Health Care
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 […]
Gilchrist talks about what’s next for Michigan cities, education, clean energy and more
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist told the Michigan Advance on Wednesday that he is looking forward to efforts that would support clean energy, schools and continued investments into Michigan’s economy. At the 2023 Mackinac Policy Conference, Gilchrist and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer have focused on promoting inclusive policies to support Michigan families and bring more people and […]
U.S. House approves debt limit package, sending it to Senate days before default deadline
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House took a broadly bipartisan vote Wednesday night on the debt limit package, sending it to the U.S. Senate where lawmakers are expected to vote quickly to clear the measure. The bill would suspend the nation’s borrowing limit through Jan. 1, 2025 and set caps on discretionary spending for two years. […]
New work requirements for some SNAP recipients included in debt limit deal
WASHINGTON — The holiday weekend debt ceiling deal struck by President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy preserves in part new work requirements for some food stamp recipients but now with exceptions for certain populations, including veterans. The agreement released late Saturday night showed concessions from both sides — from GOP members, who wanted […]
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 […]
Debt limit deal hits turbulence in Congress as leaders prep for vote
WASHINGTON — Congress began moving the bipartisan debt limit package forward Tuesday, though frustrations with provisions in the bill could make for narrow passage in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. Conservative Republicans and progressive Democrats both aired their disappointment with the agreement forged over the weekend, but only GOP lawmakers are looking to possibly remove […]
Fentanyl-related drugs permanently made criminal under bill passed by U.S. House
WASHINGTON — Lawmakers in the U.S. House passed bipartisan legislation Thursday in an effort to curb staggering overdose deaths from illegal fentanyl substances that are illicitly produced and up to 50 times stronger than heroin. The HALT Fentanyl Act, passed on a 289-133 vote with 74 Democratic votes and support from the Biden administration, would permanently categorize lab-made […]
Veterans warn their health care could be cut amid debt ceiling fight
As the nation prepares to honor U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the armed forces, a looming debt default could mean millions of veterans, many with injuries suffered on the battlefield, could lose access to outpatient medical care. If the nation’s $31.4 trillion debt limit isn’t raised before June 5, just days […]
Treasury secretary pinpoints June 5 as earliest date for U.S. debt default
WASHINGTON — Republicans in Congress and the Biden administration have until at least June 5 to broker and enact a debt limit bill under new estimates from the Treasury Department, giving negotiators a few more days before the country would default. “Based on the most recent available data, we now estimate that Treasury will have […]
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 […]