Michigan News & Current Events | Public News Service

HBCUs significantly contribute to the national economy. In 2024, the United Negro College Fund reported that HBCUs had a $16.5 billion positive impact. (AS Photo Family/Adobe Stock)

Friday, March 14, 2025

MI study: HBCU students show better mental health, despite challenges

Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that Black students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Blac…

The U.S. solar industry employs more than 263,000 workers, with jobs in installation, manufacturing, and research continuing to grow. (rh2010/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, March 13, 2025

MI expert predicts future of solar energy amid evolving federal policies

Michigan ranks 26th in the U.S. for total installed solar capacity, while global capacity rose 21% from 2023. However, there are industry concerns …

The senior population is projected to exceed 95 million by 2060, indicating a growing demand for senior housing and related services. (WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

Cities in MI take action to become age-friendly

As Michigan's senior population steadily increases, the need for communities that prioritize their well-being becomes more critical. With nearly 2 …

Attorney for rural MI college expected lawsuits over ‘Dear Colleague’ letter

An attorney for a small, rural Michigan college said she expected lawsuits over the "Dear Colleague" letter schools received last month from the U.S…

Research shows that an animal is abused or neglected every 60 seconds in the United States. <br />(kichigin19/Adobe Stock)

MI lawmakers propose bipartisan bill to prevent animal abuse

A tragic case of neglect that claimed the life of a senior dog in 2021 is now driving change in Michigan, as lawmakers recently introduced "Buddy's …

Countries like the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. are investing in small modular reactors as part of their clean energy strategies, and not without controversy. (VPales/Adobe Stock)

Plan to relaunch MI nuclear plant with new reactors sparks more backlash

Environmental groups are voicing concerns about plans to build the nation's first small modular reactors at the Palisades Nuclear Plant in Covert Town…

Lake algae blooms can release toxins posing serious risks to humans, pets and wildlife, potentially causing illness or even death. (Pete Niesen Photo/Adobe Stock)

MI scientist: Humans, not climate change, to blame for toxic lakes

Each summer, more lake beaches shut down as toxic algae blooms spread across the water and while climate change is often blamed, new research …

Immigration and Customs Enforcement is responsible for operating, running and overseeing detention centers nationwide, and has often been criticized for detainee treatment and conditions. (danielfela/Adobe Stock)

MI teachers union guides colleges on response to ICE inquiries

Following President Donald Trump's executive order lifting Immigration and Customs Enforcement restrictions in protected areas, the American …

The League of Conservation Voters' National Environmental Scorecard has been released annually since 1970. (Sarah Cheriton-Jones/Adobe Stock)

MI congressional delegation shines on environmental scorecard

Michigan's congressional delegation has "aced" the National Environmental Scorecard, earning a perfect 100% in 2024. The League of Conservation …

A concentrated animal feeding operation is a facility where animals have been, are or will be stabled or confined and fed, or maintained for a total of 45 days or more in any 12-month period. (Lost_in_the_Midwest/Adobe Stock)

Group warns livestock manure making MI Great Lakes not so great

A new analysis revealed a staggering amount of livestock waste is flowing through Michigan's waterways each year, equivalent to the sewage of 81 …

Line 5 transports crude oil and natural gas liquids from Canada through Michigan to refineries in the U.S. and Canada. (SNEHIT PHOTO/Adobe Stock)

MI environmentalists alarmed about potential Line 5 emergency permit status

Michigan environmental groups are pushing back as Enbridge's Line 5 tunnel faces "emergency" review, potentially bypassing full scrutiny and public …

As of early 2025, lab-grown meat production in the U.S. remains limited, with low output and availability restricted to select venues. (zapp2photo/Adobe Stock)

MI lawmakers call for labels on lab-grown meat

Some Michigan lawmakers are backing a bipartisan bill to ban labeling lab-grown substitutes as "meat" and require clear ingredient disclosure…

