Public News Service

More than 30,000 labor activists have signed a letter calling on top U.S. union leaders to

Postal Workers become largest union to demand ceasefire in Gaza

One of the nation's largest labor unions has become the latest organization to demand a ceasefire in Gaza as Israel's war with Hamas plays out…

In the America's Health Rankings report, Michigan ranks 18th among states for childhood immunizations, and 27th for kids getting preventive dental care. (tigercat_lpg/Adobe Stock)

Report shows uptick in mental health concerns for MI women

Michigan women have mental-health concerns at rates higher than the national average, according to a new report. The United Health Foundation …

People with additional years of education beyond high school tend to be more civic-minded and interact more with neighbors and family members, according to a recent Gallup poll. (Tyler Olson/Adobe Stock)

Increasingly, politics make their way into students' college choices

By Jon Marcus for The Hechinger Report.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Michigan News Connection reporting for The Hechinger Report-Public News …

Michigan's Voting Rights Act would provide curbside voting and establishes protections for voters with disabilities. It also allows organizers to arrange rides to the polls for voters during elections. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Michigan voting rights advocates push for lifting language, other barriers

Michigan lawmakers are set to consider a new Voting Rights Act for the state by next week. Introduced in June, Senate Bills 401, 402, 403 and 404 …

Michigan obesity rates have more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the last 30 years. (Adobe Stock)

MI adults learn to 'lead by example' for kids' heart health

Heart disease is Michigan's number one cause of death. This is the time of year that parents can step up their efforts to prevent it - in the next …

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 …

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 …

According to the American Heart Association, people feel more confident performing Hands-Only CPR and are more likely to remember the correct chest-compression rate when trained to the beat of a familiar song. (9dreamstudio/Adobe Stock)

From Beyoncé to 'Baby Shark,' the Right Tune Can Save a Life

With popular artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift touring Michigan this summer, the American Heart Association is reminding people that some of …

Detroit Action hosts a Black August event where it strives to reimagine a world through an abolitionist point of view and healing-justice policies. (SmartArt/Adobe Stock)

Art Collaboration This Weekend for Black August in Detroit

Communities around the country and in Michigan are celebrating Black August and promoting liberation of all diversities. Anthony Baber, director of …

Black people, especially women and girls, have endured countless hair services, sometimes painful and damaging to the hair, to maintain hairstyles that might make them less likely to encounter discrimination. (chomplearn_2001/Adobe Stock)

Michigan Latest State to Make the CROWN Act Law

When Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the CROWN Act into law this month, she tweeted she is "proud to take action to make Michigan a more equitable and …

Michigan reached a historic low in teen pregnancies in 2020, at just over 12 births per 1,000 females ages 15-19. (Nicholas Felix/peopleimages.com)

MI Women's Health Needs Begin in Adolescence

The need for Michigan women to prioritize their health doesn't stop when National Women's Health Month ends this week. One expert said it is time to …

Michigan is one of three states with abortion-rights referendums on the ballot for Tuesday's midterm elections. (Longfin Media/Adobe Stock)

MI Study: Banning Abortion Affects Women's Economic Well-Being

The debate surrounding abortion often turns on emotional and moral issues, but a Michigan-based policy institute says the economic impact of …

The Guttmacher Institute, a health-policy think tank, says as October began, 66 clinics across 15 states had been forced to stop offering abortions. (rocketimages/Adobe Stock)

Doctors Tell of Patients' Hardships after Roe is Overturned

By Belle Taylor-McGhee for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News …

Nearly 70% of voters who identify as independents said they oppose overturning Roe v. Wade, according to a WDIV/Detroit News poll released in January. (vivalapenler/Adobe Stock)

MI Groups Sound "Trigger" Law Alarm if SCOTUS Overturns Roe

Michigan lawmakers and pro-choice advocates were among those gathering Tuesday at courthouses, calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to protect a …

Michigan has 97 crisis pregnancy centers, and 21 clinics that offer all reproductive health-care options. (Diego Cervo/Adobe Stock)

MI Groups: "Crisis Pregnancy Centers" Push Anti-Abortion Messages

Michigan reproductive-health advocates are urging residents to be aware of anti-abortion groups known as "crisis pregnancy centers." They offer preg…

The gender wage gap has narrowed in the last year, yet fewer women remain in the workforce post-pandemic than before. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

Data Shows MI Women Still Earn Less on Average Than Men

Today is Equal Pay Day, the date symbolizing how far into the year women need to work to earn what men earned in the previous year. In Michigan…

The city of Ann Arbor recently implemented a policy to provide free menstrual products in public restrooms. (photoguns/Adobe Stock)

