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Operation Ghost Rider to focus on distracted driving

While National Distracted Driving Awareness Month concludes in April, Michigan officials in May will continue to reinforce the message that staying focused behind the wheel saves lives. To protect drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians alike, law enforcement across the state plan to step up efforts over the next month to combat distracted driving. They are taking part in Operation Ghost Rider, an initiative aimed at reducing injuries and fatalities caused by distracted driving. With an increase in handheld device use among drivers on Michigan roadways, law enforcement ...

Leonard exit from race should be cautionary tale

Many Upper Peninsula residents are only vaguely familiar with former Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Leonard, who suddenly halted his campaign late last week. Of course, Leonard had some degree of name recognition going in given his time as a state representative from Clinton and Gratiot counties. He also served as speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives. But he was still struggling to put himself on the front burner of Republican politics in the mostly conservative Upper Peninsula when he stepped away from the race. Why? Because, in his own words, he is weary of the ...

State launches youth initiative during Workplace Rights Week

Did you know workers younger than age 18 cannot do several potentially dangerous tasks on the job, such as operate some power-driven machines, use a meat slicer, handle certain hazardous chemicals or operate certain heavy equipment? The state is emphasizing that and additional information for minors on the job as part of its new Youth Workers’ Rights Initiative that aims to provide young Michiganders with the knowledge and confidence they need to enter the workforce safely, fairly and successfully. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity launched the initiative to ...