Opinion

Students warned against relying on energy drinks

While it's still too early to pull all-nighters for studying, students heading back to classes at all levels may be tempted to seek an "energy drink" to manage the shift to early mornings, homework, athletics and busy afterschool schedules. But experts with Aspirus Health caution that energy drinks are not a safe or healthy way for children and teens to stay alert. Energy drinks often contain high levels of caffeine, added sugars and other stimulants that can affect sleep, mood, hydration and heart health. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends adolescents avoid energy drinks, ...

Never trust a politician

The woman in the grocery store checkout line had an accent. While we waited for our items to be rung up, I asked her where she was from. “Argentina,” she said. “Is the inflation rate in Argentina under 100 percent yet?” I asked. She smiled, “That’s what the politicians say, but ...

Editorial Cartoon for Aug. 25, 2026

States stress need for vaccines as children return to schools

As several area school districts start classes this week, there's been some recent disquieting developments concerning childhood vaccinations. The Associated Press reported a week ago that U.S. kindergarten vaccination rates inched down again last year and the share of children with exemptions rose to an all-time high, according to federal data. The fraction of kids exempted from vaccine requirements reached 4.2%, up from 3.6% the year before. That's an estimated 155,000 children nationally during the 2025-2026 school year, according to AP. It's the fourth consecutive year the ...

Todd Blanche's One Promise: Dishonesty

Todd Blanche was Donald Trump's personal attorney, so it was natural that when he was elevated to attorney general, a journalist asked whether he would "pledge that the Justice Department will always act independently of the White House?" The correct answer to such a question is obvious: The ...

Almanac for Aug. 25, 2026

Today is Tuesday, Aug. 25, the 237th day of 2026. There are 128 days left in the year. Today in history: On Aug. 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Park Service Organic Act, establishing the National Park Service as an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior to maintain the country's natural and historic wonders and "leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." Also on this date: In 1875, Matthew Webb became the first person to swim across the English Channel, crossing from Dover, England, to Calais (ka-LAY'), France, in under 22 ...