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Editorial

Policy is driving the rising ACA premiums

If it wasn’t obvious before that the famous bill passed to make health care more affordable has done anything but, it should be now: Individual plans on the Affordable Care Act exchanges are projected to spike by about 14 percent in 2027, according to recent insurer filings. The ACA imposed a wide array of mandates on health insurance. Those mandates are expensive. To make up for the increase in costs, the ACA distributes subsidies so consumers don’t feel the impact of the increase. Many of these subsidies are “advance” subsidies that go directly from the federal government to ...

Brush up on Great Lakes beach safety

With this week predicted to be a scorcher — potentially reaching 100 today and in the 90s through Wednesday before settling back into just the 80s — the temptation will grow to cool off by taking to the water. If plans includes a visit to one of the Great Lakes in our region, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has some advice on staying safe while enjoying an outing at the beach. “Remember the Great Lakes are large, powerful systems that hold more than 20% of the world’s fresh water. Strong currents can catch even the most experienced swimmer off guard,” the DNR ...

Summer heat requires strategy, common sense when it comes to vehicles, kids

The recent spate of blistering hot temperatures has the folks at AAA of Michigan offering tips to keep children and pets safe during what is expected to be the hottest weather so far this summer season. And for good reason. From 1998 to 2020, 1,041 children died from heatstroke in hot cars according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Similar statistics are unavailable for pets. AAA-The Auto Club Group suggest the following safety tips: • Don’t leave them alone, not even for a minute: Never leave children unattended in a vehicle – even if the windows are open ...

Michigan police to step up speed enforcement in July

Drivers should keep an eye on the speedometer this month and perhaps ease up on that gas pedal, as police agencies across Michigan will be watching for those exceeding the speed limit. To encourage safer travel this summer, the Michigan State Police, along with local and county police agencies, will carry out focused speed-enforcement patrols throughout July. Speeding is a leading and persistent contributor to deadly traffic crashes, MSP states in a news release. Drivers who choose to exceed safe speeds dramatically raise the risk of catastrophic collisions, endangering passengers, ...

State Adopt-A-Highway crews to do roadside cleanup this month

It’s again time for groups of volunteers to walk along Michigan’s highways, graciously picking up the trash and other discarded items thoughtlessly left behind by others. Beginning Saturday, motorists should be on the lookout for bright yellow-green vests as Adopt-A-Highway volunteers fan out across Michigan for the second of three scheduled collections in 2026. The statewide pickup will continue through Sunday, July 19. Adopt-A-Highway is a Michigan Department of Transportation program designed to help keep the state’s roadsides and ditches clean and attractive. Participants ...

Candidates advised of rules for political sign placements

During this election season, the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Dickinson County Road Commission remind all candidates that campaign signs can interfere with motorist and pedestrian vision along streets and highways. Signage at intersections and other places in the right-of-way can also be problematic for maintenance operations. Candidates are advised of MDOT’s sign placement criteria: — Political candidates are responsible for obtaining approval from the adjacent property owner to place the signs. — Signs must be more than 30 feet from the edge of the roadway ...