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Gerrymandering arms race on horizon

“I just want to find 11,780 votes,” President Donald Trump told Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger during a recorded phone call two months after Trump lost the 2020 presidential election. Trump’s goal was to retroactively inflate his Georgia vote total in order win a state he’d lost and tip the Electoral College his way — to cheat his way to re-election, in other words. Raffensperger, to his eternal credit, refused that corrupt directive from a president of his own party. If only Republican state lawmakers in Texas, Missouri and other red states today had that kind ...

Rescue underscores need for water safety

Two paddleboarders drifting far from shore on Lake Superior were recently rescued with quick action by two Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers in Ontonagon County. At about 3:30 p.m. last Friday, Conservation Officer Ethen Mapes received a call from Negaunee Regional Dispatch-DNR Report All Poaching Hotline operators reporting two paddleboarders in distress on Lake Superior near Ontonagon. “They were in good condition overall but just could not paddle against the strong wind to get back to shore,” said Conservation Officer Pete Shambaugh, who was called ...

Appreciate the outdoors, but don’t take it for granted

In Michigan, we are proud of our wildlife, waterways and public lands and want to ensure that they are protected for future generations to enjoy. We celebrate our long legacy of conservation and recommit ourselves to bringing vital species back from the brink and protecting our state’s natural diversity. Abundant wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities would not be possible without the state’s roughly 4.6 million acres of public lands. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources manages these lands to enhance habitat, monitor wildlife populations, prevent the spread of ...

Breastfeeding crucial to health of infants

Michigan is committed to encouraging a strong foundation for life by supporting breastfeeding as not only a lifestyle choice but an essential public health priority. As part of this effort, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared August as Breastfeeding Month. “Breastfeeding can be beneficial to both babies and parents and protect babies against allergies, sickness and many diseases,” Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the state’s chief medical executive, said in a news release. “We recognize that not all parents are able to breastfeed, and in those cases we offer resources to ensure that ...

Keeping work zones safe for everyone involved

Most work zone crashes are caused by inattentive motorists. It only takes a split second of distraction to dramatically change lives forever. Michigan’s goal of Toward Zero Deaths on our roads includes our work zones. Sadly, the statistics tell us we are not at zero yet. In Michigan, the Office of Highway Safety Planning reports the number of fatal crashes and injuries that occur in construction, maintenance and utility work zones. In 2024, preliminary work zone crash statistics included: • 6,097 work zone crashes • 15 fatal work zone crashes • 16 work zone ...

Plan ahead of time to deal with extreme heat

The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is urging residents and visitors to stay protected during extreme heat even experienced here in the Upper Peninsula. Extreme heat has the ability to be life-threatening. By taking the proper precautions, you can minimize your risk of heat-related illness and stand ready to assist those who are most affected by severe heat. To prepare for extreme heat: • Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, blinds or awnings to reduce the amount of heat that enters your home. • ...