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Department of Education cuts could hurt disabled kids

Earlier this week, the Trump administration announced plans to halve the United State Department of Education by laying off more than 1,300 employees under new Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. The cuts come as the Trump administration severely makes cuts to much of the federal government. According to the Associated Press, McMahon told employees to brace for profound cuts in a memo issued March 3, the day she was confirmed by the Senate. She said it was the department’s “final mission” to eliminate bureaucratic bloat and turn over the agency’s authority to ...

Drive-in theater a regional gem

George Friedman once said, “A century is about events, a decade is about people.” That is certainly true when it comes to the Highway 2 Community Drive-in Theater in Manistique. After all, some things are worth saving — especially a good, old-fashioned slice of Americana. Throughout the years, the greater majority of drive-in theaters in the Upper Peninsula have gone the way of the dodo. Today, only one remains — the Highway 2 Community Drive-in Theater in Manistique, which is operated by the U.P. Film Union. The group’s website states that the U.P. Film Union got its ...

With time change, stay alert while driving in low light

After clocks were switched to daylight saving time Sunday, the Michigan Department of Transportation and Michigan Fitness Foundation remind drivers to watch out for pedestrians, runners and bicyclists in the morning low light conditions. Sunrise will occur one hour later, meaning that it will be darker later in the morning. Drivers also should allow a minimum 3-foot distance when passing a bicyclist, according to state law. “Safety on our roads is a shared responsibility regardless of how you are getting around,” State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich said in a news ...

Much ado about ‘dead’ Social Security’ recipients

The Social Security Administration regularly checks to be sure its oldest beneficiaries are using their Medicare benefits. If not, SSA verifies the beneficiary is still alive. That’s one of a number of safeguards in place to prevent improper payments. After President Donald Trump’s address to Congress, in which he claimed the amount of fraudulent payments is “shocking,” SSA issued a statement to further explain its practices. Lee Dudek, acting commissioner of Social Security, said SSA regularly receives data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for individuals ...

Thawing weather means potholes galore

AAA is issuing a safety alert for Michigan drivers urging them to watch out for potholes. These concrete craters can create a safety risk on the road and wreak havoc on vehicles. “Potholes can damage your vehicle’s tires, alignment, suspension and shocks,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “So, keep an eye out for potholes and drive around them carefully. Also remember to slow down and move over for AAA tow truck operators. They will be busy helping those who hit a pothole, especially since many new cars do not come with a spare ...

Time to spring forward this Sunday

Anyone with a small child or a dog will tell you that the first few days after a time change can be difficult to navigate. Toddler’s well-tuned bedtimes are thrown into chaos, dogs have their daily routine memorized until your routine no longer matches up. Needless to say, nobody is happy. And the evidence backs that up. According to the Associated Press, Fatal car crashes temporarily jump the first few days after the spring time change, according to a study of U.S. traffic fatalities. The risk was highest in the morning, and researchers attributed it to sleep ...