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Enbridge submits construction permit for Line 5 project, enviros want Whitmer to delay due to COVID-19
If an oil pipeline company requests permits for a controversial project during a pandemic, does it make a sound? Not nearly enough, if you ask many of the state’s environmental, civic and tribal leaders who oppose Canadian company Enbridge’s controversial Line 5 tunnel project. The Oil and Water Don’t Mix coalition, made up of more […]
Republicans move ahead with Tues. session to check Whitmer’s COVID-19 orders
Michigan’s GOP-led Legislature appears ready to make its move to try and limit the Democratic governor’s power to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. Session will be held in both chambers Tuesday, despite widespread health concerns, even as it was announced Monday that another Michigan lawmaker, state Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit), tested positive for the virus. […]
Here’s the surprising way Michigan is tracking COVID-19 cases in prisons
Those who have been regularly tuning in to Michigan’s daily statewide tally of COVID-19 cases and deaths know the drill by now: Around 3 p.m. every day, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) takes data from each county’s health department, adds it to a spreadsheet and publishes that county list on a […]
Violating COVID-19 orders could cost you $1,000 a day
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Director Robert Gordon has issued an emergency order setting a fine of up to $1,000 and other possible enforcement action for those who violate three of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s key executive orders on COVID-19. The penalties will apply to those who violate Emergency Order (EO) 2020-11, which […]
Doctors, enviros want water shutoff moratorium extended after COVID-19 pandemic
On Saturday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced an executive order directing public water utilities to immediately restore water service for every Michigander whose water has been shut off due to non-payment. The order is effective for the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak, although some social justice groups and medical professionals argue that it should continue for […]
State proposes tighter factory farm regulations to control pollution
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has announced the state’s new revised five-year general permit for factory farms, also known as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). Because factory farms raise so many animals in one area, agricultural pollution from animal waste is often a problem. Excessive nutrient pollution and runoff from […]
National Guard to assist FEMA with makeshift Detroit field hospital
About 20 members of the Michigan National Guard will be providing logistical support to the effort to turn Detroit’s TCF Center into a federal medical station, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office announced Wednesday morning. The National Guardsmen and women are assisting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with the operation through Wednesday, helping with an inventory […]
Almost 30% of Michigan’s COVID-19 deaths are in Detroit, U.S. death toll surpasses 9/11
There are now 7,615 positive cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by a new coronavirus, as of 3 p.m. Tuesday, although state officials believe the actual number of cases is much higher. The state also reports that 259 people have died of the disease. A statewide coronavirus hotline is open 7 days a week from […]
Robinson’s death renews calls for safer Legislature protocols
First-term state Rep. Isaac Robinson (D-Detroit), 44, died from suspected COVID-19 complications Sunday morning. As his friends and colleagues mourn him, some say his passing underscores the need for legislative leaders to take more precautions to prevent the virus’ spread. Robinson could possibly be the first state lawmaker in the country to die from the […]
Michigan has 1K more COVID-19 cases since Friday, 111 total deaths
There are now 4,650 positive cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by a new coronavirus, as of 3 p.m. Saturday, although state officials believe the actual number of cases is much higher. The state reports 111 people have reportedly died of COVID-19. A statewide coronavirus hotline is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. […]
Whitmer task force lays out energy alternatives to Line 5 for U.P. residents
After almost 10 months of research, presentations and meetings, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s U.P. Energy Task Force has released a draft of its recommendations for the state’s Upper Peninsula to lessen its dependence on propane from the Line 5 pipeline and look at alternative energy solutions for Michigan’s northernmost region. Public comments on the draft recommendations […]
After Rep. Carter contracts COVID-19, lawmakers, staff advised to self-quarantine
The first known member of the Michigan Legislature has tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by a new coronavirus. State Rep. Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit) attended the last House session on March 17, in which 94 of the chamber’s 110 members — including Carter — were present for a lengthy 12-hour session to negotiate a […]