Researchers are developing inductive charging technology that could allow EVs to charge without plugging in, using embedded road or parking pad systems. (Kalyakan/Adobe Stock)

MI keeps EV charging plans on track despite federal cuts

Earlier this month, the Federal Highway Administration stopped new funding for electric vehicle charging stations under the National Electric Vehicle …

Telehealth allows patients to receive medical care, including prescriptions and consultations, remotely through digital communication such as video calls and online portals. (nenetus/Adobe Stock)

How 'shield laws' apply to telehealth abortion providers

By Rebekah Sager for the Michigan Independent.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Michigan Independent-…

Research found seasonal affective disorder is more common in women and those living in northern regions with long winters. (Maridav/Adobe Stock)

Tips for beating Michigan's winter blues

Michigan winters can be harsh, even for those who love the season's cozy ambience but experts said there are ways to beat the winter blues, which …

According to the site datausa.io, about 60% of theatre workers are white, nearly 13% are Black, 5% are Asian, and less than 1% are Indigenous. (Photo courtesy University of Michigan)

MI university professors address diversity gaps with online makeup tutorials

By Amy Felegy for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Service Collabor…

Overall, 12% of U.S. adults have either married or settled down with someone they met online.<br />(frank/Adobe Stock)

Valentine's Day in Michigan: Romance or rip-off?

It is Valentine's Day and romance is in the air, but so is deception. Cybercrime experts warn online scammers are lurking, ready to exploit hopeful …

The administration has begun work to break up the Department of Justice's Environment and Natural Resources Division. (Adobe Stock)

Advocate warns Trump’s EPA cuts will hurt communities, including in MI

The Trump administration is dismantling the EPA's environmental justice office, threatening pollution protections and climate funding for some …

More than 60% of adults in the United States report using prescription drugs, with nearly half taking four or more. (Burlingham/Adobe Stock)

MI lawmakers propose pharmaceutical watchdog legislation

Lawmakers in Michigan have introduced a package of bills designed to lower costs and expand health care access. Senate Bill 3 would create a …

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has emphasized the need for thorough safety evaluations and regulatory approvals before the Palisades plant in Michigan can be safely restarted. (Holtec International)

Palisades nuclear reopening in doubt after Trump’s spending freeze

Environmental groups are sounding alarms as the Palisades Nuclear Plant in Covert Township moves closer to becoming the first decommissioned nuclear p…

Smart agriculture began to emerge in the United States in the early 2000s, with the introduction of GPS technology, sensors and automated systems. (Kaspars Grinvalds/Adobe Stock)

MI professor spotlights 'smart agriculture'

Some experts predict arable land per person will shrink by two-thirds by 2050. To combat it, Michigan students are being trained in "smart" …

In Muskegon's 2023 water report, lead levels in 90% of the tests were at or below 5 parts per billion (ppb), which is far below the action level of 15 ppb. (Dusan Petkovic/Adobe Stock)

Federal funds key to keeping MI cities' water lead free

Federal funds have ensured Muskegon's water is safe to drink, but city leaders there and in other Michigan communities are concerned the funds may …

Although the Michigan Supreme Court upheld the 2018 voter initiatives for paid sick leave and a minimum-wage increase, the current Legislature has the power to reverse those laws, provided legal procedures are followed. (dennis/Adobe Stock)

MI nonprofit opposes bill that opposes paid sick leave, wage hike

A bipartisan nonprofit group in Michigan is opposing pending legislation which would reverse a Michigan Supreme Court ruling, stripping paid sick …

Nationwide, electric vehicle sales are expected to hit 50% within a decade, increasing the demand for charging infrastructure. (Graham/Adobe Stock)

MI invests millions to install EV chargers at multifamily properties

As electric vehicle demand grows in Michigan, a new $5 million program will expand charging station access to places like apartments and condos…

Studies show that mental-health literacy and life skills decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety and help children succeed. (Valerii Honcharuk/Adobe Stock)

