Michigan News & Current Events | Public News Service

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)

Monday, December 23, 2024

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 …

This year, Michigan introduced new tools to boost voter confidence, such as a system for tracking absentee ballots that alerts voters to any issues that might affect acceptance.<br />(Joaquin Corbalan/Adobe Stock)

Nonprofit pushes for ecofriendly legislation in MI

With Election Day near, the League of Conservation Voters is pushing for Michigan legislation to protect democracy, air, land and waterways across …

Community leaders in a recent Progress Michigan webinar said if the GOP's Project 2025 is implemented, it could have a devastating effect on Michigan farms, rural schools and the state's Indigenous tribes. (Adobe Stock)

Leaders fear GOP 2025 plans would harm people in rural Michigan

Groups from across Michigan are sounding the alarm on the effect Republican-backed policies would have on people in rural parts of the state…

Michigan has become a strategic choice for battery and automotive component production, due to its strong automotive workforce and technical infrastructure. (Darunrat/Adobe Stock)

EV advocates take on 'misinformation' in Michigan

Advocates of electric vehicles are countering what they call misleading claims about the effects of EV production in Michigan. Critics of electric …

Historian visits MI to address threats to American democracy

With the election of the nation's next leader just eight days away, a renowned historian visits Michigan to discuss his views on growing global …

By May of this year, Michigan launched 45 new clean-energy projects with Inflation Reduction Act funding, the most of any state. (Hope/Adobe Stock)

MI mayor uses federal support to achieve carbon neutrality

With their mayor at the helm, the city of Ann Arbor is working toward carbon neutrality by 2030. Severe weather in Michigan has strained budgets and …

Most healthcare plans cover preventive care, such as wellness visits and screenings, at no extra cost. (Talia Mdlungu/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Open enrollment is here; Michiganders refresh health care plans

Open enrollment time is here - a brief window for Michiganders and folks nationwide to update their health insurance choices. Healthcare experts …

To qualify for in-state tuition through the Native American Tuition Advantage Program, MSU students must meet at least one of several criteria, including providing a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood, a photocopy of a Tribal ID, and a letter of Tribal Certification or proof of citizenship. (Jorge Ferreiro/Adobe Stock)

Michigan State expands access, affordability for Indigenous students

Michigan State University has launched a new program to expand educational opportunities for Native American students across the country. The Native …

Michigan, with 15 Electoral College votes and a highly competitive U.S. Senate race, could be a deciding factor in who becomes president and influence the balance of power in the Senate. <br />(VK Studio/Adobe Stock)

Survey reveals top priorities for MI seniors just ahead of election

A new AARP survey reveals the key issues driving Michigan seniors as the countdown to the election hits 20 days. The results show a neck-and-neck …

According to Climate Power, Michigan leads the nation for Inflation Reduction Act projects, which have resulted in more than $25 billion in new investments across the state. (Focused Adventures/Adobe Stock)

MI city's clean energy plans await federal boost

In the aftermath of devastating hurricanes in other parts of the country, the Michigan city of Ferndale will soon unlock close to $370 billion in …

During the 2022-2023 school year, 289 charter schools opened in the U.S. and in the same school year, 163 closed. Michigan's charter school closure rate ranges from 35% to 44%. (Adobe Stock)

Report: 1 in 3 Michigan charter schools fails

A new report analyzing nationwide school closures shows in Michigan, about one in three charter schools fails. Michigan has the largest number of …

The effects of relational bullying were found no matter the student's race, gender, or socioeconomic status, according to a new study from Wayne State University. (Adobe Stock / AI)

MI Study: Relational bullying harms teens' view of career prospects

October is National Bullying Prevention Month and a new study showed teens bullied in high school tend to become pessimistic about their future…

Detroit Public Schools teacher Rodney Fresh addresses the U.S. House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee on Sept. 25, sharing his concerns about a conservative plan to reshape the federal government, known as Project 2025. (Rep. Adel Auro)

Detroit teacher fears GOP agenda could undermine public education

A Detroit educator recently told a congressional committee he is "terrified" at what a second Trump term as president could bring for America's public…

Michigan ranks among the top four states for new clean energy job creation, behind Georgia, New York and Texas. (Adobe Stock/AI)

MI companies get clean energy grants through Inflation Reduction Act

Four Michigan companies have received $355 million in federal grant funds, expected to create thousands of jobs in the high-tech, clean energy sector…

In September, the Michigan Senate passed SB 401, a bill to expand voter rights and accessibility in the state. The measure is set for a hearing next week in the House Elections Committee. (Adobe Stock)

MSU study: Michigan voter-roll purging could be biased

States are required to conduct regular voter list maintenance to ensure the rolls are accurate. But a new Michigan State University study suggests …

The Michigan Education Coalition stressed key issues facing school districts include school funding, school board accountability, and culturally responsive curriculum. (VeloonaP/Adobe Stock)

MI voters reminded to look beyond the presidency

As Michigan voters prepare for the upcoming presidential election, state officials are urging them not to lose sight of vital local races, especially …

Some of the symptoms of postpartum depression are becoming irritated easily, not sleeping well, not feeling like eating and having a hard time bonding with your baby. (grooveriderz/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

MI doctor shares hope for moms with 'baby blues'

September is Suicide Prevention Month and a Michigan doctor is sharing hope for mothers struggling with what is often called the "baby blues." One in…

A study published in the journal Frontiers in Sustainable Energy Policy found when nonresidential buildings install solar, they can spur other installations in the area. (Rob Rafson)

MI church lets its 'little light shine' with solar power

By Izzy Ross for Grist.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection, reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News …

The International Day of Peace is observed around the world each year on Sept. 21.<br />(Anna Iluschenko/Adobe Stock)

MI community marks International Day of Peace

This Saturday marks the International Day of Peace and the advocacy group Nonviolent Peaceforce is kicking off a series of family-friendly events in M…

Recipients of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Grant can now access funding to drive financing for thousands of climate-focused and clean energy initiatives. (bilanol/Adobe Stock)

MI included in landmark EPA climate investment

Michigan's most vulnerable communities are receiving federal funding to fight the devastating effects of climate change. It's part of the $27 billion …

According to the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Election Assistance Commission, there are approximately 168 million registered voters in the United States. (Framestock/Adobe Stock)

MI voting group energized for National Voter Registration Day

As Michigan gears up for November's pivotal presidential election, the League of Women Voters of Michigan is ramping up efforts to make this National …

Urban districts and districts with the greatest proportions of economically disadvantaged and Black students have more novice teachers. (Reese/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

MI educators sound alarm about the future of teaching

Educators in Michigan and nationwide are voicing concerns politics are demoralizing teachers and discouraging others from entering the profession at a…

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