Michigan News & Current Events | Public News Service

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

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

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…

More than 60% of LGBTQ homeless youths report being "physically harmed" by others, compared to fewer than half of non-LGBTQ homeless young people. (JP Photography)

Monday, December 6, 2021

MI Groups Raise Awareness of Dangers for LGBTQ Homeless Youth

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The holidays can be a tough time for young people experiencing homelessness, and Michigan organizations are working to provide …

Some lawmakers have brought a bill to require Michiganders to secure their firearms, but it hasn't made it through the Legislature. (Terry/Adobe Stock)

Groups: Gun-Violence Prevention Overdue After Oxford School Shooting

OXFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Michiganders are mourning the loss of four students after this week's school shooting at Oxford High School, and advocates …

The United States ranks 27th for access to high-speed internet, according to allconnect.com. (Chay_tee/Adobe Stock)

MI Educator: Focus on Rural Communities in Broadband Buildout

PARADISE, Mich. -- Rural educators say the funding for broadband in the bipartisan infrastructure package signed into law last month is critical for …

The Michigan Energy Assistance program can help with paying utility bills and weatherization tips to keep the heat in your home. (weyo/Adobe Stock)

As Winter Nears, Groups Raise Awareness for Heating Help, Weatherization

DETROIT -- As cold weather moves in, state agencies are working to make sure Michiganders know how to apply for the Michigan Energy Assistance …

Methane emissions have been linked to negative health outcomes, such as headaches, nausea, memory loss and other issues. (Denys Prykhodov/Adobe Stock)

Methane-Detection Vehicles to Help Utility Prevent Leaks

LANSING, Mich. -- A public utility in Michigan is launching a pilot program to reduce its methane emissions. Consumers Energy has what it calls the …

Groups are spotlighting the affordable-housing provisions in Build Back Better that they say could make a big difference for Michiganders. (JP Photography/Adobe Stock)

MI Advocates Call Affordable Housing Key in 'Build Back Better'

DETROIT -- Groups say the Build Back Better Act would bring economic opportunity to many Michigan residents, from helping with access to affordable …

More than 60% of people unable to post bail fall in the one-third of society with the lowest incomes, and more than 80% fall in the bottom half, according to a new report. (ivan kmit/Adobe Stock)

Report: Cash Bail Discriminates Against Low-Income, BIPOC Michiganders

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- A new report finds stark disparities in the impacts of cash bail in Michigan, which disproportionately keeps low-income residents …

Advocates of President Joe Biden's Build Back Better agenda say it would create millions of well-paying jobs. (ehrlif/Adobe Stock)

MI Officials Urge Bold Action as COP26 Concludes

MARTIN, Mich. -- As leaders from around the world meet in Scotland, the United States' plan to tackle climate change is coming into focus. The Build …

Rare earth metals - a set of 17 elements from Earth's crust - are used in all kinds of high-tech processes, including clean energy, military technology and electronic devices. (Kim/Adobe Stock)

New Sources Sought for Rare Earth Elements, to Stop Reliance on China

DETROIT -- Michigan researchers have received a $3.1 million grant to study potential new sources of rare earth metals and how to process them…

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…

Michigan state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia, a survivor of domestic violence, is among the lawmakers who have introduced a package of domestic violence prevention bills. (Michigan Progressive Women's Caucus)

Bills Introduced to Prevent MI Domestic Violence, Support Survivors

DETROIT -- Domestic Violence Awareness Month may have come to a close, but efforts in Michigan to prevent violence and protect survivors are ongoing…

In a Clean Power Institute national survey conducted this month, nearly 80% of voters said they support tax incentives for expanding clean energy. (Martin Barraud/Adobe Stock)

MI Groups Spotlight Renewable Technologies for Clean Power Week

LANSING, Mich. -- It is American Clean Power Week, and Michigan groups are highlighting clean energy technologies and the jobs they create. A little …

Research shows investing in community solar projects can bring major economic benefits to the state of Michigan. (Consumers Energy)

Utilities: Community Solar Projects Bring Clean Energy, Economic Benefits

DETROIT -- Utilities in Michigan are raising awareness about the ways consumers can get involved in cleaning up the energy grid, including by …

If Roe v. Wade is overturned, a 1931 Michigan law banning abortion could go back into effect. (Adobe Stock)

Groups: Reproductive-Health Disparities Would Worsen Without Roe

LANSING, Mich. -- Advocates for reproductive care in Michigan are echoing the Department of Justice's call for the U.S. Supreme Court to vacate the …

Michigan lawmakers have introduced legislation to end prison gerrymandering, but so far it has not progressed. (McKee Digital/Adobe Stock)

Redistricting Commission Seeks Public Input on New Maps

DETROIT -- The first of five public hearings on the latest drafts of Michigan's new voting district maps takes place today in Detroit. The final maps …

Four post offices in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland and New York are offering some payroll and business check cashing. (Luis G. Vergara/Adobe Stock)

MI Postal Workers Concerned by Mail Slowdowns, Reduced Hours

LANSING, Mich. - Post offices across Michigan and the nation are implementing service changes in an effort by the agency to cut costs, but labor …

