Michigan News & Current Events | Public News Service

Chronic absenteeism often signals a student may be experiencing untreated health needs, transportation problems, mental-health issues or other significant challenges. (Anastasiia/Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 13, 2024

Extreme weather equals 'extreme absence' from MI schools

Chronic absenteeism rates in Michigan schools have significantly declined, yet researchers warn the state's rate overall remains alarmingly high…

Groups such as the National Barn Alliance, Iowa Barn Foundation and Friends of Minnesota Barns<br />spearhead major efforts to preserve America's historic barns and rural heritage in the Midwest and nationwide. (John Wilson)

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Preserving MI barns, upholding community solidarity

By Cinnamon Janzer for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Servic…

As it travels under the Straits of Mackinac, Enbridge's Line 5 diverges into two, 20-inch diameter, parallel pipelines. (ehrlif/Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 9, 2024

Indigenous water protectors protest aging pipeline

Indigenous water protectors and allies met at Michigan's Straits of Mackinac last week, to spotlight the dangers of the 71-year-old Line 5, deemed …

A key goal of Michigan's Healthy Climate Plan is to limit energy burden from powering and heating homes to not more than 6% of annual income for low-income households. (M.studio/Adobe Stock)

New solar deal brightens Lansing's green future

Lansing residents and businesses can breathe easier following a new 15-year renewable energy deal. The partnership between General Motors and North …

The Middle Class Borrower Protection Act has passed the House and was received in the Senate on July 10, 2023. (Man888/Adobe Stock)<br />

Federal bill aimed to help MI homebuyers draws criticism

Michigan has seen a 10% rise in foreclosures this year. The Middle Class Borrower Protection Act, intended to assist middle-class homebuyers…

If implemented by a new Trump administration, Project 2025 may not only limit the availability of reproductive options but also strengthen legal challenges to existing rights. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

MI mother defends IVF amid ban concerns

Following the signing of the Michigan Family Protection Act by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, concerns remain about a potential federal ban on in vitro …

If you live within a 10-mile radius of a nuclear power plant, officials warn it's important to be prepared in case an emergency occurs. Be sure to know the terms, what to do, and be prepared to follow instructions from emergency workers. Andrew Webb Curtis/Adobe Stock

MI environmental group applauds changes to Fermi 2 permit

Michigan environmental justice group Citizens' Resistance at Fermi Two did not get everything on its wish list. Still, the group is celebrating long-…

According to the American Library Association, some 4,240 book titles were targeted for censorship in 2023, up 65% from the previous all-time high of 2,571 titles in 2022. (Flickr)

Efforts to ban controversial books continue in Michigan libraries

The battle between social conservatives and Michigan libraries to remove certain books from the shelves is becoming increasingly political as the Nove…

The men competing for the open U.S. Senate seat in Michigan are more likely to be self-financing their campaigns than the women. (dark_blade/Adobe Stock)

MI women rise in politics, but funding disparities exist

Michigan women are making gains in state politics, ranking 14th nationally for the number serving in the legislature. However, the latest analysis …

The primary purpose of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 was to mobilize the human and financial resources of the Nation to combat poverty in the United States. (svittlana/Adobe Stock)

MI commemorates 60-year legacy of Economic Opportunity Act

Michigan groups working for social justice are marking a milestone this week: the 60th anniversary of the Economic Opportunity Act. The law is the …

The AARP survey of likely 2024 voters in 40 U.S. House districts reveals a fierce battle ahead for control of this chamber of Congress. (Danny/Adobe Stock)

AARP survey reveals key concerns of older voters in MI

New survey results from AARP shed some light on the top concerns of Michigan seniors and how these issues are likely to shape their voting decisions i…

In 2018, One Fair Wage gained popular support and was on the Michigan ballot. (Jim Vallee/Adobe Stock)

MI minimum wage increase could spark trend

Starting next year, Michigan employers will need to pay workers more than $12 an hour, following a landmark ruling from the state Supreme Court…

The Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, are points of connection between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes for bulk carrier vessels. (ehrlif/Adobe Stock)

Federal agencies, local leaders discuss economic boost for northern MI

Nearly 100 local groups, officials and labor leaders welcomed federal and agency representatives to Sault Ste. Marie for a two-day discussion and …

