Public News Service

An emergency order in Michigan bars lactating cattle from being displayed until the state passes 60 days with no new dairy farm detections. (Chanidapha)

Monday, May 6, 2024

Emergency avian flu safety guidelines begin this week in Michigan

Michigan farmers are responding to the new Avian Flu "Extraordinary Emergency" order from MDARD, Michigan's Department of Agriculture and Rural …

The Center for Responsible Lending has reported 70% of payday loan borrowers take out a new loan the day they pay off another loan and nearly 75% of the revenue earned by payday lenders comes from borrowers who take out 10 or more loans per year.(jetcityimage/adobe stock)

Michigan lawmakers target predatory loan companies

Michigan legislators are tackling predatory lending practices, aiming to set standards for payday loans and maximum interest rates. In Kent County …

About 6,000 Michigan short-term rental hosts earned roughly $146 million in 2021. (Tada Images/Adobe Stock)

MI short-term rental owners may face new long-term costs

Proposed regulations in Michigan could have a major impact on the state's tourism industry. The series of 10 bills introduced by House Democrats …

The Fermi II nuclear plant suddenly shut down over the weekend as workers prepared for refueling. Advocates argue that EGLE hasn't adequately engaged with the public before issuing permits for the facility about its release of wastewater. (Adobe Stock)

MI groups demand more public input in EGLE decisions

Michigan U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib - D-Dearborn - is among the advocates urging Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to more …

Motor vehicle emissions contribute to ozone, particulate matter and air toxics, which are linked with premature death and other serious health impacts, including respiratory illness, cardiovascular problems and cancer. (rh2010/Adobe Stock)

EPA offers longer rollout for emissions rules on light-duty vehicles

The Environmental Protection Agency is setting stricter limits on vehicle tailpipe emissions through 2032 and giving automakers an additional three ye…

The funding increase for community health centers also helps alleviate some of the burdens caused by threats to 340B, the low-cost prescription drug program. A Merck study finds 90% of older adults regularly take at least one prescription drug. (220 Selfmade Studio/Adobe Stock)

MI seniors applaud community health center funding increase

Older adults across Michigan and around the country are applauding a boost in funding for community health centers, thanks to Congress passing a …

States including California and Illinois have passed mental health legislation similar to what Michigan is now considering, without seeing increases to insurance premiums. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

MI legislators push for mental-health care access

A House bill aimed at increasing access to mental health care in Michigan could go to a vote on the House floor at any time. Rep. Felicia Brabec…

According to the EPA, most EVs can be charged with a standard 120-volt (Level 1) outlet. To charge them more quickly, you can install a dedicated 240-volt (Level 2). (Mike Mareen/Adobe Stock)

Report: EV puts money back into Michigan drivers' pockets

Michigan is seeing growth in new electric-vehicle market share, and EV enthusiasts say lower prices are just part of their appeal. The latest …

One fifth of four-year college graduates complete their education later in life, according to a new report by the National Bureau of Economic Research. (moodboard/Adobe Stock)

A surprising number of Michigan college graduates are 'late bloomers'

When you think of college students, you may think of young adults starting out in life but a new report is pointing to a different trend. More older …

The $80.1 million investments from the U.S. Department of Agriculture are part of President Joe Biden's commitment to advance equity for people who have been historically underserved and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality. (ysbrandcosijn/Adobe Stock)

USDA funds 28 housing units in Michigan's Alpena County

Braving the week's icy conditions, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and several members of the Legislature highlighted the state's housing crisis at …

View from underneath of the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. (ehrlif/Adobe Stock)

New Year brings renewed concerns over Great Lakes Line 5 project

The New Year brings a chorus of familiar concerns about the risks of building a 21-foot diameter tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac for oil and gas …

The Department of Energy is revoking $37 million previously awarded to Ohio's six-turbine Icebreaker wind project, which has been in the works since 2009. (Adobe Stock)

Michigan and Great Lakes slow offshore wind collection

Offshore wind development in the Great Lakes region has had a turbulent history and faced many challenges. Initially considered a promising location …

