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Maybe it’s the skeptic in me, but Paul Eisenstein’s story on autonomous vehicles��brought to mind a Russian proverb that President Ronald Reagan was fond of using when talking about nuclear disarmament: “Trust, but verify.”

We rely quite a bit on experts and science. My doctor certainly knows more than I do about health issues, and technology helps keep us safe in instances such as air traffic control. But the thought of totally driverless vehicles makes me a tad nervous. After all, if we can’t count on automated paper dispensers in public restrooms to work all the time, can we trust our cars to do the same?

I’m also torn about genetic editing.��I understand its potential to eliminate maladies like hypertension, cystic fibrosis, and more. But what if the wrong gene gets edited? And who makes sure unauthorized experiments don’t take place?

Another topic that isn’t always top of mind is our infrastructure. We rightly focus on Enbridge and its Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac, but water supply issues can hit even closer to home. Check out Sydnee Thompson’s piece on municipal rights (or lack thereof) to determine where drilling can take place. It reminds us of the old adage: “all politics is local,” and why voting for representatives who understand these issues should be top of mind.

Speaking of having a political say, check out Associate Editor Lou Blouin’s profile on Abdul El-Sayed��to see why his run for governor of Michigan may not be such a long-shot after all.

Now that we’ve chewed the fat on a few of the heavier issues, let’s also take time to savor the culinary brilliance taking place at Takoi, check in on musician Jill Jack, and enjoy a bit of metallic art and fashion.