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Editorial

When it’s red, it’s time to stop

Stop On Red Week is observed across the country every year during the first full week of this month, this year from Aug. 3-9. It highlights the significance of red traffic lights and aims to curb deaths that are caused by drivers breaking the red light rule. While following basic traffic rules might seem easy, statistics say at least 50 million people are injured or disabled by road traffic crashes yearly. Join the cause and make the roads safer by spreading the word about why we must obey road safety laws. It’s everyone’s responsibility to save lives and protect those around ...

State continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccine for some

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services continues to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy and for every person age 6 months and older to protect from serious illness. The recommendation is in alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The Health and Human Services director recently issued guidance to change COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for healthy children and pregnant persons. The COVID-19 vaccine remains safe during pregnancy, and vaccination can protect children, women and their infants ...

Protect your home while you’re away

As summer winds down, many Americans are making the most of those final vacation days, while often leaving their homes unoccupied for days or weeks. Such absences can make homes vulnerable to potential damage or theft. “If your home is not secured or properly maintained, problems like water leaks, electrical issues or even break-ins could arise,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson for AAA-The Auto Club Group. “By following some simple precautions, homeowners can enjoy their vacations with confidence, knowing their property is protected.” Tips to Protect Your Home While Away ...

Trump policies hurt Main Street

If financial conditions are restrictive, Wall Street sure hasn’t noticed. Stock indexes hit fresh records this week, and speculative meme stocks are back to mania levels. Meanwhile, smaller businesses in the non-financial economy are tightening their belts amid uncertainty over tariffs and the labor market. Trump officials like to say their policies are focused on helping Main Street, not Wall Street. “Wall Street has done very well over the past few decades, and now it is Main Street’s turn to shine,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said last month. In case he hasn’t ...

Limits on drug ads not so great

Since stepping into the helm at the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has done his best to challenge traditional medicine. He has loosened vaccine recommendations for children and pregnant women, peddled baseless claims about the causes of chronic diseases, and championed alternative therapies such as “healing farms.” Now, he is considering two proposals that would make it much more difficult for companies to air television advertisements promoting their drugs to consumers. One would require that ads include longer warnings about side effects, making ...

Take precautions as temperatures climb

With temperatures reaching over 90 degrees in Michigan and even the Upper Peninsula fairly frequently this summer, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services routinely reviews emergency department data about heat-related illness. As daily temperatures rise above 80 degrees, ED visits for heat-related illnesses tend to increase. This is often more likely for the first high-heat event of the year as people are not as used to those kinds of temperatures and may not take the necessary precautions. “It’s important Michiganders stay hydrated and understand the risks of ...