Opinion

Just Another Deflection

Spectator

By Stephen Tuttle | Aug. 15, 2026

We have now decided who or what was to blame for the COVID-19 pandemic. No, it wasn’t the wet market in Wuhan, China, where it was transferred from an animal to humans. It wasn’t the Chinese lab in Wuhan that accidentally or intentionally released the virus on an unprepared public. It wasn’t some weaponized version of the virus the Chinese military concocted. No, it was none of that. The cause, you might … Read More >>

Enemies Within

Guest Opinion

By Walt Wood | Aug. 15, 2026

Since our nation’s birth, Americans have cast one another as worthy winners and hapless losers. Embracing these roles leaves millions pursuing an American Dream they will never realize. Countless automatons worship a false prophet who preaches money lust above all. How else can losers become winners in the American econosphere? Attaining financial independence is the ultimate goal, after all—any true American’s highest calling. It started at our founding with slaves, the original … Read More >>

When Safety Isn’t Safe

Guest Opinion

By Cathye Williams | Aug. 8, 2026

For several years, I’ve had the gift of this space to write about environmental issues. I’ve tried to use it to inform, and sometimes persuade, on topics that I care about. In all this time, however, I’ve never tackled the subject of Line 5. Not that I don’t care—I do, deeply—but any account I could make about the tumultuous, years-long fight to shut down an aging oil pipeline would surely fall short. … Read More >>

Often Messy

Spectator

By Stephen Tuttle | Aug. 8, 2026

The old bromide is that all politics are local. We should add that they are also often messy. Over in Leelanau County, another county administrator, their fifth since 2020, bites the dust. Jim Dyer agreed to part ways after being placed on administrative leave. The controversy involves county finances and receipts and credit cards and, honestly, it is not easy to determine the actual issues or who’s wearing the white hats and … Read More >>

Tired of Breathing?

Spectator

By Stephen Tuttle | Aug. 1, 2026

Four local politicians, who shall remain nameless because they do not deserve the attention, recently sent a letter to Ontario’s leaders demanding something be done about their wildfire smoke. The letter even suggested if they don’t, the U.S. will do it ourselves. Sigh. During the worst of our smoky days, there were a stunning 800 plus wildfires burning in Canada, including many far away from any way to access them for mitigation … Read More >>

Musical Notes

Guest Opinion

By Karen Mulvahill | Aug. 1, 2026

The first musical instrument was the human voice, and prehistoric people imitated the sounds of nature. About 35,000 years ago, the Neanderthals created a flute out of bone. Confucius thought musical knowledge was critically important, saying, “only the superior man who can understand music is equipped to govern.” Britannica says the music is “art concerned with combining vocal or instrumental sounds for beauty of form or emotional expression.” That’s the what. The … Read More >>

Support Our Region Broadly to Strengthen Our Communities

By Mercedes Bowyer | July 25, 2026

Northwest Michigan is known for its clear blue lakes, rolling dunes, thick forests, and miles of scenic shorelines. The area mixes small-town charm with ample outdoor recreation opportunities along with strong local agriculture and a robust seasonal tourism industry.  The region also celebrates civic pride and a strong sense of place and connection, which means that this place we love belongs to all of us and that we, in turn, are responsible … Read More >>

Not In Any Sense

By Stephen Tuttle | July 25, 2026

“This is a Christian nation. This is a Christian state.” That’s what Texas State Representative Brent Money posted on his social media platform back at the end of May. Rep. Money is a little weak on his history. This debate as to whether or not we are a Christian nation should have ended a very long time ago. The Treaty of Tripoli, the first ever agreed to by the new United States, … Read More >>

AI and Our Human Values

Guest Opinion

By Isiah Smith, Jr. | July 18, 2026

Whenever I sit down to write, whether it’s an essay or a text to one of my grandchildren, AI tries to intervene. Auto-correction and suggested rewrites pop up so often that I sometimes forget what I intended to say. I may not be James Baldwin or Proust, but I’ve grown accustomed to my pace, style, and intelligence (or lack thereof). The concept of intelligence is central to our idea of who we … Read More >>

Trying Something New

Spectator

By Stephen Tuttle | July 18, 2026

It has become clear at least part of the Republican mid-term election strategy is to refer to self-described progressive Democrats, or self-described democratic socialists, as communists. The alleged communists have recently unseated incumbent Democratic members of Congress in primary elections in New York, Washington, D.C., Seattle, and Denver. It’s not a huge gain by their movement but, buoyed by young, disaffected voters and angry traditional liberals, they are making progress. What do … Read More >>