Editorials

Of course premiums for ACA plans are rising

If it wasn’t obvious before that the famous bill passed to make health care more affordable has done anything but, it should be now: Individual plans on the Affordable Care Act exchanges are projected to spike by about 14% in 2027, according to recent insurer filings. The ACA imposed a wide array of mandates on health insurance. Those mandates are expensive. To make up for the increase in costs, the ACA distributes subsidies so consumers don’t feel the impact of the increase. Many of these subsidies are “advance” subsidies that go directly from the federal government to ...

Editorial cartoon for July 15, 2026

Editorial cartoon for July 14, 2026

Brush up on Great Lakes beach safety

With this week predicted to be a scorcher — potentially reaching 100 today and in the 90s through Wednesday before settling back into just the 80s — the temptation will grow to cool off by taking to the water. If plans includes a visit to one of the Great Lakes in our region, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has some advice on staying safe while enjoying an outing at the beach. “Remember the Great Lakes are large, powerful systems that hold more than 20% of the world’s fresh water. Strong currents can catch even the most experienced swimmer off guard,” the DNR ...

Editorial cartoon for July 13, 2026

More praise for Dr. Don Jacobs

My parents were patients of Dr. Jacobs. He was so kind to them. My parents appreciated his common sense. He was always available to them when they needed his medical advice. He serve our community well. Thank you, Dr. Jacobs. — Patti Ebertsch, daughter of the late Archie and Greta Betti I wanted to add how wonderful Dr. Jacobs has been to me and my family. Dr. Jacobs was our family doctor for over 50 years and cared for multiple generations of our family with remarkable compassion, skill, and dedication. He is the kind of physician who made home visits when they were needed, ...