Guest Commentary
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Articles
Opinion | When doctors don’t do their homework, they enable opioid abuse
To reduce drug abuse, a new law requires doctors to check a patient’s drug history on a state database before prescribing dangerous narcotics. But the law only works if doctors follow it.
Special education funding falls more heavily on urban school districts
While the state requires special education services for eligible students, it only funds a portion of the overall costs.
Jail official: State funding for mental health will reduce crime and save money
A pilot program in Monroe County helps jail inmates take control of their mental health, making them less likely to reoffend when they get out.
Michigan leaders have tunnel vision on Line 5
Gov. Snyder and the state are not fulfilling their duty to residents to find alternatives to the Enbridge pipeline that flows under the Straits of Mackinac
Gov. Snyder betrays Michigan with foolish Line 5 deal
Residents have made it clear: The oil pipeline should be decommissioned. So why isn’t the governor listening?
Eliminating the scourge of fraternity hazing in Michigan
Hazing, alcohol and sexual abuse at the University of Michigan, Ohio State and other college campuses threaten young lives, and the future of the Greek system.
Michigan’s ballast water restriction in Great Lakes hasn’t worked
The state law, meant to keep out invasive species, doesn’t work because no other lake states follow it. That means ships now bypass Michigan for ports in other states, hurting our businesses and economy.
Prosecution of Michigan health officials fueled by fear
Nick Lyon and Eden Wells are public servants of integrity; their prosecution creates the suggestion of scapegoating.
Michigan hunters don’t need more deer
An overabundance of deer causes thousands of car crashes and millions of dollars in crop damage annually. Yet the state DNR keeps pushing for more deer, which serves hunters at the expense of the general public.
Waste in the water ‒ why Michigan needs a state septic code
Roughly half of Michigan’s rivers and streams exceed safety standards for E. coli bacteria, yet we are the only state without a uniform septic code.
Wayne State launches Innovation Hub to speed entrepreneurial growth
The program, launching Nov. 15, is intended to help students and faculty in all academic fields seize the opportunity to innovate.
When Lansing writes laws based on emotion, rather than facts
The author predicted back in 2011 that a law passed to regulate beer kegs would not reduce underage drinking. It didn’t. How did she know? The evidence was right in front of lawmakers, had they cared to look.
Stop Michigan DNR from doubling bag limit on brook trout
A state commission is voting this week on whether to double the daily catch limit from 5 to 10, despite research showing it would deplete Michigan streams and go against the wishes of anglers.
Fixing fake news is on all of us
Like so much in life, it’s easier to believe ‒ and click on ‒ what fits our own worldview. Here are some tips on identifying less credible news stories that flit across your news feed.
Lansing dozes as infrastructure crumbles
Michigan routinely chooses to react to crisis after crisis instead of properly funding infrastructure systems that keep our communities safe
We can’t solve healthcare without an honest debate on government’s role
In America, we’ve never really answered the core issue about who should pay for health care and why. Is healthcare a product driven by markets? Or a social good for the benefit of all?
Michigan’s future at stake in fixing public education
We know how to improve our public schools; the governor’s education commission and numerous studies provide the blueprint. What we need from state leaders is the political will.
Yes, Michigan’s schools are failing. But don’t blame it on parents.
The author takes a State Board of Education member to task for denying that our public schools are in crisis, and cites three policy changes that can boost learning in Michigan.
Take your college ranking guide and burn it
Unless you happen to live next to a college ranking guide, the list you just paid for was put together by someone who knows absolutely nothing about your child
Now is the time for Michigan high school seniors to pursue college dreams
Getting students focused on a path that excites and inspires them will help prepare them for postsecondary success and a fulfilling career.