Michigan News & Current Events | Public News Service

Over the years, acts of Congress have altered the number of seats on the Supreme Court, from a low of five to a high of 10. Shortly after the Civil War, the number of seats on the court was fixed at nine. (bbourdages)

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Voting rights group targets MI in SCOTUS campaign

Polls consistently show Michigan as a critical battleground in this year's presidential election, with more than 8.3 million registered voters in the …

People living with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. (Lightfield Studios/Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

MI Alzheimer's Association urges continued efforts beyond awareness month

June was Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, but the Michigan Alzheimer's Association says these should be year-round priorities. More than 200,0…

From January to July 2023, about 51,000 dogs were euthanized around the country, a 37% rise from the same period in 2022, largely due to a higher intake of stray dogs and lower adoption rates. (tpap8228/Adobe Stock)

MI dog rescue highlights need for more fosters

June is National Foster a Pet Month, and animal rescues and shelters in Michigan are sending a clarion call for dog lovers to step up and save an …

Around 62% of Michigan households own a pet. Almost 42% of them own a dog and 31% own a cat. <br />(Drobot Dean/Adobe Stock)

MI bills aim to protect animals, one proposing tougher penalties for abusers

Animal lovers and activists in Michigan are celebrating proposed legislation to protect animals and save taxpayers money. Senate Bill 657 and Senate …

Male fertility has been dropping worldwide in the past few decades, especially in countries that produce a lot of chemicals known to disrupt hormones, including PFAS substances. (Adobe Stock)

WSU study reveals PFAS chemicals in men affect their offspring

A groundbreaking report from a team of Wayne State University researchers revealed fathers pass down more than genetics to their children. They are …

The 2024 Summer U.S. Conference of Mayors in Kansas City, Mo., will be under the leadership of its president, Mayor Hillary Schieve of Reno, Nev., and host Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. <br />(SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe Stock)

MI mayor shifts priorities at conference after mass shooting in his city

Some Michigan mayors are out of the office this week - but still working for their cities. They're at the 92nd meeting of the United States …

An oil spill from the pipeline in the Great Lakes would threaten the drinking water of 40 million people across the United States and Canada. (Jorge Moro/Adobe Stock)

MI environmental group hails Enbridge suit being ordered back to state court

A Michigan nonprofit dedicated to keeping oil out of the Great Lakes is celebrating a major victory. A federal Appellate Court has ruled that …

President Biden's new immigration protection policy came as the United States marked the 12th anniversary of DACA, which shielded from deportation more than 530,000

Mixed reviews in MI on Biden's new immigration policy

Michigan's government officials, immigration-reform groups and families affected by immigration policies, are celebrating President Joe Biden's …

Proposal 2 overwhelmingly passed in 2022, amending the Michigan Constitution to allow for certain voter rights, including early voting in federal and state elections. (Hunman/Adobe Stock)

MI voting group fights disinformation

As the 2024 presidential elections approach, the nonpartisan Michigan League of Women Voters is intensifying its efforts to combat disinformation …

Between 2012 and 2022, more than 2 million landlord-tenant cases were filed in Michigan. <br />(Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Most MI tenants cannot afford their rent

Michigan has 1.1 million renter households. According to the 2024 Michigan Statewide Housing Needs Assessment, more than half struggle to pay rent…

Time in prison limits parents' options for steady employment paying well enough to support their children. (Lightfield studios/Adobe Stock)<br />

MI dad imprisoned 17 years celebrates Father's Day with son

This weekend, Father's Day will be tough for children with a dad in jail or prison. More than 200,000 kids in Michigan have had an incarcerated …

Students with strong math and science skills are more likely to graduate from high school, attend and complete college, earn higher incomes and take advantage of the future opportunities available to them, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Mixed reviews of Michigan kids' well-being in new report

Michigan ranks 34th in the nation for overall child well-being, in the new Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. A closer look at …

On Oct. 5, 1966, Fermi 1 suffered a partial fuel meltdown. Two of the 92 fuel assemblies were partially damaged. According to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, no abnormal radioactivity was released into the environment. (spiritofamerica/Adobe Stock)

Climate change reignites concerns over nuclear storage on MI shores

Summer temperatures are one more reason for concern by environmental groups about the nuclear waste stored along the Great Lakes. There are three …

MI's Motown a 15-Minute City? City leaders discuss the possibility

By Steve Mencher for Next Avenue.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Publi…