Groups: Removing Tax on Menstrual Products a Step Toward More Accessibility

LANSING, Mich. -- One in five teens in the U.S. struggle to afford period products, and Michigan organizations are working to make pads, tampons…

Only 20% of kids nationwide are physically active for at least 60 minutes a day, according to a new United Health Foundation report. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Mental-Health Needs Climb Among Women, Young Michiganders

LANSING, Mich. -- Women and young people have faced increased behavioral health challenges since before the pandemic, according to a new report…

A woman's race, ethnicity and socioeconomic background all are among the barriers to equal pay, according to researchers who expect the pandemic's economic fallout to add to those barriers. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Pay Gap Narrows, but Michigan Women Still Earn Less Than Men

LANSING, Mich. - While the wage gap between men and women has narrowed over time, there are concerns the pandemic's disproportionate economic toll on …

Abuse can occur in all types of relationships, regardless of sexual orientation, gender expression or gender. (Adobe Stock)

Dating Violence: Young Love Shouldn't be Dangerous

LANSING, Mich. - Romance is top of mind for many young people in Michigan planning to celebrate Valentine's Day this weekend. And while teen romance …

Children of color and Latinos are especially at risk of being missed in the census count. (AdobeStock)

A Complete Census Count Needs All Michigan Kids

LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan households now are receiving 2020 Census forms in the mail -- and while the goal is to count everyone, there is concern …

Policy analysts say paid parental-leave policies would benefit new moms and their infants. (AdobeStock)

Blueprint Aims to Improve Health of Michigan’s Moms, Babies

LANSING, Mich. - Like many states, Michigan struggles with dismal infant and maternal mortality rates. However, a new report provides a blueprint for …

Age-friendly communities are considerate of residents from all walks of life and of any age. (Adobe Stock)

Advancing Age-Friendly Communities in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. – A growing movement in Michigan and around the world is working to ensure communities are able to serve the needs of people of …

Lake Van Etten is one of many bodies of water in Michigan plagued by PFAS foam. (MI DHHS)

State Warning: Don’t Touch PFAS Foam

LANSING, Mich. – That white, sticky foam that's fouled quite a few Michigan shorelines is more dangerous than previously believed, and state …

At the current rate, working women won't close the pay gap with men until 2059, according to the National Organization for Women. (Criene/Twenty20)

Federal Lawmakers Introduce New Paycheck Fairness Act

LANSING, Mich. – The simple proposition that women ought to make the same amount of money as men for the same job is back in the U.S. House of …

Hundreds of Women's Marches are set to take place worldwide on Sat., Jan, 19. (Brian A. Jackson/iStockphoto)

Ten Women's Marches Planned Across Michigan Tomorrow

DETROIT – Women's marches will take place in ten Michigan cities tomorrow. The third annual event began as a protest against administration …

The three dozen women newly elected to the U.S. House last week surpassed the 24 female newcomers elected in 1992, the last time political pundits declared it the �Year of the Woman.� (Rawpixel.com/Stocksnap)

Will Women Maintain Their Election Momentum?

LANSING, Mich. — Votes are still being counted, but we already know the number of women elected to the U.S. House of Representatives last week …

More than half of the American workers are paid less than $15-an-hour. (Tom Drigger/Flickr)

Report: Pay Gaps Could Narrow with Higher Minimum Wage

LANSING, Mich. – A new report calls for raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour to reduce poverty and promote pay equity. While the …

State lawmakers in Michigan are stepping up their legislative response to the Nassar scandal. (Phillip Hoffmeister/Wikimedia Commons)

Nassar Scandal Prompts Focus on Prevention, Protection, Accountability

LANSING, Mich. – The case of disgraced former Michigan State University doctor Larry Nassar has prompted state lawmakers on both sides of the …

New research says men and women with the most college experience see lower rates of sexual assault than those who don't attend college. (kconnors/morguefile)

Report: Sexual Assault Even More Prevalent Off-Campus

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan State University and other colleges have been in the spotlight with high profile cases of sexual assault. A new …

The fallout of the Nassar sexual-abuse scandal goes far beyond Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics. (lovelac/wikimediacommons)

After the Larry Nassar Scandal: Expert Weighs in on Moving Forward

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Disgraced Michigan State University doctor Larry Nassar was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison this week for sexually …

Medicaid currently accounts for three-quarters of all public dollars spent on family planning. (Pixabay)

Concerns about Women's Health Care Under GOP Health Plan

LANSING, Mich. – After weeks of closed-door meetings, Senate Republicans released their legislation last week to repeal Obamacare. GOP leaders …

