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Editorials and columns

Bravo to the Resurgence of Skating in Alpena

Punk music and skaters have always had a very close relationship. Unfortunately the punk & skating scene have developed a lot of nasty stereotypes over the years: Dirty, crusty, defiant, anarchist, loud, gross, etc. But that was not the scene at Riverside Skatepark on Father’s Day in ...

A former slave told us the value of July

It is unfortunate but also ironically appropriate that national efforts to celebrate the nation's birth have been rattled by internal disputes over how that birth should be celebrated. "Who controls the past controls the future," wrote George Orwell in 1984. "Who controls the present controls ...

America’s momentous birthday

I consider it an incredible blessing to have witnessed two of America's great milestone birthdays: the 200th celebration in 1976, when I was a rising second grader, and now the 250th anniversary as an older, seasoned adult. Looking back to 1976, as a kid, I enjoyed the fireworks and the parades ...

Some days are just grey

If I were to bet on what the weather would be, I would never be right. Even if I listen to the weather reports, it would still be a guess. Today the sun is shining, but it is windy and cold. I would be shocked if it snows now at the end of June. Much of life is like that. Some days life ...

Big Beautiful Bill creating havoc on SNAP and Medicaid

For the better part of three decades, my career was in healthcare administration. My focus was mostly within geriatrics, people with disabilities, and primary care. During retirement I still monitor what is occurring with America’s challenging health care delivery system. Recently, I ...

Up north got the ice – but it’s Lansing who froze

Up North Got the Ice – But It’s Lansing Who Froze In early 2025, northern Michigan endured what many believed, at the time, was a once-in-a-lifetime ice storm. The damage was staggering. Trees snapped like toothpicks. Power lines crisscrossed roadways. Entire communities sat in the dark ...