Briefs
McLaren Lapeer nurses vote to authorize strike amid contract negotiations
Unionized nurses at McLaren Lapeer Region Hospital unanimously voted this week to authorize a strike, according to the Michigan Nurse’s Association (MNA). The vote does not mean a strike will definitely occur, but union leadership now has the go-ahead to call for one should they deem it’s necessary during ongoing contract negotiations. The nearly 250 […]
Michigan abortion rights leader to join Children’s Center in Detroit
Nicole Wells Stallworth on Wednesday was named CEO of the Detroit-based Children’s Center, a nonprofit centered on improving the lives of children and families. Stallworth, executive director for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan and vice president for public affairs for Planned Parenthood of Michigan, will start her new position on July 10. Liz Agius, Children’s […]
Cat declawing ban reintroduced in Legislature
A ban on declawing cats in Michigan has again been introduced in the Legislature. For the past few legislative sessions, lawmakers have introduced bans on onychectomies, or any other surgical procedure that removes or interferes with the normal functioning of the claws of a cat. The bills have not advanced out of committee. Currently only […]
Billboard outside Florida airport warns travelers of DeSantis’ anti-abortion policy, urges them to go to Michigan
Following travel advisories warning visitors that Florida might not be a welcoming place for Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ people, now comes a warning that anyone capable of getting pregnant might also be better off in another state. Michigan, to be precise, according to a billboard just erected outside Orlando International Airport. It features Dr. Tim Johnson, an OB-GYN […]
Tlaib introduces bill expanding public land access for environmental justice communities
U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit), alongside Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), has introduced a bill in the House of Representatives aimed at breaking down barriers to accessing the outdoors – particularly public lands and waters – faced by many environmental justice communities. The Environmental Justice in Recreation Permitting Act (EJRPA) would require an interagency study between […]
Indigenous leaders urge Biden to shut down Line 5 pipeline due to ‘imminent’ threat
Leaders from the Indigenous Women’s Treaty Alliance submitted a letter Thursday to the Biden administration with an emergency request to decommission the Line 5 pipeline due to imminent threats of oil spills impacting the Bad River Watershed and the Great Lakes. The controversial 70-year-old pipeline, operated by Canadian oil company Enbridge, flows crude oil from […]
Planned Parenthood of Michigan opens new virtual health center
Planned Parenthood of Michigan (PPMI) announced Thursday that its new virtual health center is open for use. Previously, patients had to book telehealth services through a brick and mortar health center, but this new service creates a centralized online location for those all over the state to seek care. Across Michigan, there are a number […]
House Dems introduce plan for a fund to combat violent crime in local communities
House Democrats introduced a plan this week to create a fund dedicated to addressing violent crime throughout Michigan in the communities where it is most needed. Alongside Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Detroit Police Chief James E. White, House Democrats announced legislation to create a Public Safety and Violence Prevention Fund. This fund, outlined by […]
Whitmer signs directive aimed at relieving student loan strain for Michiganders
As the U.S. Supreme Court approaches a ruling on President Joe Biden’s proposal to forgive a portion of student loan debt, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has instructed various state agencies to explore cost-cutting mechanisms for borrowers in Michigan. In a Wednesday executive directive, Whitmer called on the state departments of Treasury, Insurance and Financial Services and […]
Legislation to fix gap in Michigan’s ban on firearms in airports sent to Senate
Legislation to address a change in federal regulations that has left Michigan with a gap in its laws against bringing firearms past security at airports is heading to the state Senate for consideration. The bill, SB 22, would address the technicality in state law that allowed former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield (R-Levering) to avoid […]
Missouri man arrested for crashing truck, making threats near White House
Federal police arrested a Missouri man on Monday night after he crashed a vehicle into security barriers in Lafayette Park, across the street from the White House. Sai Varshith Kandula, 19, of Chesterfield, has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, threatening to kill, kidnap or inflict harm […]
Detroit moves closer to creating gun-free zones in downtown and at events
The Detroit City Council last week took a step closer to creating gun-free zones at events and in popular parts of downtown. The council on Tuesday approved two resolutions that set the stage for gun-free zones. The first called on state lawmakers to pass a Senate bill that would authorize municipalities to create gun-free zones in […]