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Editorial

Protect yourself, family: Get your flu vaccine today

As flu season returns to Michigan, residents are being urged to get their annual flu vaccinations to protect themselves, their families and their communities. Declining vaccination rates across the state have become a growing public health concern, leaving more people vulnerable to serious illness, hospitalization and even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 42% of Michigan residents ages 6 months and older received a flu vaccine during the 2024–25 flu season. This means that fewer than half of eligible residents were vaccinated, ...

IRS offers cybersecurity steps to protect tax data

The Internal Revenue Service encourages taxpayers to take simple steps to strengthen online security during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which highlights the role everyone can play in protecting personal, financial and tax information from identity thieves and scammers. "Criminals continue to look for new ways to steal taxpayer information and exploit trusted partnerships," IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano said in a news release. "Taxpayers and tax professionals can help protect sensitive information and strengthen the security of the tax system by making cybersecurity ...

Doctor: Breast cancer rates rising among younger women

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Aspirus Health Care experts are warning that more women in their 20s, 30s and 40s are being diagnosed with breast cancer, reflecting a national trend that researchers are working to better understand. While breast cancer remains most common among older women, studies show rates are increasing among younger women, particularly those younger than 50. Researchers believe the trend is likely linked to several factors rather than a single cause, according to an Aspirus news release. Dr. Andrew Huang, radiation oncologist for Aspirus Cancer Care and ...

Approval of labor contract is step in right direction

The approval of a one-year labor contract between the university and Local UAW 2178, which represents the university’s Administrative Professional union, is a positive step toward supporting employees and maintaining a productive workplace. Following union ratification on Sept. 30, the agreement, effective Oct. 1, demonstrates the value of cooperation and compromise between university leadership and its employees. The contract includes a 2 percent increase in annual base wages and a one-time payment equal to 1 percent of base wages. While these increases may not resolve every ...

Give your e-waste a responsible second life

Electronic devices have become an essential part of everyday life, but disposing of them when they are no longer useful requires more thought than simply tossing them in the trash. Computers, televisions, phones and other electronics can contain harmful materials that do not belong in regular landfills. That is why local residents should take advantage of an upcoming e-waste collection in Harvey and give their unwanted electronics a safer, more responsible destination. The collection will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Ojibwa Casino, 105 Acre Trail, in Harvey. Supported ...

Tips to avoid scams during Medicare Open Enrollment

Older adults should be on the lookout this time of year for scams and high-pressure sales tactics during the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period, which starts Thursday and extends through Dec. 7, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services advised. "The Medicare Open Enrollment period is an important time for Michigan older adults to review their health insurance and prescription drug coverage options," DIFS Director Anita Fox said in a news release. "Unfortunately, it also opens the door for bad actors who may ...