Editorials

US-Saudi nuclear agreement further erodes safeguards

Even as he threatened to escalate an unlawful war sold in part as preventing Iran from gaining a nuclear weapon, Donald Trump opened the door to proliferation in the region when the U.S. announced it had signed a deal with Saudi Arabia that would potentially allow the kingdom to enrich uranium in future and to avoid the fullest inspection rights for the international watchdog. Experts have long warned that a civilian nuclear programme could create a path towards a nuclear-armed Riyadh. Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi crown prince and de facto leader, has said that if Tehran gets a ...

Editorial cartoon for Aug. 3, 2026

Dr. Jacobs says thanks for community support

BOUQUET To my friends, family and partners in health care and community service — Thank you for allowing me to serve you as your physician the past 66 years. It was always my dream to return to the area of the Upper Peninsula. Caring for you and your families has been the greatest privilege of my profession. I’m grateful for the trust and confidence you placed in me to be a part of your lives. To my colleagues and medical staff with whom I’ve had the honor to work with — thank you for your partnership, support, and friendship throughout our time together. I’m ...

Turnout appreciated at Dr. Jacobs’ celebration

BOUQUET Sunday’s celebration for Dr. Donald Jacobs at Pine Grove Country Club in Iron Mountain was a terrific success. It was heartwarming to see how many people attended! My parents, Don and Sally Jacobs, were so touched. Thank you to the community for turning out and to those who helped organize the event, in particular Dr. John Loewen and Perry Jacobs. The speakers and resolutions honoring him — from the state, from the University of Michigan, from the Iron Mountain City Council, from St. Mary’s Orthodox Church and Wildlife Unlimited, plus others — were much appreciated. On ...

Editorial cartoon for Aug. 1, 2026

Families urged to vaccinate before the school year starts

With Michigan classrooms set to reopen in a matter of weeks, doctors and public health leaders Thursday urged parents to check their children’s immunization records and catch up on any missed vaccines before the first day of school. The call comes as the U.S. logs its worst measles year in 35 years, and as vaccine-preventable diseases such as whooping cough and chickenpox continue to circulate in the state, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports in a news release. As of July 22, the U.S. had recorded 2,321 measles cases nationwide, according to the Johns ...