Michigan News & Current Events | Public News Service

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)

Thursday, February 6, 2025

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)

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

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)

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

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)

Monday, February 3, 2025

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…

Because Canton, Michigan, is just 31 miles from Detroit (above), it has become an appealing destination for growth as the city expanded, attracting residents and businesses seeking space beyond Detroit's urban center. (SNEHIT PHOTO/Adobe Stock)

Detroit suburb revitalized by federal funds

A Detroit suburb is undergoing a transformation with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Canton Charter …

About 40% of Community Health Centers are in rural areas, and about 90% of patients have incomes under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. (Muhammad/Adobe Stock)

MI health centers fight for critical funding on Capitol Hill

Nearly 300 representatives of Community Health Centers from across the nation, including Michigan, are making their voices heard on Capitol Hill…

The Kalamazoo oil spill occurred on July 25, 2010, when Enbridge's Line 6B ruptured near Marshall, Michigan, spilling more than 1 million gallons of tar-sands oil into Talmadge Creek and the Kalamazoo River. (Brandon Schultz/Adobe Stock)

MI students unite to shut down controversial oil pipeline

Oil and Water Don't Mix, a nonprofit group opposing Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline, is leading student efforts across the Upper Great Lakes to advocate …

In the U.S., outdoor air pollution is responsible for about one in 10 lung cancer cases. <br />(rusty elliott/Adobe Stock)

Wayne State study links head, neck cancers to air pollution

Exposure to air pollution is a growing concern for public health and a breakthrough study from Wayne State University is shedding new light on its lin…

The CDC's Rural Public Health Strategic Plan is designed to bring parity between rural and urban health care across the country. (Adobe Stock)

CDC develops five-year plan to improve health of rural Americans

By Liz Carey for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Michigan News Connection for the Daily Yonder-Public News Service Collabora…

According to a poll from the Alliance for American Manufacturing, three in four adults think companies falsely marketing products as

Despite popularity of Chinese goods, Michiganders seek American-made gifts

Michiganders value American-made products, reflecting the state's manufacturing roots. A new survey found 77% of Americans favor gifts made in the …

The original presidential term start date was March 4, but George Washington's inauguration was delayed to April 30, 1789. The 20th Amendment, ratified in 1933, moved Inauguration Day to Jan. 20. (Lux Blue/Adobe Stock)

MI political expert examines lame-duck period, Biden's final actions

President Joe Biden has entered a "lame-duck" period, prompting a Michigan political science expert to analyze his potential actions before President-…

According to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, more than 3,000 youth in Michigan are waiting to be adopted. (motortion/Adobe/Stock)

MI couple opens their heart and home, transforming teen's life

It is National Adoption Month and according to the Dave Thomas Foundation of Adoption, Michigan has about 10,000 children in foster care. Two years …

According to the National Registry of Exonerations, since 1989, more than 100 Michiganders have been acquitted of crimes they did not commit. (Adobe Stock)

MI man, wrongfully incarcerated, now trains police officers

Ten years ago today, 12-year-old Tamir Rice was shot by Cleveland police while holding a toy gun, sparking national protests for police reform…

Mental health professionals recommend coping with depression in healthy ways, like exercising. Plan family walks for fresh air and social connection. Avoid unhealthy foods and, if drinking alcohol, do so responsibly. (Tetiana/Adobe Stock)<br />

Navigating grief and loss during the holiday season

'Tis the season for celebration and good cheer. However, for many Michiganders, the absence of a loved one - whether through death, divorce or …

More than 8 million tons of cargo passes through the Port of Detroit annually, supporting more than 9,000 local direct jobs and more than $900 million in economic activity. (Detroit Wayne County Port Authority)

EPA grants $21.9M for MI port upgrades, emission planning

The Environmental Protection Agency is delivering more than $21.9 million to the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority, aiming to provide a greener …

According to a report from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, workers with paid leave are less likely to need public assistance. (Satjawat/Adobe Stock)

Report: Paid leave in MI would benefit workers, economy

Advocates for paid family leave in Michigan are urging lawmakers to pass the Michigan Family Leave Optimal Coverage before the 2024 legislative sessio…

The Michigan Nurses Association is the state's largest union for nurses and health-care professionals. It is affiliated with National Nurses United and the AFL-CIO. (University of Michigan Professional Nurse Council)

Expired contract sparks massive picket at UM-Sparrow Hospital

Almost 1,000 University of Michigan Health-Sparrow nurses and other health-care professionals, as well as union supporters, rallied outside the …

As of year-end 2022, Michigan had 32,374 people incarcerated in its prisons, a slight increase of 188 individuals (0.6%) from the previous year, according to the Michigan House Fiscal Agency's corrections data. (Michigan Collaborative to End Mass Incarceration)

Michiganders rally at state capital to end prison crisis

Hundreds of people from across Michigan gathered in Lansing this week, urging House Speaker Joe Tate, D-Detroit and Senate Majority Leader Winnie …

Economists suggest for a more budget-friendly holiday feast, consider hosting a potluck. Sharing dishes not only brings variety to the table, but helps spread the costs among guests. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

Holiday grocery prices: What to expect and how to save money

With Thanksgiving just over two weeks away, will Michiganders and shoppers across the country face sticker shock at the grocery store while planning …

The State of Michigan participated in its first presidential election in 1836, just after achieving statehood. (Ayman Haykal/Adobe Stock)<br />

MI expected to break voter turnout record

The brisk pace of voting continued on Election Day, and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson expects the battleground state to shatter a 64-…

The City of Dearborn has partnered with others in Wayne County to apply for and implement several federal programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. (Branden/Adobe Stock)

MI mayor prioritizes health, climate with 'health-in-all-policies' plan

The mayor of Dearborn has adopted a "health-in-all-policies" approach, a pledge to prioritize health, environmental justice and climate action in …

Michigan law has several built-in enforcement provisions to safeguard the process against the county and state officials who blatantly refuse to certify. (Olena Yefremkina/Adobe Stock)

Bipartisan report aims to build public trust in MI's voting system

A nonprofit report aims to build trust in Michigan's voting system by explaining the safeguards that ensure fair and free elections. The report …

Many skilled trade careers do not require a four-year degree. Instead, they focus on credentials, certificates, on-the-job training and registered apprenticeships. (amorn_m/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

MI skilled-trade workers urge next administration to invest in industry

As Michigan prepares for tomorrow's big election, skilled-trade and union workers are calling for continued federal support to keep their industry …

In March 2023, Michigan became the first state in nearly 60 years to repeal its right-to-work law, which had allowed workers to opt out of paying union dues while still benefiting from union representation. (Platoo Studio/Adobe Stock)

Bipartisan poll: MI voters favor protecting union jobs, labor laws

Just days away from the big election, a new bipartisan survey shows Michiganders strongly back protections for labor laws and reject any cuts that …

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