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Editorial

New older Americans tax deduction explained

In a news release Thursday, the Social Security Administration applauded passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, a massive tax and spending cuts package praised by Republicans as a win for the American people and a boost for the economy. “The bill ensures that nearly 90% of Social Security beneficiaries will no longer pay federal income taxes on their benefits,” the Social Security news release states. It’s an apparent attempt to affirm President Donald Trump’s pledge to end taxes on Social Security. The president signed the legislation Friday. A summary of the impact on ...

Scammers at it again

The scammers are once again plying their unsavory trade. According to state officials, the scam goes like this: an official-looking letter arrives asking the recipient to immediately contact a toll-free number to resolve their outstanding state tax debt. The letter threatened to seize the taxpayer’s assets — including property, bank accounts and income — if the state tax debt isn't settled. The piece of correspondence, according to a state press release, appeared credible to the taxpayer because it used specific personal facts about their real outstanding tax debt that was ...

Ways to better avoid picking up ticks

It’s the height of summer in the Upper Peninsula and the outdoors beckons. This long Independence Day holiday weekend will offer a prime opportunity to venture into the countryside. While enjoying all the good things the northwoods has to offer, residents and visitors alike are reminded that time spent in the forests, fields or alongside water bodies does carry a hazard: Ticks. Michigan is home to more than 20 tick species, some of which can carry dangerous pathogens such as the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development warned ...

Don’t look now but tourists are here

Freshwater seas, flowing rivers and waterfalls, natural wilderness and more are all right outside our front doors. We should consider ourselves lucky, seeing as we’re the ones who live where others choose to vacation. It’s that time of year again, when our grass is greener, the skies are bluer and visitors from all around flock to the Upper Peninsula to retreat from their everyday lives. The summertime here in the U.P. is a time we can all breathe a little easier, relax a little longer and enjoy life at a season when time seems to move at a slower pace. Most would agree that ...

Rising national debt is already troublesome

The rise of the federal debt over the past two decades has prompted countless warnings that the United States is approaching a fiscal reckoning, a day when the government won’t be able to drink all it wants from the fountain of easy money. The more immediate danger is that the fountain keeps flowing. The fear of a future crisis is distracting attention from the problems that the government’s dependence on debt is already causing. We, the people, are spending a staggering amount of money each year to borrow money. The interest payments on the federal debt now exceed the ...

Watch out for holiday hazards

As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day with backyard barbecues, fireworks displays, and poolside gatherings, homeowners should be mindful of potential risks that could lead to property damage or injury. “While this holiday is a time of celebration, it also brings a spike in home insurance claims related to fires, water accidents, and other hazards,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “With so many festivities happening at home, it’s essential that people take proactive steps to protect their property and loved ones.” Grilling ...