Michigan Democrats are rushing to finalize major bill packages on financial disclosure for lawmakers and energy reform because of presidential politics, a tenuous majority and upcoming hunting break.
A divided Michigan House passes legislation requiring utilities to draw 100 percent of their energy from clean sources by 2040. That's a later timeline than environmentalists had sought — and foes say it will raise rates — but many say the reform is overdue.
Passed along party lines, the legislation would end local governments’ authority to approve or deny projects. Proponents say the change would end local controversies and jump-start clean energy. Foes say it’s anti-farm and heavy-handed.
A first-ever immunization against RSV for babies was approved with much hope in July; already, there’s not enough to go around, according to the state’s pediatricians’ group. That, and a flagging interest in flu and COVID vaccines, have some doctors worried.
At age 16, Jamarria Hall joined a lawsuit that accused Michigan state officials of failing to provide Detroit students a basic reading education. He remains involved in the fight.
Residents have spent years trying and failing to get the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to enforce laws that could prevent communities of color from bearing the brunt of pollution. They had hope when President Joe Biden took office, but then nothing happened.
Democrats are close to completing one of their education priorities: changing the teacher evaluation system by making evaluations less reliant on how students perform on tests.
A lone Democrat holdout prompts House to abandon plans to eliminate waiting period, approve what abortion rights groups call a ‘watered down’ version of the ‘Reproductive Health Act.’
The state is pumping millions of dollars into the education budget to help school districts fill bus driver vacancies. Even so, pay remains a hurdle, so some districts offer gas cards, rideshares and public transport options.
Republicans join Democrats in approving plan to require some financial disclosure for political candidates and officials. Many acknowledge it doesn’t go far enough, but contend it is a start.