America’s peak socialism — abandoned a century ago
The emergence of the Democratic Socialists of America and their political victories, from New York City across the fruited plains of Michigan and Wisconsin, all the way to Colorado, strikes many as a new thing in U.S. politics. Previous movements have, in fact, increased, sometimes ...
Almanac for Aug. 5, 2026
Today is Wednesday, Aug. 5, the 217th day of 2026. There are 148 days left in the year. Today in history: In 1962, South African anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela was arrested on charges of leaving the country without a valid passport and inciting workers to strike; it was the beginning of 27 years of imprisonment. Also on this date: In 1861, Abraham Lincoln signed the Revenue Act of 1861, which levied the first income tax on Americans (a flat tax of 3% on those making over $800/year) to help fund the Union’s Civil War effort. In 1864, during the Civil War, Union Adm. David ...
A better conversation needed on data centers
Much of the public conversation has focused on preventing data centers from coming to the Upper Peninsula. That concern is understandable, but it overlooks how land use regulation actually works. A statewide prohibition on data centers would be a matter of state law. Local governments, on the other hand, are responsible for considering where all lawful land uses may be permitted and what standards they must meet. Through my work as a regional planner and participation in Michigan’s Statewide Data Center Working Group (a collaboration of statewide land use experts, attorneys, planning ...
Almanac for Aug. 4, 2026
Today is Tuesday, Aug. 4, the 216th day of 2026. There are 149 days left in the year. Today in history: In 2020, nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate that had been improperly stored for years in the port of Beirut, Lebanon, exploded, killing more than 200 people, injuring more than 7,000 and devastating nearby neighborhoods; it was one of the largest non-nuclear explosions ever recorded. Also on this date: In 1790, the U.S. Coast Guard had its beginnings as President George Washington signed a measure authorizing a group of revenue cutters to enforce tariff and trade laws and ...
When college access grows, Michigan reaps the benefits
For decades, college has been — and continues to be — the most reliable path to well-paying careers. But when students and families hear stories about the rising costs of college, the growing student debt crisis, and the rapidly changing job market, it’s natural for them to wonder if postsecondary education is worth the time and money. Yes, barriers do exist. But frustrations with cost, debt and completion should push us to remove barriers, not dismiss these opportunities — and Michigan can’t afford to discourage students from college when 84% of high-demand jobs require at ...