Opinion

State to focus this month on enforcing Hands-Free Law

If you haven't done it already, time to put down the phone when getting behind the wheel — law enforcement will be watching. With a rise in the use of handheld devices by drivers on Michigan roadways and in support of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, police agencies throughout the state are teaming up with the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning for a high-visibility enforcement effort in April, according to a news release. A recent observational study from Michigan State University found mobile device use by drivers increased from 5.2% in 2024 to 5.7% in 2025. ...

Trump's WH ballroom plans approved despite judge's halt

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's White House ballroom won final approval from a key agency on Thursday, despite a federal judge recently ordering a halt to construction unless Congress allows what would be the biggest structural change to the American landmark in more than 70 ...

Editorial cartoon for April 3, 2026

Editorial cartoon for April 2, 2026

Residents encouraged to join organ donor registry

Have you considered becoming an organ donor? It’s admittedly not the most pleasant topic, since it means contemplating what happens after dying. But it’s an important one to address. Making that decision now potentially keeps your family from facing those questions later, under what likely would be traumatic circumstances. And it can make a life-altering — sometimes life-saving — difference for a host of people now on waiting lists. During Donate Life Month, the Michigan Department of State is encouraging residents to join the millions already on the Michigan Organ ...

Honor the plumbers

There are many things in American life that deserve our suspicion and contempt, but plumbers aren't among them. Evidently, Jimmy Kimmel disagrees. The late-night host took a shot at newly confirmed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who used to run a plumbing ...