Mich. LGBTQ Rights Leaders Prepare For Next Steps After SCOTUS Ruling

Monday’s decision amends the federal law, but state law in Michigan still does not explicitly protect LGBTQ employees.

Michigan Has $2.8B Left In Federal Covid-19 Relief, Some Lawmakers Want Flexibility To Spend It

Michigan has yet to spend $2.8 billion in federal COVID-19 relief funds, and some legislators want the flexibility to spend it.

State Review: Anti-Abortion Petition Falls Short By 7K Signatures

The initiative seeks to ban the D&E procedure commonly used in the second trimester and make it a felony for doctors to perform it.

Dems: Trump’s Environmental Rollbacks Harm Communities Of Color

The Trump administration is suspending environmental reviews during the pandemic that critics say will harm poor and minority neighborhoods.

Lawmakers, Advocates Push For Federal Police Reforms

Members from the congressional delegation are advocating for various changes to policing.

Poached Bear Leaves Behind 3 Cubs; DNR Seeking Tips

The bear was euthanized due to the extent of its injuries, leaving behind three cubs which were taken to a wildlife rehabilitator.

Trump Won’t ‘Even Consider’ Push To Rename Bases Honoring Confederates

The long-simmering debate has intensified during the recent protests for racial equality following George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis.

Court Of Appeals Rules Enbridge Tunnel Deal Is Constitutional

Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a legal opinion last year that it was not.

Detroit School District Marches Against Racism, For Equity In Education

During the 90-minute demonstration, marchers chanted “Black lives matter,” “We all rise,” and “D-P-S-C-D.”

George Floyd’s Brother: ‘Make Sure That He Is More Than Another Face On A T-Shirt’

George Floyd’s younger brother, Philonise Floyd, pleaded with lawmakers on Capitol Hill Wednesday.

As Detroit Protests Near Third Week, Civil Rights Leaders Eye Big Changes

As Detroit protests enter their 14th day, area civil rights leaders have assessed the actions that followed the death of George Floyd.

NAACP Protest In Lansing Draws More Than 1K

Sweltering, nearly 90-degree weather did not deter a crowd of more than 1,000 protesters who took part in a peaceful march in Lansing.

Almost 60 Percent Of Parents Need Schools To Reopen Safely So They Can Return To Work

Almost 60 percent of Michigan parents say school closures would impact their ability to return to work.

Congressional Dems Lay Out Expansive Police Reform Plans

Congressional Democrats outlined their vision for sweeping police reforms on Capitol Hill Monday.

‘Trying To Find Reform’: Small Cities Hold Anti-Police Brutality Protests

Since late May, demonstrations have taken place in more than two dozen municipalities in Michigan on both sides of the Mackinac Bridge.

Protect Trees And Forests From Invasive Species; Don't Move Firewood

The state is reminding people about the risk of accidentally spreading invasive species while moving firewood. ​

Supreme Court Won’t Hear Case Seeking To Curb Whitmer’s Emergency Powers — For Now

The Michigan Supreme Court on Thursday said it won’t hear the GOP-controlled state Legislature’s lawsuit against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

1/3 Of Michigan Teachers Might Not Return To The Classroom

Michigan educators are planning for next fall. But almost one-third of the profession is considering not returning due to the coronavirus.

Librarians, National Guard Recruited For States’ New Contact Tracing Armies

As states loosen restrictions imposed to constrain the coronavirus, they’re also looking to deploy a huge new fleet of workers to help.

DNR Announces Opening Dates For Campgrounds, Harbors And Other Outdoor Spaces

Throughout the pandemic, most state parks, state-managed trails and boating access sites stayed open.

Pandemic Causing ‘Major Decline’ In Low-Income College Student Enrollment

Some Michigan colleges have seen a “major decline” in enrollment of low-income first-year students.

Michigan Ranks 3rd Worst In Nation For Black Educational Attainment

Structural racism in Michigan and across the country can be traced back to racial inequities that have persisted for decades.

Civil Rights Groups Urge Congress To Combat Police Brutality

Hundreds of civil rights organizations urged congressional leaders to pass legislation to address police killings of Black people.

Planned Parenthood Challenges Abortion Ban Ballot Signatures

A significant amount of signatures to ban the dilation and evacuation abortion procedure were found to be invalid.​

Baldwin Prison Confirms 1st Inmate Covid-19 Death

North Lake also now reports more cumulative COVID-19 prisoner cases than any of the BOP’s other privately-owned prisons.

Turning In Tagged Fish Could Net Cash Reward

Tag returns help biologists understand fish survival, age and movement

Hundreds Gather To Clean Up Grand Rapids Damage After Protest

Hundreds of people filled downtown Grand Rapids Sunday morning, armed with brooms, garbage bags, sponges and plywood to board up windows.

Pandemic Strains Emergency Responders With More Disasters On Horizon

Federal officials have more money than ever to respond to disasters, but some worry their focus on the pandemic could hamstring efforts.

‘No Justice, No Peace’: Detroit Rallies To Protest Floyd Killing

Hundreds of metro Detroit residents rallied on the grounds of the Detroit Police Department headquarters on Friday afternoon to protest.

Whitmer ‘Optimistic’ About Reopening More Regions, Will Testify In D.C. On Covid-19 Response

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said more information about different regions of the state opening back up will be announced in the “coming days.”

Trump Plans July 4 Celebration Despite Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t upended President Trump’s plans to hold a Fourth of July celebration in the nation’s capital this summer.

700 Mich. Employers Have Used Program To Bring Back Laid-Off Workers During Covid-19

The state is encouraging employers to bring back laid-off workers through reduced hours using the state’s Work Share program.

GOP Lawmakers Pop Resolution Against State Bailout From D.C.

A resolution introduced in the House Wednesday would deny the state federal bailouts and financial relief.

Senator Calls Female Colleagues ‘Shrill,’ Accuses Them Of ‘Feigned’ Outrage During Covid-19 Crisis

State Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) wrote on Twitter that she walked out of the chamber after hearing herself described as shrill.

State Has Spent $8.5B On Unemployment, $251M On PPE

The pandemic-caused economic shutdown has caused state tax revenues to plummet.

Gaps Identified In Line 5 Protective Coating, Enbridge Says Pipeline Remains Safe

Canadian oil company Enbridge is once again defending the integrity of its controversial Line 5 pipeline.

After Having Coronavirus Symptoms, Rep. Sponsors Measure Requiring Masks On House Floor

State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt), who introduced House Resolution 268, says “it’s about public health, plain and simple.”

Michigan, 22 Other States Sue Trump Admin. Over Fuel Economy Standards

Attorneys general of 23 states filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s rollback of fuel economy standards.​

Michigan Coronavirus Forecast Adjusts Once Again — This Time, For The Better

The latest two UWash updates for Michigan this week come with relatively good news.

League Of Women Voters Sues SOS Over Proposal 3 Enforcement

The Michigan League of Women Voters filed a lawsuit against the Secretary of State to remove barriers to absentee voting.