Stealing from Medicare leaves fewer available funds for those who need medical services now, as well as those who will need them in the future. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week aims to protect MI seniors

In Michigan, 22% of people are enrolled in Medicare for their health coverage, and scams are on the rise. Nationally, Medicare loses about $60 …

Lansing received more than $5 million from the U.S. Department of Interior to improve the city's tree canopy, using the funding for projects like planting 2,000 trees. (Grindstone Media Grp)

Federal funds revive MI's capital city

The City of Lansing, once teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, has gotten a boost from millions of federal dollars. The funds are a combination of …

The average 65-year-old in the U.S. should expect to live another 18.9 years. However, many older adults do not live to see their 75th birthday. (Lumos sp/Adobe Stock)<br />

New report shows progress, challenges in MI senior health

Michigan ranks 18th among states for the well-being of its older residents, according to a new report. The "America's Health Rankings Senior Report" …

Presidential elections in Michigan have been close lately, with Trump winning by about 11,000 votes in 2016 and Biden capturing the state by about 150,000 in 2020. (Ayman Haykal)

MI seen as 'must have' state for Biden or Trump win

Political experts have deemed Michigan a swing state, not knowing which way it's going to vote in this year's presidential election. They say …

Michigan consistently ranks high as a state for contact volume to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, with the 11th-highest rate in the nation in 2023. (Africa Studio)

Perspectives of MI pandemic domestic abuse survivors

Four years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers are still studying its effects on society. A new report focusing on domestic …

Unlike some states, Michigan requires that citizens apply for a purchase license before buying a firearm. (MATTHEW)

Proposal would make MI State Capitol a 'gun-free zone'

If two Michigan lawmakers have their way, there will be fewer locations in the state where people are allowed to carry firearms. State Sen…

Michigan currently has tolls in place in certain tunnels and bridges, but not on any roads. <br />(Alexey Stiop)

As millions hit the roads, MI lawmakers consider extra driving fees

As Michiganders hit the road this holiday weekend, state lawmakers are brainstorming ways to help close the state's $3.9 billion road funding gap…

MI population predicted to decline by hundreds of thousands

CLARIFICATION: The term "death rates" has been replaced with "number of deaths" to more accurately describe this measure. And Ms. Butler is a co-…

Many states with lower teacher pay have enacted or are currently considering state-level policies to universally raise teacher compensation. (BillionPhotos.com)

New report reveals long-term salary slide for MI teachers

Teachers in Michigan are taking home less pay than they did in past years, according to new research from Michigan State University. The average …

The transportation sector is the largest domestic source of carbon pollution in the U.S.<br />(Nischaporn/Adobe Stock)

Michigan leaders celebrate historic clean car standards

Leaders in Michigan are marking the historic new clean car standards, finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency. The final rule, Multi-…

Since 2023, the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department has completed more than 5,300 excavations to determine if households have lead water lines. (Rick Beauregard)

MI leaders mark progress in removing lead water lines

It has been a decade since the massive fallout from the Flint water crisis. Now, Michigan leaders are highlighting their progress in removing lead …

People released after serving long prison sentences are statistically very unlikely to reoffend.<br />(viperagp/Adobe Stock)

MI woman shares Mother's Day with mom incarcerated for decades

Mother's Day has a special place in the heart of a Michigan woman whose mother's incarceration kept them separated for decades. Jen Szénay of …

Michigan law states an animal feeding operation is where the animals will be

Livestock waste making 'Pure Michigan' waters not so pure

Michigan boasts 11,000 inland lakes, more freshwater shoreline than any other state and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams but a new …

The Justice40 initiative aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits from federal investments in climate change, clean energy, clean transportation, affordable housing, water infrastructure, workforce development and pollution remediation to disadvantaged communities. (elnariz/adobe stock)

Federal initiative empowers communities with career creation

A collaboration between the federal government and local communities works to create new career opportunities. The Flint Environmental Career Worker …

Through the SMART apprenticeship program in Michigan, a school psychology graduate student earns $25 per hour for 20 hours a week, for 30 weeks. (Monkey Business)

MI schools seek solutions as pandemic mental health funding ends

Special state funding for mental health staff at Michigan public schools during the pandemic is ending this year, leaving schools scrambling to find …

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

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 …

Research shows those hospitalized for suicide risk face an elevated risk of dying by suicide post-discharge, making it a critical time for patients to have access to resources, support and care to help keep them safe in the event of a crisis. (Chinnapong/Adobe Stock)

