Opinion

Students warned against relying on energy drinks

While it’s still too early to pull all-nighters for studying, students heading back to classes at all levels may be tempted to seek an “energy drink” to manage the shift to early mornings, homework, athletics and busy afterschool schedules. But experts with Aspirus Health caution that energy drinks are not a safe or healthy way for children and teens to stay alert. Energy drinks often contain high levels of caffeine, added sugars and other stimulants that can affect sleep, mood, hydration and heart health. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends adolescents avoid energy ...

Almanac for Aug. 25, 2026

Today is Tuesday, Aug. 25, the 237th day of 2026. There are 128 days left in the year. Today in history: In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Park Service Organic Act, establishing the National Park Service as an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior to maintain the country’s natural and historic wonders and “leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” Also on this date: In 1875, Matthew Webb became the first person to swim across the English Channel, crossing from Dover, England, to Calais, France, in under 22 hours. In 1928, an ...

Todd Blanche’s one promise: Dishonesty

Todd Blanche was Donald Trump’s personal attorney, so it was natural that when he was elevated to attorney general, a journalist asked whether he would “pledge that the Justice Department will always act independently of the White House?” The correct answer to such a question is ...

Editorial cartoon for Aug. 24, 2026

ICE wants our emails

When a government agency comes to an internet service provider demanding information about Americans because of what they have said on social media, the provider should discard the demand, close the door or hang up the phone. The government is not entitled to rummage through the political ...

The complete recall totals

There has been much discussion with respect to the Dickinson County Board recall effort falling short. I would like to present the entire picture with respect to signatures. There were 691 recall signatures presented to the clerk’s office for board Chairman Dan Harrington. This was 15% more signatures than needed. What happen with these extra signatures? One was removed due to the signer entering their birthdate instead of the date signed (understandable). Ten more were removed due to five individuals signing twice. Why both the duplicate and original signatures were removed, I do ...