The tipped-wage system leaves many restaurant workers living below poverty level. (DodgertonSkillhause/morguefile)

Beyond Minimum: Push to End Two-Tiered Wage System

LANSING, Mich. – Restaurant workers have a tip for diners: Many want to see an end to the tipped wage system in Michigan. Under existing law…

Experts say encouraging girls to pursue nontraditional careers from an early age will help close the wage gap in Michigan. (Dia2018/morguefile)

Report: Equal Pay a Lifetime Away for Michigan Women

LANSING, Mich. – A baby girl born this year in Michigan won't likely see pay equity in her working life, according to new research which looks …

Michigan lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow concealed carry of firearms in public places without a permit. (mconnors/morguefile)

Michigan Moms Take Aim at "Permitless Carry" Gun Bills

LANSING, Mich. – Today is International Women's Day, and one group of Michigan women is marking the occasion by taking aim at what they believe …

A law that helps support breastfeeding mothers at work is at risk if the Affordable Care Act is repealed. (Wencke g/Wikimedia Commons)

Breastfeeding Protections at Risk with ACA Repeal

LANSING, Mich. – The number of mothers who breastfeed their babies has been on the rise in Michigan, but there are fears the trend won't …

Activists hope to harness the energy of Saturday's marches to work for long-term change. (M. Shand)

After the March: Michigan Women Explore Next Steps

LANSING, Mich. – Many Michigan women are still basking in the afterglow of the historic marches that took place on Saturday, but they also say …

Fish can be part of a healthy, safe diet, even for pregnant women according to new advice. (beglib/morguefile)

Revised Guidelines Offer Good News for Fish Eaters

LANSING, Mich. — If fish is on the menu, you don't have to pass it up entirely to eat safely. New guidelines offer strategies for safe …

A large crowd is expected Saturday at the Women's March on Lansing. (Phillip Hoffmeister/Wikimedia Commons)

Michigan Women To Rally in Lansing, Washington

LANSING, Mich. - On the day after Donald Trump takes office, thousands of Michigan women will take to the streets in opposition to the wave of hate …

A new report says Michigan is not investing enough in prenatal cessation and smoking prevention. (Pixabay)

Report: Pregnant Michiganders Smoking at Alarming Rates

LANSING, Mich. -- Smoking during pregnancy can cause a multitude of negative health outcomes for a child, yet pregnant women in Michigan are lighting …

In Michigan, full-time working women make 74 percent of what men working full-time make, according to the report. (Marius Boata/Flickr)

Report: MI Women Earn 74% of Men's Wages

LANSING, Mich. – If the gender pay gap continues to close at its current rate, women will reach pay equity with men in 2059, according to a new …

Democrats would need to win nine seats to regain power in the Michigan House of Representatives. <br />(Steve and Christine/Wikimedia)

Million Dollar Effort to Flip Michigan House from Red to Blue

LANSING, Mich. – A women's political advocacy group wants to flip Michigan from red to blue. EMILY's List has announced a Focus 2020 …

A Senate full committee markup is scheduled on a Zika response bill that restricts funding for Planned Parenthood. (Charlotte Cooper/Flickr)

Zika Bill Blocking Planned Parenthood Headed for Vote?

LANSING, Mich. - Reproductive-health groups are sounding the alarm as a measure to combat the Zika virus moves closer to a vote in the U.S. Senate…

Eight families will be honored on Michigan Reunification Day. (Pixabay)

Cheers Today for Michigan's Reunited Families

LANSING, Mich. – There's a special celebration today to honor Michigan families that were once torn apart. Michigan Reunification Day …

Supporters of reproductive justice say women should have the right to choose if they want to have children, or not. (Pixabay)

Flint Event Aims to Amplify Voices of Reproductive Justice

FLINT, Mich. - Faith leaders, policy experts and families will gather Friday, May 20, in Flint to amplify the voices of those who support …

Michiganders with an infant and four year old pay about $16,000 a year for child care. (Pixabay)<br /><br />

Report Examines Barriers to Quality Child Care for MI Families

LANSING, Mich. - Wading through the paperwork involved in getting government help to pay for child care can be overwhelming to already overworked …

New research says women living closer to high levels of green vegetation have lower mortality rates than do women living in

Why "Keeping it Green" May Help MI Women Live Longer

LANSING, Mich. - Eating lots of greens has been known to improve health, but a new report indicates living near green vegetation may help some people …

Seventy-six Michigan children died as the result of abuse or neglect in 2014. (Pixabay)

Hundreds to Rally in Lansing for Child Abuse Prevention

LANSING, Mich. - Dozens of Michigan children die each year due to abuse or neglect, and today people from around the state will gather in Lansing to …

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