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Students warned against relying on energy drinks

While it’s still too early to pull all-nighters for studying, students heading back to classes at all levels may be tempted to seek an “energy drink” to manage the shift to early mornings, homework, athletics and busy afterschool schedules. But experts with Aspirus Health caution that energy drinks are not a safe or healthy way for children and teens to stay alert. Energy drinks often contain high levels of caffeine, added sugars and other stimulants that can affect sleep, mood, hydration and heart health. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends adolescents avoid energy ...

States stress need for vaccines as children return to schools

As several area school districts start classes this week, there’s been some recent disquieting developments concerning childhood vaccinations. The Associated Press reported a week ago that U.S. kindergarten vaccination rates inched down again last year and the share of children with exemptions rose to an all-time high, according to federal data. The fraction of kids exempted from vaccine requirements reached 4.2%, up from 3.6% the year before. That’s an estimated 155,000 children nationally during the 2025-2026 school year, according to AP. It’s the fourth consecutive year ...

Let voters decide Cambensy’s candidacy

We are pleased that the Michigan Board of Canvassers has seen fit to approve the petitions submitted by Sara Cambensy to appear on the November ballot as an independent candidate for the state Senate. The decision Monday reflected a staff recommendation from the previous week. The state board, in effect, sent Cambensy’s candidacy for the 38th state Senate district to the voters to decide. In our opinion, that’s exactly who should decide. All of this can trace its roots — publicly, at least — to local resident Linda Donckers, who submitted a challenge to Cambensy’s candidacy ...