What to know about Michigan’s Consumers dams sale debate
by Kelly House, Bridge Michigan State utility regulators could soon decide whether Consumers Energy can sell 13 of Michigan’s largest dams to a private equity buyer, in a decision that could have major implications for rivers, rural economies and energy bills. The looming decision — which had been expected this week before Consumers requested a […]
Michigan dam removal prompts relocation of thousands of Huron River mussels
by Laura Herberg, Bridge Michigan This summer, groups of about a dozen people each ventured into the Huron River in Ypsilanti just downstream of Peninsular Paper Dam, donning snorkeling gear. In sections of the river that ranged from a few inches deep to a few feet, they plunged their faces into the water and started […]
Amid ‘mass proliferation,’ Flock cameras emerge as key issue in Michigan election
by Lauren Gibbons, Bridge Michigan As public concern grows around the use of Flock Safety cameras and other automated license plate readers, Michigan political candidates are calling for increased scrutiny and guardrails around the technology. On Wednesday, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson became the latest to weigh in, arguing that “Michiganders deserve to know when […]
Jocelyn Benson outraises John James. See top donors in Michigan governor race
by Simon D. Schuster, Bridge Michigan LANSING — Democrat Jocelyn Benson outraised Republican rival John James and has a decided cash advantage in the Michigan governor’s race, according to new disclosures and statements from the campaigns. As of Aug. 24, Benson had about $5.9 million in her campaign account, while James had about $1.5 million. […]
Warning: Leave threatened venomous snake alone
By ANNA BARNES, Capital News Service LANSING — The eastern massasauga rattlesnake is the only native venomous snake in Michigan — but the state Department of Natural Resources says it has not killed anybody here in over a century. One did, however, bite a man trying to take its photo last month in Oakland County, […]
Michigan expands EV infrastructure, but access remains unequal, study finds
by Kyrmyzy Turebayeva, Great Lakes Echo, Bridge Michigan LANSING — Michigan is actively expanding electric vehicle infrastructure and promoting the transition to electric transportation. However, the presence of charging stations does not necessarily mean all residents can equally benefit from electric vehicles. Researchers from the University of Wisconsin–Madison found that Michigan’s EV policies place significant […]
As health costs climb, some care shifts to Michigan’s charity clinics
by Robin Erb, Bridge Michigan WEST BRANCH — Christine Cunningham sat stock still on a hard-backed chair of a clinic waiting room last week — another datapoint in the state’s growing affordability crisis. When insurance premiums topped $600 two years ago, she said, “we dropped it. It was essentially half his paycheck.” So each day, […]
Michigan budget adds $2 million to wetlands conservation efforts
By AKIA THROWER, Capital News Service LANSING — Michigan’s new annual budget includes $2 million for wetland conservation efforts by the Department of Natural Resources, funding critical work for endangered bird species. “Wetlands serve a lot of different ecological functions and are an important part of the landscape,” said Steve Chadwick, the senior Great Lakes […]
As family farms decline, more Michigan farmers trying to preserve their land
by Vivian La, Interlochen Public Radio, Bridge Michigan John Boyer grew up on his family’s 131 acres of rolling fields of corn, oats and wheat in East Jordan. The farm changed ownership outside the family several times over the decades before being rebought by Boyer, who said he felt an obligation to repurchase and farm […]
Citizenship voting proposal blocked from Michigan ballot. Backers vow fight
by Hayley Harding, Votebeat, Bridge Michigan This article was originally published by Votebeat, a nonprofit news organization covering local election administration and voting access. Sign up for Votebeat Michigan’s free newsletter here. The Michigan Board of State Canvassers has denied ballot access to a state constitutional amendment that would require Michigan voters to prove they are U.S. citizens. A […]
