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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 ...

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 ...

Protect yourself, family: Get a flu vaccine today

As flu season returns to Michigan, residents are being urged to get their annual flu vaccinations to protect themselves, their families and their communities. Declining vaccination rates across the state have become a growing public health concern, leaving more people vulnerable to serious illness, hospitalization and even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 42% of Michigan residents ages 6 months and older received a flu vaccine during the 2024-25 flu season. This means that fewer than half of eligible residents were vaccinated, increasing ...

Guilty of wasting our time

I shouldn't get so angry. It isn't healthy. Last week, New York state summoned me to jury duty. I went, of course. It's the law, and my duty. A jury may protect the innocent from government abuse. Ordinary citizens, not officials, decide if you are guilty. But doing our patriotic duty ...