Opinion

Hegseth’s vaccine policy backfires with flu outbreak

An influenza outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas has sickened almost 160 people in the past few weeks and might have even killed one person going through basic training. If it wasn’t already clear why Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s decision to eliminate the military’s universal flu vaccine mandate was an exceptionally bad idea, it should be now. Hegseth announced the policy change in April, and since then, fewer than half of Air Force trainees have opted to get the shot. The vaccine does not provide perfect protection, but it reduces infections, lessens the severity for ...

What Iran really thinks

President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance spent most of last week trying to convince Americans the “Memo of Understanding” with Iran is a good deal for the United States and world peace. That’s not what Iran believes. Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of the founder of the Islamic ...

Almanac for June 24, 2026

Today is Wednesday, June 24, the 175th day of 2026. There are 190 days left in the year. Today in history: In 1983, the space shuttle Challenger — carrying America’s first woman in space, Sally Ride — coasted to a safe landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Also on this date: In 1509, Henry VIII was crowned king of England; his wife, Catherine of Aragon, was crowned queen consort. In 1812, French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte’s Grande Armee began crossing the Niemen River, embarking on a campaign to invade Russia. (Napoleon’s forces would enter Moscow in early ...

Trump administration can resume speedy deportations

A federal appeals court Tuesday allowed the Trump administration to resume carrying out speedy deportations of undocumented migrants throughout the United States, not just near the border. A divided three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit threw out ...

Teens play an important role in region’s workforce

About 252,500 Michiganders ages 16 to 19 are expected to participate in the labor market this summer, with more than 207,000 projected to be employed, according to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget. Industries employing the teens include retail, hospitality, food service and recreation, among others. Employers have an opportunity to do more than fill seasonal positions, Susan Corbin, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, says in a news release. By creating meaningful early career opportunities for young workers, employers ...

Editorial cartoon for June 24, 2026