Mental health access critical for MI students

Some 125,000 children in Michigan struggle with major depression, which can hinder learning, behavior and relationships, according to a recent survey…

Consumer Reports found rising fuel economy and emissions standards save drivers more than $9,000 per vehicle compared with 2001 models. (noppadon/Adobe Stock) Consumer Reports found that rising fuel economy and emissions standards save drivers more than $9,000 per vehicle compared with 2001 models. (noppadon/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Better fuel economy on Americans' wish list

The Big Three automakers in Michigan have been working for years to improve fuel economy and a new survey from Consumer Reports revealed fuel efficien…

A new bill introduced this year aims to eliminate the cap on annual retirement allowance increases for state employees, potentially increasing pension costs. (pabrady63/Adobe Stock)

MI public safety pension bills in limbo after passing House, Senate

Democrat-backed bills in Michigan addressing pensions, health-care costs and public assistance remain stalled before heading to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer …

Numerous studies have found a link between exposure to long-term air pollution and a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. (24Novembers/Adobe Stock)

Wayne State study links type 2 diabetes and air pollution

A new study from Wayne State University showed breathing in air pollution, especially benzene, can raise the risk of developing type 2 diabetes…

Michigan's new Maternal Health Equity Package laws, authored in part by Rep. Julie Rogers, D-Kalamazoo, further prioritize the health of new parents and their children in a variety of ways, including implementing mental health screenings for new mothers. (Rep. Julie Rogers)

New MI laws tackle disparities in maternal health care

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed landmark legislation to expand access to essential OB/GYN services across Michigan. Between 2018 and 2022…

Since 2022, nearly 135 million domestic birds in all 50 states have been affected by avian flu. <br />(hedgehog94/Adobe Stock)<br />

As more bird flu cases reach MI, infectious disease expert shares insights

Seven cases of H5N1 avian flu have been reported in Michigan since Dec. 16. The first case was discovered at a poultry facility in Ottawa County…

Enbridge's Line 5 can transport 540,000 barrels per day of petroleum liquids. (Dean Pennala/Adobe Stock)

New report: Enbridge’s Line 5 plan costly, flawed

ADDITION: Comments by Enbridge, received after deadline, have been added. (10:10 a.m. MST, Jan. 22, 2025) A new report says Enbridge's plan to build …

Michigan House Rep. Carrie Rheingans, D-Ann Arbor, represents Michigan's 47th District, covering parts of Jackson and Washtenaw counties. She was elected in Nov. 2022 and began her term in Jan. 2023. (Rep. Carrie Rheingans)

Lawmaker fights for better health, housing for Michiganders

More Michigan residents need access to affordable housing and health insurance, according to a lawmaker pushing for change. Rep. Carrie Rheingans…

Enbridge's Line 5 runs from Superior, Wisconsin, to Sarnia, Ontario, passing through northern Michigan. (Michael Carni/Adobe Stock)

Tribes, environmental groups challenge Line 5 tunnel in appeals court

This week, four tribal nations and environmental groups urged the Michigan Court of Appeals to overturn the state's approval of Enbridge's Line 5 …

The phase-out of tipped wages in Michigan ties back to a 2018 ballot initiative, which sought to gradually increase the state's minimum wage for all workers, including those earning tips. (MargJohnsonVA/Adobe Stock)

Tipped wages to be phased out in MI next month, not without a fight

Michigan's tipped wage system is on the brink of extinction, with changes set to take effect next month after a state Supreme Court ruling last year …

Despite the decline, coal still plays a role in some regions, especially in states such as Wyoming, West Virginia and Kentucky, where coal is a significant part of the energy mix. (James Phelps Jr./Adobe Stock)

MI expert discusses wind, solar surpassing coal on U.S. grid in 2024

A Michigan expert weighs in on an historic shift in 2024 - wind and solar power surpassed coal on the U.S. grid. According to research from Ember - …

