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Michael Waters

    Latest articles by Michael Waters

    “King-Lee Day” and other ways states bend MLK’s legacy
    Politics

    How can some places use the federal holiday to honor “human rights” and Confederate generals — and not the civil rights leader?

    By Michael Waters
    Hundreds of wacky, obsolete laws still exist. Why don’t more states remove them?
    Politics

    Historical statues about runaway pigs, pinball machines and obscene bumper stickers are still occasionally enforced. Here’s why they stay on the books.

    By Michael Waters
    Policy
    Prop 65 was meant to protect Californians from toxic water. How did warning stickers end up on everything?Prop 65 was meant to protect Californians from toxic water. How did warning stickers end up on everything?
    Policy

    A local law has meant cancer warnings adorn everything from bikinis and faux leather jackets to certain foods and, for a while, coffee.

    By Michael Waters
    Money
    Paper napkins are expensive and environmentally unsound. Now the industry is trying to save itself.Paper napkins are expensive and environmentally unsound. Now the industry is trying to save itself.
    Money

    With competition from the paper towel, napkins are fighting to survive.

    By Michael Waters
    Money
    The smart diaper is coming. Who actually wants it?The smart diaper is coming. Who actually wants it?
    Money

    Huggies launched diapers that monitor your baby’s poop and pee in Korea. Next up: the US?

    By Michael Waters