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New Michigan COVID cases drop for fourth straight week, while weekly deaths rise
Michigan is reporting 4,646 new COVID-19 cases, according to a weekly report the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released Tuesday. That’s a decrease from the last report issued April 4, when the state said there were 5,263 new cases for the week. A total of 3,094,023 Michiganders have tested positive for COVID-19 since […]
Judge again rejects U of M request to halt strike by graduate workers
A judge on Monday again denied a request by the University of Michigan to halt a nearly two-week old strike by its graduate student workers. The ruling by Washtenaw County Circuit Judge Carol Kuhnke was the second time the university was turned down in its request for a preliminary injunction to end the walkout by […]
Settlement ends litigation between tribal gaming board and former development partners
A settlement agreement was reached last week between the Kewadin Casinos Gaming Authority and its former development partner that will reduce a recent judgment from $88 million down to a maximum of $35 million. Under the agreement, announced on Thursday, Kewadin Casinos will make a guaranteed payment to JLLJ Development and Lansing Future Development II […]
22 Mich. lawmakers join national letter backing Tenn. lawmakers expelled for gun control protest
Updated, 1:03 p.m. 4/7/23 with comments from the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus. A letter signed by 267 legislators across 35 states, including 22 Michigan lawmakers, stood in solidarity with three Tennessee legislators facing expulsion for leading an April 3 protest against gun violence. Despite that, Tennessee’s Republican-controlled House of Representatives on Thursday voted to expel […]
Judge denies U of M request for order ending grad assistants’ strike
A Washtenaw County judge has denied a request for a restraining order filed by the University of Michigan against its striking graduate student workers. Now entering its second week, the walkout by members of the Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO) AFT Local 3550 began March 29, with economic issues the main point of contention. The union […]
Treasury, AG say state income tax cut is not permanent, angering Republicans
A tax cut triggered by the state’s record budget surplus will drop Michigan’s tax rate to its lowest level in more than 15 years. However, Republican lawmakers are protesting an announcement that the cut will only apply for this year. Michigan Treasurer Rachel Eubanks on Wednesday said the state’s income tax will decrease from 4.25% […]
U of M graduate instructors hit the picket line
Members of the Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO) AFT Local 3550 went out on strike Wednesday, with economic issues the main point of contention. The union, which is an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), represents Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) and Graduate Student Staff Assistants (GSSAs) at the University of Michigan. Union members said […]
House resolution condemns ‘inappropriate, repugnant Holocaust comparisons’
A resolution condemning any comparisons of gun reform legislation to the Holocaust was passed by the Michigan House last week, but not without friction between Democrats who control the chamber and Republicans upset at the process. House Resolution 68, sponsored by state Rep. Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills), who is Jewish, came a day after a […]
Public comment reopened on Romulus facility that accepted waste from Ohio train derailment
After receiving toxic debris last month from an Ohio train derailment, the public comment period for a license renewal request by the operators of a hazardous waste facility in Romulus will be reopened. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) this month announced the extended public comment period, which was confirmed by the Michigan Department of […]
MPSC OKs higher compensation for residents after power outages
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) on Friday approved an increase in power outage credits for eligible customers from $25 to $35. The order also provides an additional $35 for each day customers are without power and makes the credits automatic. Previously, customers were required to apply for the credit. “The credits may not cover […]
MSU shooting survivor Troy Forbush speaks at gun reform rally in Lansing
“This is more than being at the wrong place at the wrong time. This could happen anywhere, at any time in this country. This has to end.” With those words, Troy Forbush began to tell his story on Thursday at the March for Our Lives rally at Michigan’s Capitol. Forbush was among the five students […]
Lapeer District Library latest target for campaign against LGBTQ+ book
The book, “Gender Queer: A Memoir,” is described by author Maia Kobabe as an “intensely cathartic autobiography” that charts a “journey of self-identity.” But to Republican Lapeer County Prosecutor John Miller, the book borders on child pornography. Caught in the middle is Lapeer District Library Director Amy Churchill, who Miller had reportedly threatened to charge […]