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, reintroduced what is known as the

Small farms, ranches hope for better treatment in new Farm Bill

Congress passed a one-year extension of the current Farm Bill, which means the debate over a new bill will continue well into 2024. Advocacy groups …

The majority of adults, some 83%, believe online retailers should be required to provide country of origin labeling, up from 79% in 2022. (Maksym Yemelyanov/Adobe Stock)

Black Friday and holiday shopping made in America

While you're out to find Black Friday and holiday shopping deals today, many "Made in America" items may be on your preferred list. A new poll by …

Around 29.6% of nursing homes are experiencing staff shortages in Michigan. Paid leave means families can provide care for their aging relatives at home. MLPP says this could reduce nursing home use and may increase recruitment and retention of staff. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

Paid Family Leave up for vote in MI; advocates say it's long overdue

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has asked Michigan lawmakers to give all workers in the state some "breathing room" by creating a new program to offer them …

AARP's Fraud Watch Network has a list of current scams and how to recognize and avoid common scams, including videos breaking down how scams work. (Adobe Stock)

Scams, fraud take mental-health toll, especially on older adults

Scams and fraud have long-lasting effects on a person's mental well-being, but the latest research found the emotional toll is particularly high on …

House Bill 4945 and House Bill 4946, sponsored by state Sen. Stephanie Chang, D-Detroit, were voted out of the Michigan Senate Judiciary Committee last week. (Adobe Stock)

MI lawmakers debate tougher gun laws for domestic violence convictions

Michigan state lawmakers are moving closer to restricting gun ownership for more people who have been convicted of domestic violence. The House …

The cannabis chemistry certificate can lead to occupations such as medical lab scientist and other specialization. Wayne State University says it can serve as a solid foundation for further training and coursework. (Sharne T/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

MI students get ahead of emerging science in cannabis

Cannabis is an emerging science in which students can make new discoveries and contributions. Wayne State University in Michigan has introduced an …

Michigan is among 20 states to receive a multiyear grant from the Pritzker Children's Initiative. (SneakyPeakPoints/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

MI coalition helps get cash influx to improve childcare

The coalition known as "Think Babies Michigan" has advocated for more than $36 million in funding to offer grants to child-care providers for infants …

Water Equals Life is a coalition of water justice advocates, environmental groups and social justice groups who have come together in a statewide campaign to ensure everyone's basic human need for access to clean, safe, and affordable water is met, regardless of income. (Bovart/Adobe Stock)

Michigan Residents Pay Among Highest Water Bills in U.S.

Michigan water rates have surged more than 40% since 2010, and it is a trend that's expected to continue as cities and utilities work to upgrade …

Some 70% of Michigan residents are either currently providing care or have provided care in the past for an adult relative or friend. (Studio Romantic/Adobe Stock)

Michigan Adults Strive to Stay Mentally Sharp as They Age

AARP Michigan's Vital Voices survey results are in, and more than 700 Michigan adults 45 and older say they are most concerned with staying mentally …

Tesla, Chevrolet, Ford and Hyundai are the top four sellers of EVs in the United States. Chevrolet and Ford make theirs in Michigan. (uhdenis/Adobe Stock)

MI Makes Electric Vehicles. Are Michiganders Buying Them?

New car prices are dropping, with electric vehicle price tags leading the way. Will more drivers in Michigan decide to buy? Supply chain issues and …

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, grocery prices were 4.7% higher in June than they were at the same time last year. (Voyagerix/Adobe Stock)

MI, Feds to Investigate Possible Food Price Gouging

Attorneys general from more than 30 states, including Michigan, just announced a bipartisan effort to bring down costs and create more choices at the …

Mexico and Canada are the largest importers of meat into the United States, but other countries such as Brazil, Australia and Japan sell significant amounts of beef, pork and lamb here, as well. (Grecaud Paul/Adobe Stock)

USDA Proposes New Rules on Who Can Use 'Product of USA' Labels

A proposal by the U.S. Department of Agriculture would change the rules on what foods can be labeled "Product of USA." Current regulations allow …

