Opinion

Chamber of Commerce’s endorsement questioned

Editors note: The figures presented in this letter were sourced from official Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, or MDARD, reports, the Small Business Association of Michigan, Interlochen Public Radio and The Detroit News. I’m befuddled! The Michigan Chamber of Commerce exists to promote Michigan’s economy and support the businesses that create jobs across our state. That is why its endorsement of U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman is so difficult to understand. Over the past year, Michigan lost 13,000 trade, transportation and utility jobs and 9,000 manufacturing jobs. ...

Almanac for July 9, 2026

Today is Thursday, July 9, the 190th day of 2026. There are 175 days left in the year. Today in History: In 1868, the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, granting citizenship and “equal protection under the laws” to anyone “born or naturalized in the United States,” including formerly enslaved people. Also on this date: In 1850, President Zachary Taylor died of gastrointestinal illness after consuming a large amount of cherries and iced milk on a hot day five days earlier; Vice President Millard Fillmore was sworn in as president the following day. In 1896, ...

Editorial cartoon for July 9, 2026

Kentucky’s governor asks McConnell for public update on his condition

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is directly asking Sen. Mitch McConnell, the state’s most powerful figure in Congress, to disclose more about his condition after three weeks of silence from the 84-year-old since he was hospitalized in Washington. The letter released Wednesday from Beshear, a ...

The transportation bill that proves Washington can’t quit clientelism

Congress loves to wrap legislation in the language of the public interest. This year’s surface transportation reauthorization bill is no exception. Supporters describe the House Transportation Committee-passed package as a major safety bill designed to make America’s transportation system ...

State Adopt-A-Highway crews to do roadside cleanup this month

It’s again time for groups of volunteers to walk along Michigan’s highways, graciously picking up the trash and other discarded items thoughtlessly left behind by others. Beginning Saturday, motorists should be on the lookout for bright yellow-green vests as Adopt-A-Highway volunteers fan out across Michigan for the second of three scheduled collections in 2026. The statewide pickup will continue through Sunday, July 19. Adopt-A-Highway is a Michigan Department of Transportation program designed to help keep the state’s roadsides and ditches clean and attractive. Participants ...