Michigan hospitals embrace suicide prevention, support

Recent research shows approximately half of people who die by suicide had contact with a health care professional within the month prior to their deat…

MDHHS reports many cardiac deaths among young people in Michigan could be prevented through screening, detection and treatment. (Rawpixel.com)

MI high school coaches will need CPR, AED certification

Sudden cardiac arrest claims the lives of about 250 Michigan children and young adults each year. Legislation signed into law over the weekend aims …

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 …

In March 1961, Dr. Jack Fishman and Dr. Mozes Lewenstein applied for one of the first patents for naloxone. (oasisamuel/Adobe Stock)

'Lazarus drug' may have competition in MI

After more than 50 years of use, some Michigan lawmakers say naloxone may not be the best choice in an overdose situation. Naloxone is sometimes …

Some in Michigan's Native American community say they can relate to the struggles of Palestinians in Gaza. Artist Christina Damianos depicts the idea in her

MI Indigenous group uses art to show solidarity with Palestinians

Some Indigenous groups in Michigan want to draw parallels to their own historic struggles and those of Palestinians in Gaza and they are doing it thro…

Warren, Mich., currently uses only one incinerator in its wastewater treatment system, which processes about 100 tons of sludge per day. (City of Warren)

Michigan mayor seeks multimillion-dollar wastewater upgrade

A new, high-tech wastewater treatment incinerator, used in only a few states, is on the wish list for one Michigan city. Former state …

A joint fundraising committee like that set up for Rep. Rashid Tlaib, D-Mich. enables donors to contribute up to $13,200 during an election cycle, which can then be divided among multiple candidates. (Chad Davis/Wikimedia Commons)

Tlaib and 'Squad' rally $100 million defense against AIPAC backlash

In the midst of political tensions surrounding Israel's handling of the conflict with Hamas, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., has voiced her support for …

Michigan hosts the largest population of Arab Americans in the country, and Dearborn is home to the country's only Arab American History Museum. (flowertiare/Adobe Stock)

New US race, ethnicity standards include Middle Eastern, North African

Until recently, many Americans of Middle Eastern or North African descent were categorized as "white" in government surveys, making it challenging to …

Wayne State University was named nationally as a top 15 Voter Friendly Campus last October, out of 262 U.S. institutions. It's the only one in Michigan, according to the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, Student Affairs in Higher Education. (Adobe Stock)

Michigan voting: Major changes enhance access for fall elections

Michigan's upcoming fall elections will highlight significant strides in voting accessibility. Recent measures, such as nine days of early voting and …

This week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services finalized the calendar year 2025 rate announcement for the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug programs. CMS's final ruling from 2022 will lead to the new Highly Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan in Michigan. (Flamingo Images/Adobe Stock)

MI HealthLink pilot program to transform by 2026

Michigan's HealthLink pilot program is planning to transition into a new Highly Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan. The new program will …

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 …

The Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform, formed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and led by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, took a comprehensive look at the state's system and released its report in July 2022 with 32 recommendations for improving Michigan's juvenile justice system. (Oleg Kozlovskiy/Adobe Stock)

Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees

Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…

Mental-health treatment is rare in jails and prisons, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. (lagano/Adobe Stock)

Care, Not Criminalization: alternative to MI incarceration for mental health

March is National Criminal Justice Month, and advocates say people with mental illness are over-represented in jails and prisons. According to the …

Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline transports 22 million gallons of crude oil and natural gas liquids across 645 miles of countryside every day, from Superior, Wis., through Michigan's Upper Peninsula, under the Straits of Mackinac to refineries in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. (Adobe Stock)

Michiganders in Cincinnati in pursuit of Line 5 shutdown

Dana Nessel, Michigan's Attorney General, joined Indigenous and conservation groups at a demonstration Thursday in Cincinnati, highlighting what they …

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…

Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., who sits on the Senate Appropriations Committee, helped secure the funding for the Western Michigan University project. (VectorMine/Adobe Stock)

WMU secures $2.25 million grant for carbon capture research

Western Michigan University has gotten a significant funding boost, with a grant of more than $2 million from the U.S. Department of Energy. The …

Although food insecurity can be faced by anyone, Black and Latino children are twice as likely to face hunger because of discrimination based on race. And in 2022, 33% of single-parent families experienced food insecurity. (Piman Khrutmuang/Adobe Stock)

Michigan students get a boost to summer food access

Michigan is planning ahead to make sure kids from lower-income families have enough to eat this summer. The state has opted into a federal food …

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