Problem gambling experts say commercials for sports-betting apps often portray the activity as a fun, social event, with not enough information about the potential risks. (wpadington/Adobe Stock)<br />

Expert: Use Common Sense Making Online Super Bowl Wagers

The Super Bowl is on this weekend, and people ready to try sports-betting apps will no doubt want to get in on the action. Online sports betting is …

Research shows that cooking with natural gas can emit toxic fumes such as methane and nitrogen dioxide into the home and the atmosphere. (malkovkosta/Adobe Stock)

Consumer Warning on Gas Stove Emissions Sparks Controversy

The health risks associated with gas-burning stoves have caused a recent stir and fears of a government ban on the appliances, but a Michigan …

According to AARP Michigan, six out of 10 senior voters are concerned they may not be able to afford the cost of a needed prescription medication. (Stock Footage Inc./Adobe Stock)

Michigan Seniors Call for More Government Action to Lower Drug Costs

A new report found three of four Michigan voters 50 and older take one or more prescription drugs on a regular basis, but many find it difficult or …

DTE Energy plans to switch its Belle River plant (above) from coal to fossil fuel in 2025 but could keep the facility in operation past the state's emissions deadline until 2040. (FracTrack Alliance/Flickr)

Activists: DTE Plan Won't Meet MI Renewable-Energy Goals

Michigan regulators have set long-term emission-reduction targets for the state's power utilities, but clean-energy advocates are concerned that one …

A new report on the cost of water bills estimates that 6.7% of Michigan consumers, or 668,000 residents, pay more for water than they can afford. (motiontion/Adobe Stock)

Report Urges Water-Affordability Strategy to Help Low-Income Michiganders

Residential water rates in Michigan are soaring, with an estimated one out of ten households without access to or unable to afford clean water…

A study by the Healthcare Cost Institute found the average price of insulin has nearly doubled since 2012. (neirfy/Adobe stock)

New Programs Bring Help for Diabetics Struggling to Afford Insulin

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and more than 900,000 Michiganders have been diagnosed with the disease, according to the American …

The Old Farmer's Almanac is predicting record-breaking winter temperatures and warns Michiganders to get ready to

Forecast: Cold, Snowy Winter Could Hit Michiganders in Their Wallets

Forecasters are predicting extreme cold and wet weather for Michigan and the upper Midwest this winter, and experts warn that high energy bills could …

Access to broadband internet can bring students higher grades, make older adults less isolated, keep nursing home residents out of the hospital, and increase revenues for small businesses, according to the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office. (a_korn/Adobe Stock)

Partnership Connects Struggling MI Families with Low-Cost Broadband

Broadband internet has become a necessity for Americans to stay connected, but almost 1 million Michigan residents do not have access or face …

The energy industry reports a transition to 100% electric vehicle sales and a clean electricity grid by 2035 could save consumers $2.7 trillion. (Herr Loeffler/Adobe Stock)

Energy Companies Developing Infrastructure, Grid to Power Electric Vehicles

For some time, electric vehicles have been seen as the wave of the future, but developments in Detroit, Stuttgart, and Nagoya suggest tomorrow has …

In a recent poll, 51% of Michigan voters said they have skipped or delayed getting the health care they need because they are concerned about how much it will cost. (Damir Khabirov/AdobeStock)

Michiganders: Out-of-Pocket Health-Care Costs Devastating Family Budgets

Congress is considering a major legislative package which could affect not only investments in climate change, but the affordability of health care…

One of the Consumers Energy goals is to tap 8,000 megawatts of solar power by 2040. (Adobe Stock)

MI's Largest Utility Plans to Close Coal Plants by 2025

Regulators have approved a plan from Michigan's largest utility to stop burning coal to generate energy by 2025. Consumers Energy aims to get more …

Nearly 40% of Michigan households include at least one member over age 60. (eggeggjiew/Adobe Stock)

