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It’s a good time to recognize the essential services EMS provides

Anyone who has had to dial 911 is well aware that along with law enforcement or firefighters often comes an emergency medical services crew, known as EMS. It’s a reassuring sight when they roll up, ready to provide skilled treatment on site and during transport if needed. To honor these essential practitioners who deliver lifesaving care to residents across the state every day, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed May 17-23 as EMS Recognition Week in Michigan. “EMS professionals are there for Michiganders during some of the most difficult and critical moments in their lives,” ...

Professional Trades Month highlights career options

As high school graduations begin in the region, it’s worth noting that May is Professional Trades Month, highlighting the career opportunities available in these much-needed positions. In 2024, 393,000 Michiganders were employed in professional trades occupations, a 14.4% increase from 2020, according to a news release from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, or LEO. Many of these high-demand, high-wage careers do not require a four-year degree and have pathways that focus on credentials, certificates, on-the-job training and ...

Courts holding line on Trump’s proposed tariffs

The Trump administration is trying to pick up the pieces of its global tariff agenda after a major Supreme Court rebuke this term. That might not be as easy as administration officials hoped, judging by a May 7 ruling from the U.S. Court of International Trade that the president’s substitute border taxes are also illegal. The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in February that the president lacked authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 to impose unlimited tariffs on a whim. He responded by invoking a new authority, Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, to ...

Motorists urged to share the road with motorcyclists

With the snow gone and warmer weather returning — though slowly — to the region, drivers should expect an increase in motorcyclists on roadways, state officials advise. Which is why the Michigan Department of State marks Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May with its the annual “Look Twice. Save a Life” public education campaign. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation calling on all Michigan motorists to drive defensively and cautiously to reduce collisions and save lives. “As motorcycle season returns to Michigan, we’re reminding drivers to be attentive and on ...

AAA: Gas cost‑cutting moves could backfire

Thinking of stretching that tank of gas as far as it can get you before facing the current pain at the pumps again? AAA is warning why that ultimately could come back to bite you. As gas prices soar, AAA is discouraging cost-cutting measures it says increase the risk of breakdowns and expensive repairs. AAA expects more than 44.9 million Americans to travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. More than 39 million will travel by car, making it one of the busiest driving periods of the year. Gas prices are running at their highest levels in four ...

Environmental progress has to balance human progress

Eight years ago, local officials in Washington learned that a section of a sewage line next to the Potomac River had become corroded and was at risk of bursting. They wanted to repair it urgently. But the officials first needed to apply for a federal permit. When they did, federal officials demanded an exhaustive review of the project’s potential effects on trees, wildflowers and bats rather than granting the permit, The Washington Post has documented. Four months ago, the section burst, spewing hundreds of millions of gallons of raw human waste into the Potomac. This example is ...