Ways to reduce exposure to ‘forever chemicals’

February 23, 2026

It seems like every week brings some new report about the dangers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — better known as PFAS — and the extent to which these “forever chemicals” have spread into the environment. In light of this growing threat, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has provided some guidance on ways to reduce exposure to PFAS whenever possible. “Michigan leads the nation in addressing PFAS contamination issues,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “As part of our continuing efforts to protect the health and safety of Michigan families, ...

Republicans at each others’ throats in endorsement fracas

February 21, 2026

Wow. That’s what a great many Upper Peninsula residents likely said early last week when a festering behind-the-scenes Republican Party dust up over who’s endorsing whom in the upcoming 2026 elections burst into the public arena as a full-fledged mud slinger. With epithets most often expected from the elected culture warriors in Washington, D.C., and less often Lansing, state Sen. Ed McBroom, joined by state Reps. Karl Bohnak and Greg Markkanen, ripped into U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman for his endorsement of former state representative Beau LaFave for McBroom’s job. McBroom, from ...

Time is ripe to revamp nuclear power rules

February 20, 2026

As America’s energy demands grow exponentially, the country won’t be able to keep up without more nuclear power. For decades, the climate-friendly industry has been held back by overly burdensome regulations, but that’s beginning to change. In the 1960s, plants took about four years to build, and they cost, in today’s dollars, about $1,500 per kilowatt of electricity generated. Now the idea of building a reactor in less than a decade is unheard of, and the cost of construction is six times greater. The Energy Department took steps this month to exempt certain advanced ...

Citizens should demand the truth, accountability as Operation Metro Surge winds down

February 19, 2026

Whatever their views on immigration enforcement, Minnesotans should welcome the announcement by border czar Tom Homan on Feb. 12 that Operation Metro Surge soon will end, and that a significant drawdown of the more than 3,000 agents who had been sent to the state under federal orders is underway. They should also welcome the vow by Gov. Tim Walz to focus state policies and legislation on recovery from the impacts of the disruption to normal life. The state’s legislative session begins Feb. 17. But as the Department of Homeland Security declares its mission accomplished and begins its ...

State reminds residents of firearm secure storage law

February 18, 2026

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services marked the two-year anniversary of Michigan’s secure storage law Friday by reaffirming its commitment to firearm safety, education and prevention through statewide partnerships and expanding access to firearm safety resources. Public Act 17 of 2023 requires individuals to keep firearms unloaded and locked with a locking device or stored in a locked box or container if it is reasonably known that a minor is likely to be present on the premises. The law took effect Feb. 13, 2024. “No one should have to fear gun violence at ...

Pothole season just around corner

February 17, 2026

The last few days in and around Superiorland have provided a much-needed respite from the frigid temperatures that have dominated the region this winter. Mind you, while it hasn't been too terribly warm out there, temperatures have reached into the upper 30s in many places and maybe a bit warmer in others, with some sunshine to boot. Regrettably, with the melting has come an early dose of what is known locally as pothole season, when the thawing streets and roadways reveal holes left by traffic and freezing temperatures. It seems just about every roadway we travel is pocked fairly well ...