Online Platform Helps Older Michiganders Get Connected, Socialize

More than 40% of older Michiganders live alone, and studies show the pandemic has exacerbated loneliness for many. The State of Michigan has renewed …

About 45% of Wayne State University recent graduates started their education at other institutions. (llhedgehodll/Adobe Stock)

Wayne State Changes Transfer Credit Policy to Increase Access

A university in Michigan is seeking to make it easier for folks to obtain a bachelor's degree after attending community college, by removing barriers …

Court documents show that the estimated increase to gas prices from a shutdown of the Line 5 pipelines is about half a penny a gallon. (Jim Glab/Adobe Stock)

Report: Shutting Down Line 5 Would Increase Gas Prices Half a Penny

New court documents in Michigan show that shutting down the Line 5 pipelines, which run under the Straits of Mackinac, would have a negligible impact …

The utility company Consumers Energy has a program to reward consumers who charge electric vehicles during off-peak hours. (TheSupporter/Adobe Stock)

EV Business Leaders Highlight MI Infrastructure, Innovation Progress

Electric vehicle (EV) industry leaders in Michigan are touting the state's progress toward electrifying the transportation sector and improving infras…

Baby formula out-of-stock rates jumped from 30% to 40% over the course of April. (279photo/Adobe Stock)

Baby Formula Shortage Hits Low-Income, Rural Communities Hard

The baby-formula shortage is hitting Michigan families hard, especially those who live in rural areas, are low-income or have kids with digestive or …

Experts say the earlier, the better when it comes to building financial skills such as saving, borrowing and investment. (BullRun/Adobe Stock)

MI Lawmaker, Credit Unions: Youth Need Financial Education

A bill before the Michigan Legislature would bring financial education into the state's public schools, by requiring high school students to take a …

Students who are forced to delay their college plans are less likely to complete that degree, and the pandemic has had an outsized impact on college-going rates for Black and Latino students. (Lisa F. Young/Adobe Stock)

Report Cites COVID's Outsized Impact on Black, Latino College Plans

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an outsized impact on Black and Latino communities in Michigan, including when it comes to college plans. A new report …

Eliminating a burdensome retirement-benefit pre-funding requirement could save the U.S. Postal Service $5.65 billion per year. (Bumble Dee/Adobe Stock)

MI Workers: USPS Reform Bill Would Create Opportunity for Postal Banking

Congress has passed a bill to help shore up the U.S. Postal Service, and it's now on to President Joe Biden for a signature. The bill puts six-day-a-…

Gas prices have risen sharply over the last year, making a dent on many folks' heating bills. (SkyLine/Adobe Stock)

Utilities: Don't Wait to Seek Heating Help During Cold Winter Months

With Michigan receiving more federal funding for home heating assistance, utility companies are also chipping in to help people stay warm this winter…

Around 34% of respondents to an AARP survey have received a fake notification about a shipping issue. (terovesalainin/Adobe Stock)

Groups Warn Michiganders to Beware Possible Holiday Scams

LANSING, Mich. -- Consumer advocates are warning Michigan residents to be on the lookout for possible scams this holiday season. They say some people …

Winds of more than 55 miles per hour swept across Michigan and caused damage to power lines this weekend. (Consumers Energy)

MI Utilities Work to Build Resiliency Against Future Storms

MIDLAND, Mich. -- As at least 30 tornadoes were reported this weekend in the South and lower Midwest, Michigan also faced a windstorm that cut power …

The United States ranks 27th for access to high-speed internet, according to allconnect.com. (Chay_tee/Adobe Stock)

MI Educator: Focus on Rural Communities in Broadband Buildout

PARADISE, Mich. -- Rural educators say the funding for broadband in the bipartisan infrastructure package signed into law last month is critical for …

Four post offices in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland and New York are offering some payroll and business check cashing. (Luis G. Vergara/Adobe Stock)

MI Postal Workers Concerned by Mail Slowdowns, Reduced Hours

LANSING, Mich. - Post offices across Michigan and the nation are implementing service changes in an effort by the agency to cut costs, but labor …

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