Line 5 is just one of many oil and gas pipelines that environmental groups and Native American tribes contend are threats to sacred and biodiverse waterways. (Oil and Water Don't Mix Coalition)

Groups Urge White House to Support 'Line 5' Shutdown

MACKINAW CITY, Mich. - Environmental groups and tribal communities are asking the Biden administration to stand with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in her …

Like many across the country, the Benton Harbor water distribution system is more than 100 years old. (Adobe Stock)

MI Community Faces Water Crisis, Calls for Lead Pipe Replacement

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- As Congress continues to negotiate infrastructure and social safety-net bills, advocates for environmental justice say …

The average student debt load of a Michigan graduate is a little more than $30,000. (Adobe Stock)

Ed. Department to Streamline Student-Loan Forgiveness for Public Servants

LANSING, Mich. -- An overhaul of the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program could bring relief to more than 550,000 student-loan borrowers …

Events are planned for National Drive Electric Week in 43 U.S. states, plus Canada, Mexico and New Zealand. (Daniel Krason/Adobe Stock)

Electric-Vehicle Owners Urged to Charge Overnight at Home

DETROIT -- It is National Drive Electric Week, and electric vehicle (EV) advocates and utility companies are working to help get residents and the …

Business Forward launched a $1.2 million radio ad campaign in swing House districts, including in Michigan, to urge members of Congress to pass the Build Back Better Act. (Sheryl L Sutter/Adobe Stock)

MI Businesses Urge Congress to Take Bold Climate Action

LANSING, Mich. -- Business leaders are urging Congress to take action to curb climate change by supporting the Biden administration's Build Back …

In Michigan, it is estimated 75% of children live in areas where their families have limited child-care options. (Ana/Adobe Stock)

MI Groups Applaud Bipartisan Child-Care Investments in State Budget

LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan advocates for children and families are praising many of the investments in the 2022 state budget passed this week…

More than 4,500 Michiganders take PrEP, a HIV-prevention medication. (Adobe Stock)

Summit to Debunk Myths, Stigma Around HIV for Michigan Youth

LANSING, Mich. - Organizers of a summit about sexual health will provide a safe space on Friday for young Michiganders to have open, honest and …

The Biden administration has promised not to raise income taxes on those making less than $400,000 a year. (Adobe Stock)

High-Net-Worth Individuals Urge Tax Increases for Wealthy, Corporations

DETROIT -- More than 200 high-net-worth individuals who would personally pay more under the Biden administration's proposed changes to the federal tax…

More than 75% of likely Michigan voters in a new poll say they think investments in caregiving fields would create economic growth. (Angelov/Adobe Stock)

MI Groups Urge Congress to Invest in 'Care Economy'

LANSING, Mich. - Groups that advocate for caregivers cite new polling data from a dozen states, including Michigan, showing public support for parts …

A recent poll finds 56% of Michigan voters have struggled to pay a medical bill, even while they had health insurance. (everythingpossible/Adobe Stock)

Poll: Michiganders Want More Affordable Health Care

LANSING, Mich. -- As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, Michiganders are concerned about the quality of their health care, according to new research…

Between 2020 and 2021, LGBTQ elected officials in the U.S. increased by 17 percent, with 986 now serving. (Ivan Burchak/AdobeStock)

MI Groups: Keep LGBTQ Communities Together in New Voting Maps

LANSING, Mich. -- Michiganders are drawing new voting-district maps, with help from data from the 2020 census, but advocates for LGBTQ political …

The Oil and Water Don't Mix Coalition sent Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau water from the Straits of Mackinac, a symbolic reminder of their shared responsibility to safeguard the Great Lakes.(Oil and Water Don't Mix)

Water Activists in MI Urge Canada to Stop Supporting Line 5

DETROIT -- Water activists are calling on Canadian officials to back Michigan's efforts to close the Line 5 dual pipelines, which have spilled more …

Six in ten Michigan voters age 25 to 64 say they're anxious about having enough money saved for retirement. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: MI Voters Want Policymakers to Make Saving for Retirement Easier

LANSING, Mich. - More than 80% of Michigan voters age 25 to 64 think the state should make it easier for workers to save for retirement, according to …

Less than 15% of Michigan students had been tested for a sexually transmitted infection other than HIV in the last year, according to CDC surveys. (Adobe Stock)

MI Youth Groups Urge Inclusive Sex-Ed Curricula

LANSING, Mich. - Youth advocates for comprehensive sexual education are urging school districts to adopt curricula that use inclusive and …

As of late July, fewer than one in ten Michigan nursing homes had at least 75% of its staff members vaccinated, which is the industry standard for this type of facility. (Tyler Olson/Adobe Stock)

Group Urges MI Nursing-Home Staff, Residents to Get Vaccinated

LANSING, Mich. -- The most recent Michigan data showed 51% of staff and residents of nursing homes have been vaccinated against COVID-19, despite the …

Last week's U.N. report on climate change finds that each of the last four decades has been warmer than any decade before it since 1850. (inkdrop/Adobe Stock)