University of Michigan Medicine is one of the nation's top academic medical centers. <br />(espiegle/Adobe Stock)<br />

MI Medicine unions fight for better pay, staffing

Two labor unions are fighting for their first collective bargaining agreements with the University of Michigan's Michigan Medicine. Workers held an …

To qualify for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship,

MI program unlocks free college education

A new $23 billion education budget plan in Michigan is opening the door for recent high school graduates to attend a community or tribal college…

In March, a study by the EPA and others used aerial surveys to assess hundreds of U.S. landfills. The research revealed significant discrepancies between reported emissions and actual emissions.<br />(Punyawee/Adobe Stock)

MI leads nation in toxic methane emissions from landfills

The Environmental Protection Agency is investigating underreported methane emissions from landfills nationwide, and a recent report names Michigan as …

The Tribal Climate Resilience Annual Awards Program is now accepting applications for 2024. Information is on the U.S. Department of the Interior's website. (Benjamin Simeneta)

MI tribe celebrates funding to combat climate change

It has been less than four months since Michigan's Gun Lake Tribe received grants totaling $4 million for its plans to fight climate change. Its …

The latest project for Rhonda and Kim Theus,

Art breathes new life into pollution-ravaged MI community

By Randiah Camille Green for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News …

Inflation Reduction Act investments of $500 million will go toward converting a General Motors plant in Lansing to produce electric vehicles. Nearly $158 million will go to a facility in Marysville. (JHVEPhoto/Adobe Stock)

EV industry praises federal investments in Michigan

Michigan's electric vehicle industry is praising the Biden administration for its latest investments in EV manufacturing and innovation. About $650 …

A $1.25 million Department of Education grant will allow Wayne State University to provide 37 scholarships to train adaptive physical educators over the next five years. (Adobe Stock)

Wayne State adapts physical education program for students with disabilities

Wayne State University has received a $1.25 million grant to prepare adapted physical education specialists to serve students with disabilities…

Vice President Kamala Harris spoke at a political event in Grand Rapids, Mich., in early 2024. (The White House/Wikimedia Commons)

VP Harris addresses reproductive rights in Michigan visit

Vice President Kamala Harris focused on reproductive rights at a campaign event in Michigan Wednesday. Her remarks come as President Joe Biden has …

Line 5, an Enbridge pipeline that was built in 1953, runs for 645 miles from Wisconsin, under the Straits of Mackinac, through Michigan to Sarnia, Ontario. (Jorge Moro/Adobe Stock)

MI environmental group responds to pipeline enclosure appeal

A Michigan environmental group is addressing an appeal challenging the state's decision to approve the enclosure of the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline…

A $1 minimum wage increase could reduce suicides among those with a high school education or less by nearly 6%, according to a study funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. (SpaceOak/Adobe Stock)

MI construction industry responds to high number of worker suicides

In response to an alarmingly high number of suicides among construction workers, Michigan's construction leaders have taken measures to tackle mental …

The 2016 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Montgomery v. Louisiana required the resentencing of 364 Michigan youths serving life without parole, citing Eighth Amendment violations. (ehrlif/Adobe Stock)

MI high court re-evaluates life sentences for young offenders

The Michigan Supreme Court is set to reexamine the life without parole sentences of three men who have spent two decades in prison, convicted of …

Health professionals advised when it is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, find somewhere with air conditioning or take cool showers or baths. Do not rely on electric fans to stay cool. (Muhammad Shoaib/Adobe Stock)

Tips for a healthy, safe summer in MI

Summertime in Michigan can be fun. However, warmer temperatures pose health risks unique to the season, as people spend more time outdoors. Medical …

A Michigan Healthy Climate Plan recommendation is to meet a goal of 100% clean energy no later than 2050. (pinkrabbit/Adobe Stock)

MI empowers disadvantaged communities for clean energy

The effects of climate change often hit Michigan's most vulnerable communities hardest, prompting state environmental organizations to take action…

In a survey published in Oct. 2022, more than half of adults nationwide said someone in their family had experienced a severe mental health crisis. (SewcreamStudio/Adobe Stock)

Report: Michigan excels in '988' response, falls short on policies

A groundbreaking report found Michigan's performance in responding to 988 calls is strong but also highlighted areas for improvement in financing and …

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)

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)

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…

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - September 13, 2024

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