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Whitmer, Ford CEO announce 4 million free masks for vulnerable Michiganders
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday rolled out a major new initiative to provide 4 million free protective face masks to Michigan residents. The “MI Mask Aid” effort — a partnership between the state, Ford Motor Company and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) — will primarily target Michigan’s most vulnerable populations, including low-income residents, seniors, […]
State to develop autonomous vehicle corridor between Ann Arbor, Detroit
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday unveiled an initiative to create a 40-mile corridor for autonomous car travel between Ann Arbor and downtown Detroit, as a first step toward improving accessible transportation across the state. The Michigan-based Cavnue, a subsidiary of Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners (SIP), will be leading the project in partnership with the state of […]
Michigan reports 517 new COVID-19 cases, state total hits 89K
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) reported Wednesday that 89,271 total Michiganders have tested positive for COVID-19 and 6,273 have died from the virus — an additional 517 cases and nine deaths since Tuesday. DHHS also reports that an additional 9,418 Michiganders have been identified as “probable” cases for COVID-19, as well […]
Panel needs more time to consider Capitol firearm ban
Updated, 11:35 a.m., 8/18/20 Those holding their breath for the Michigan State Capitol Commission (MSCC) to take action on banning firearms at the state Capitol will have to wait a little longer, as Monday’s general meeting for the panel was again postponed as two members continue to gather information about possible courses of action. “I […]
New: DNR finalizing review of Line 5 easement compliance
After nearly 14 months, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) appears to have wrapped up its intensive review of Canadian oil company Enbridge’s compliance with the key state agreement governing the controversial Line 5 dual oil pipeline. The contents of that review could unlock Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive ability to shut down the pipeline, […]
Senate plans for rare Saturday session after COVID scare
The Michigan Senate will meet for an unusual 10 a.m. Saturday morning session this week, the Advance has confirmed. The rare weekend meeting follows the cancellation of sessions and committee hearings for both chambers after state Sen. Tom Barrett (R-Potterville) tested positive for COVID-19 on Aug. 2. The state House is scheduled to meet for […]
Study: Partial Line 5 shutdown has not impacted gas prices, despite Enbridge warnings
New research from a former Dow chemical engineer has found that, despite Canadian oil company Enbridge’s predictions otherwise, the continued partial shutdown of its Line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac has so far not affected gas prices or supply in Michigan or Canada. “For a period of [52] days … there has been […]
Doctors’ group says GOP lawmaker contracting COVID-19 is a wake-up call to wear masks in the Capitol
State Sen. Tom Barrett (R-Potterville), one of most vocal Republicans to rally against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s orders to contain COVID-19, became on Sunday Michigan’s first GOP lawmaker to test positive for the disease. “Of course we must take appropriate precautions to stay safe,” said Barrett on April 9 after Whitmer extended her stay-home order when […]
Michigan reports 722 new COVID-19 cases, state total climbs to 85K
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) reported Thursday that 85,429 total Michiganders have tested positive for COVID-19 and 6,247 have died from the virus — an additional 722 cases and 26 deaths since Wednesday. The state notes that 17 of Thursday’s additional deaths come from its most recent review of vital records […]
Peters launches investigation into Postal Service delays
U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Twp.) announced Thursday that he has launched an investigation into a myriad of reported issues at the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Peters cites widespread delays of crucial mail deliveries, including prescriptions and mail-in ballots, that have come following recent changes directed by newly appointed leadership at the federal agency. Postmaster […]
Updated congressional results: Hoadley squeaks by; Tlaib, Meijer score big
Updated, 8:24 a.m., 8/6/20 with winner in the 8th District Votes were still being counted in congressional primaries last night, given the influx of absentee ballots. But now we have a clearer picture on races on both the Democratic and GOP sides of the aisle. Here are some key races the Advance is tracking: 13th […]
Key state House races: Thanedar headed to Lansing, Whitsett holds on
It looks like millionaire Shri Thanedar will finally be coming to Lansing — as a member of the state Legislature in January. Here’s a look at some noteworthy state House primaries on Tuesday on both the Democratic and GOP sides: 3rd House District There was a crowded eight-candidate Democratic field vying for the 3rd state […]