MI Groups Urge Bold Action to Tackle Climate Change

LANSING, Mich. - As Congress works on an infrastructure package, advocates for climate action say bold steps to curb greenhouse-gas emissions and …

Experts say the expanded Child Tax Credit could reduce child poverty by half in the United States. (Kostia/Adobe Stock)

Expanded Child Tax Credit Boosts Safety Net for MI Families

ALLEGAN, Mich. -- More than 1.9 million Michigan kids are benefiting as their families see extra money from the extended federal Child Tax Credit…

Michigan is home to nearly 115,000 jobs in clean vehicles, renewable energy, energy efficiency and more. (Aleksejs/Adobe Stock)

Energy Secretary Granholm's Visit Highlights Importance of Clean Energy to MI

DETROIT -- As U.S. Secretary of Energy and former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm visits the Great Lakes State today, community advocates are …

In addition to roof repairs and other home improvements to lower utility bills, a Michigan League for Public Policy report recommends expanding utility-shutoff protections to include households with young children. (Adobe Stock)

Report: High Energy Burdens Affect MI Health, Quality of Life

LANSING, Mich. - High utility costs are a major burden for Michigan's low-income residents, and a new study says they have an impact on their health…

Groups including Caring Across Generations, Michigan Care in Action, the Arc of Michigan, the National Domestic Workers Alliance, SEIU and others held a roundtable this week on the importance of legislation to boost the care sector. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

MI Groups Urge Congress to Invest in Home, Community-Based Services

LANSING, Mich. -- Advocates for home- and community-based services in Michigan urged Congress to build off state efforts and invest in what's become …

Before Mackinaw City, the Red Road to DC Project stopped in Idaho, Utah, New Mexico, South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota. (House of Tears Carvers)

'Red Road to DC' Project: Protect Sacred Lands from Resource Extraction

MACKINAW CITY, Mich. -- A group of artisans from Lummi Nation is carrying a 25-foot carved totem pole from Washington state to Washington, D.C.…

Nearly 75% of Michiganders age 75 and up already have been fully vaccinated. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

MI Health Officials Prioritize Equity in Calls for Residents to Get Vaccinated

FLINT, Mich. - Michigan health officials are prioritizing equity as they continue to urge more residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The …

Canada doesn't allow its pharmaceutical companies to advertise; in the U.S. the drug industry spends roughly $6 billion a year on advertising. (tanaonte/Adobe Stock)

MI Residents Could See Big Savings if Prescription Importation Bill Passes

LANSING, Mich. -- A bipartisan bill before the Legislature would allow Michigan residents to purchase pharmaceuticals from Canada, where prices are …

Michigan has 103 state parks that span nearly 300,000 acres. (Kyle Stopczynski/Adobe Stock)

COVID Relief Funds Could Be Used for Updates to State Parks, Trails

LANSING, Mich. -- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is proposing a major investment in Michigan's parks and trails, saying it would address critical needs in …

Studies show when tenants have access to legal counsel, higher numbers of eviction cases are dismissed. (JP Photography/Adobe Stock)

Groups Call for Legal Counsel for MI Households Facing Eviction

DETROIT -- Groups advocating for affordable housing in Michigan said systemic fixes are needed to keep people in their homes once the federal moratori…

Advocates are calling on state lawmakers to adopt a weighted school funding formula, so more equitable funding goes to needier communities. (ProStock/Adobestock)

Report: MI in Middle of the Pack for Kids' Care

LANSING, Mich. - Michigan ranked 28th in the country for overall child well-being and 41st in education as of 2019, according to a new report…

Michigan's Oakland County has the highest number of advanced-energy jobs in the state. (romaset/Adobe Stock)

Report: EV Technology, Manufacturing to Create Job Growth in MI

DETROIT -- A new report predicts Michigan's economy would see major benefits from the Biden administration's proposed $274 billion investment to elect…

A new Gallup survey shows more than 60% of Americans say they know "a little bit" or "nothing at all" about Juneteenth, the date that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. (DoDEA.edu)

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

LANSING, Mich. -- Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by both …

Michigan has 24 public fast-charging EV locations across the state, so drivers on long trips can stop and recharge their vehicle's battery in about 30 minutes. (Consumers Energy)

New MI Program Puts Millions into Electric Vehicle-Charging Stations

LANSING, Mich. - A new $3 million program will help Michigan businesses switch their fleets to electric vehicles. The "PowerMIFleet" program from …

Michigan spends less per unemployed worker than do most other Midwestern states. (Looker_Studio/Adobe Stock)

Report: Michigan's Unemployment System Leaves Too Many Behind

LANSING, Mich. -- A new report found Michigan's unemployment-insurance system lags behind other Midwestern states, by leaving too many workers out …

According to data from Michigan State University, Michigan ranks 12th in concentration of families that can't afford their water bills. (ricardoreitmeyer/Adobe Stock)

Advocates Call for Clean, Affordable Water for Residents of Detroit, Flint

DETROIT -- Environmental-justice advocates urged the federal government to invest in restoring the Great Lakes, confronting the climate crisis and …

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