Rep. Mai Xiong, D-Warren, says her pending legislation is designed to provide financial relief to public employees and their families. (Xiong social media)

New MI legislator rings in new year with pending new law

Just nine months into her tenure, Michigan state Rep. Mai Xiong, D-Warren, is ringing in the new year with new legislation. Now on Gov. Gretchen …

In 2023, 40% of high school students nationwide reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and 20% said they seriously considered attempting suicide. (Murda/Adobe Stock)<br />

Report highlights need for mental health reforms for MI youth

The Bipartisan Policy Center has released a new report on reforming the way youth mental health services are delivered, in Michigan and nationwide…

Nationally, electric vehicles represented 8% of the market share in 2023, an increase from 1.5% in 2019. (ARThitecture/Adobe Stock)

MI's $1B EV push falls short on jobs; experts urge patience

Michigan has poured $1 billion into electric-vehicle battery projects, with another billion pledged, but delays have stalled hiring for most of the 11…

With foreign conflicts, labor strikes and state-level minimum wage hikes making headlines, economists predict the U.S. economy will remain a focal point in the New Year. (Hero Design/Adobe Stock)

MI professor predicts 2025 economic trends for presidential transition

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, economists are weighing in on how his promised policies might shape what is ahead in 2025…

About 34% of Detroit residents do not own a vehicle, making access to healthy food sources more challenging. (Chris Ahern Photo/Adobe Stock)

A Detroit nonprofit leads the way to building sustainable food systems

A Detroit nonprofit said it is helping people in the city reclaim control over the food they eat from where it is grown to where they buy it…

A 2023 report from Michigan Traffic Crash Facts showed 62 snowmobiles were involved in crashes on public roadways, resulting in two fatalities and 41 injuries. (gentho/Adobe Stock)

MI DNR shares winter safety tips for outdoor fun

Winter conditions across Michigan are fickle and The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is urging everyone to prioritize safety while enjoying t…

In 2020, the Internet Crime Complaint Center reported more than 240 victims of phishing, smishing and other fraudulent schemes, resulting in losses exceeding $54 million. (EdvvinStudios/Adobe Stock)

Postal Service warns MI customers about smishing 'Grinches'

The United States Postal Service is warning Michiganders not to fall for what are known as smishing scams. These scams involve fraudulent text …

The U.S. Postal Service has considered consolidating operations in facilities such as the Iron Mountain Processing Center in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

MI postal union speaking out against proposed USPS cuts

As Michiganders mail their Christmas cards and gifts, postal union members warn that proposed changes could slow mail delivery. The plan to cut costs …

Currently, over 2,300 biogas-producing sites operate across the United States. <br />(Олександр Луценко/Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

MI farms making manure matter by turning it into clean energy

From cow waste to clean energy, Michigan will soon have a couple of new state-backed digesters to get the job done. Last Tuesday, the Michigan …

Approximately 400,000 children and youths are in foster care in the United States at any given time. <br />(IdeaBug Inc./Adobe Stock)

Support available for MI youths aging out of foster care

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, more than 10,000 children are in the state's foster care system, with about 1,000 …

In the United States, one in three households facing eviction is the target of a

MI group pushes for laws to protect tenants from unjust evictions

A new report from the Michigan League for Public Policy reveals that eviction injustice is locking many Michigan families out of safe, stable housing…

Michigan is a leader in clean energy employment in the Midwest, with nearly 124,000 clean energy jobs as of 2023. (structuresxx/Adobe Stock)

MI communities fight state control over clean energy law

Over 70 Michigan townships and counties are taking a stand in court, saying the state is overstepping its authority on renewable energy permits…

Republicans' concerns with Senator Stabenow's new farm bill likely stem from lobbying groups representing large-scale farmers who want fewer restrictions on their business practices.<br />(maksymowicz/Adobe Stock)

Senate farm bill prioritizes climate, but faces defeat

By Frida Garza for Grist.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Rural News Network-Public News Service Col…

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