News
Bipartisan former members of Congress call for boost in funding to secure elections
WASHINGTON — A bipartisan group of former U.S. lawmakers on the National Council on Election Integrity called on Congress on Friday to spend $400 million on election integrity to insulate the system from foreign interference. “The Department of Homeland Security designated our election system as critical infrastructure in 2017,” the four wrote in a letter. “However, […]
Energy, clean water and pollution top list of environmental priorities for House Dems
Michigan House Majority Leader Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) on Friday outlined House Democrats’ environmental priorities for this term, pledging action on energy policy and highlighting issues like pollution in vulnerable communities. Strengthening polluter pay laws, addressing aging infrastructure, and examining waste policies and environmental impacts are key issues, Aiyash said in a webinar hosted by Conan […]
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 […]
The nation’s biggest electric capacity market needs fixing, critics say
The nation’s largest grid operator is warning that it might not have enough electric generation in the future to guarantee reliability. And it comes as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission convenes a forum on the multibillion-dollar capacity market PJM operates to ensure there’s enough power to meet demand even during grid emergencies, such as during […]
Michigan GOP’s Holocaust post shows growing far-right extremism in the party, experts say
There is a phrase that political experts, Jewish leaders and elected officials repeatedly used when responding to Michigan GOP Chair Kristina Karamo’s vehement defense of the party’s social media posts linking the Holocaust to gun reform bills introduced in the wake of the Michigan State University mass shooting: “I am not surprised.” Disgusted, yes. Outraged, […]
Army Corps extends enviro review for Enbridge tunnel project, angering both sides of Line 5 debate
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced Thursday that it is delaying a key step in its review process of the proposed Line 5 oil pipeline replacement project, drawing complaints both from pipeline owner Enbridge and opponents of the project. The draft environmental impact statement (EIS) from USACE previously had a planned publishing timeframe […]
‘Their influence on me is immeasurable’
Betty DeRamus and Susan Watson were “two of the most gifted women in the history of Detroit journalism.” That’s according to Judy Diebolt, a retired Detroit Free Press and Detroit News journalist who added that it was her “privilege to get to work with both of them.” DeRamus and Watson, both African American, started reporting […]
U of M graduate instructors approve strike authorization
Faced with steep cost of living increases, including burdensome rents, unionized graduate student workers at the University of Michigan voted Thursday night to authorize a strike should union leaders determine it’s necessary in an effort to secure increased wages in their new contract. Ninety-five percent of the Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO) AFT Local 3500 members […]
Unions praise Whitmer for signing Right to Work repeal, prevailing wage restoration bills
Updated, 3:16 p.m., 3/24/23 Unions and other pro-labor groups on Friday celebrated the signing of a set of bills to reverse GOP former Gov. Rick Snyder-era laws that have curtailed union power and pushed down wages. Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday afternoon signed House Bills 4004 and 4007 and Senate Bill 34. HB 4004 […]
Native American agricultural leaders detail farm bill priorities at U.S. Senate hearing
WASHINGTON — A roundtable of Native American agricultural leaders at a recent U.S. Senate hearing lobbied for increased sovereignty and social justice in the coming farm bill by expanding tribes’ jurisdiction over U.S. Department of Agriculture programs. It’s called “638” authority and refers to Public Law 93-638, which gives tribes the power to manage certain federal […]
Members of Congress blast TikTok CEO as bipartisan support for U.S. ban looks possible
A U.S. House panel grilled TikTok’s CEO for more than five hours Thursday over the social media giant’s ties to China, and indicated there may be bipartisan consensus for a national ban on the platform. Members of both parties showed an unusual level of agreement during tough questioning of TikTok CEO Shou Chew. Several members […]
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 […]