Opinion

Almanac for July 2, 2026

Today is Thursday, July 2, the 183rd day of 2026. There are 182 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law a sweeping civil rights bill passed by Congress prohibiting discrimination and segregation based on race, color, sex, religion or national origin. Also on this date: In 1776, the Continental Congress passed a resolution saying that “these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.” In 1881, President James A. Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau at the Washington, D.C., ...

The temporary immigration program that's been forever

The last two decades have been a continuous adventure in redefining the phrase “white supremacy” to include less and less pertinent things. The latest is that the Supreme Court has allegedly joined forces with Trump to “advance an authoritarian, white-supremacist agenda” — in the ...

Editorial cartoon for July 2, 2026

Ex-CIA director wants court order to preserve investigation records

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former CIA Director John Brennan sued the Trump administration Wednesday, demanding a court order that would require officials to preserve records from investigations that he says are targeting him for “what amounts to phantom criminal conduct.” The lawsuit says the ...

High court ends limits on party spending for federal elections

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Tuesday erased limits on how much political parties can spend in coordination with candidates for Congress and president, striking down a federal election law that is more than 50 years old. Prodded by a Republican-led lawsuit that includes Vice ...

Before lighting up fireworks, consider effects on others

It’s time for the annual reminder that while fireworks spark awe and delight for many, they are a source of dread for some in the community. Michigan law establishes 12 days in which local governments can’t ban fireworks, all around federal holidays. They are: — Dec. 31 until 1 a.m. Jan. 1; — Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend until 11:45 p.m.; — June 29 to July 4 until 11:45 p.m.; — Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend until 11:45 p.m. Local governments may have ordinances on just what, when and where fireworks can be used at other times, so before setting ...