Opinion

Almanac for Aug. 3, 2026

Today is Monday, Aug. 3, the 215th day of 2026. There are 150 days left in the year. Today in history: In 2019, a gunman opened fire at a Walmart store in El Paso, Texas, resulting in the deaths of 23 people; after surrendering, the gunman told detectives he targeted “Mexicans” and had outlined the plot in a screed published online shortly before the attack. Also on this date: In 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail from Palos, Spain, on his first voyage that took him to the present-day Americas. In 1852, in America’s first intercollegiate sporting event, Harvard rowed past ...

Almanac for Aug. 1, 2026

Today is Saturday, Aug. 1, the 213th day of 2026. There are 152 days left in the year. Today in history: In 1981, MTV began its American broadcast; the first music video aired on the new cable TV network was “Video Killed the Radio Star,” by The Buggles. Also on this date: In 1876, Colorado was admitted as the 38th state in the Union, less than a month after the U.S. Centennial (earning it the nickname “the Centennial State”). In 1907, a week-long boys’ camping event began on Brownsea Island in southern England, organized by Robert Baden-Powell; the event is now marked as ...

Editorial cartoon for Aug. 1, 2026

Trump says IRS anti-weaponization fund ‘dead’ even as he defends it

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday that his $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund is “dead” while also continuing to defend it, further complicating his administration’s negotiations with two Republican senators who are blocking his attorney general nominee in ...

Turnout appreciated at Dr. Jacobs’ celebration

BOUQUET Sunday’s celebration for Dr. Donald Jacobs at Pine Grove Country Club in Iron Mountain was a terrific success. It was heartwarming to see how many people attended! My parents, Don and Sally Jacobs, were so touched. Thank you to the community for turning out and to those who helped organize the event, in particular Dr. John Loewen and Perry Jacobs. The speakers and resolutions honoring him — from the state, from the University of Michigan, from the Iron Mountain City Council, from St. Mary’s Orthodox Church and Wildlife Unlimited, plus others — were much appreciated. On ...

Dr. Jacobs says thanks for community support

BOUQUET To my friends, family and partners in health care and community service — Thank you for allowing me to serve you as your physician the past 66 years. It was always my dream to return to the area of the Upper Peninsula. Caring for you and your families has been the greatest privilege of my profession. I’m grateful for the trust and confidence you placed in me to be a part of your lives. To my colleagues and medical staff with whom I’ve had the honor to work with — thank you for your partnership, support, and friendship throughout our time together. I’m ...