified by 51 nations, took effect. The date is now observed as United Nations Day. Also on this date: In 1537, Jane Seymour, the third wife of England's King Henry VIII, died 12 days after giving birth to Prince Edward, later King Edward VI. In 1861, the first transcontinental telegraph message was sent by Chief Justice Stephen J. Field of California from San Francisco ...