The Center Square, Author at The Michigan Star

CBO Reports Grim Long-Term Outlook for Federal Government

March 22, 2024 The Center Square

The Congressional Budget Office on Wednesday released a bleak outlook for the federal government with new projections that show debt levels will reach their highest levels ever in five years.

“Debt held by the public, boosted by the large deficits, reaches its highest level ever in 2029 (measured as a percentage of GDP) and then continues to grow, reaching 166 percent of GDP in 2054 and remaining on track to increase thereafter,” according to the CBO report. “That mounting debt would slow economic growth, push up interest payments to foreign holders of U.S. debt, and pose significant risks to the fiscal and economic outlook; it could also cause lawmakers to feel more constrained in their policy choices.”

Proposal would Halt Taxpayer Money to Medical Schools Promoting Racial Bias

March 21, 2024March 20, 2024 The Center Square

Reps Greg Murphy, Brad Wenstrup, and Burgess Owens (composite image)

Educating from the podium and advocating for the inclusion of all, congressmen led by North Carolina’s Dr. Greg Murphy and Ohio’s Dr. Brad Wenstrup on Tuesday introduced legislation that would halt taxpayer money from going to medical schools promoting racial bias.

Multiple speakers, both Black and white and at least one saying she’s neither Republican nor Democrat, drove home the message directly and indirectly that health care is about the patients and their outcomes. Collectively, they explained how the best care comes from the best in education, that all can access it, and the promotion of “critical race theory-based woke philosophy based on DEI” will put Americans’ lives at risk.

Gotion Sues Michigan Town over Water Line Dispute

March 20, 2024March 19, 2024 The Center Square

A company taking $715 million of taxpayer subsidies is suing the local government for revoking vital water infrastructure for its electric vehicle plant.

In October 2023, the Green Charter Township board approved the water line for Gotion, which bought 270 actors of land in Mecosta County in August 2023.

Layoffs Continue Nationwide as Economic Concerns Rise

March 20, 2024 The Center Square

As the economy worsens, multiple industries continue to shed jobs.

U.S.-based companies laid off 82,307 employees in January, a 136 percent increase from the previous month, according to a report by the business and coaching firm, Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. The Wall Street Journal reported companies are still cutting white-collar jobs in an attempt “to do more with less.”

Biden Border Policy Critics Lament ‘Migrant Crime Wave’

March 19, 2024 The Center Square

House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark E. Green blasted President Joe Biden for the wave of illegal immigrants entering the U.S., saying a “migrant crime wave” is sweeping the country.

AAA Survey: Most U.S. Drivers Fear Self-Driving Vehicles

March 19, 2024 The Center Square

AAA’s latest autonomous vehicle survey shows most U.S. drivers express either fear (66%) or uncertainty (25%) about fully-self-driving vehicles.

However, semi-autonomous technologies such as reverse automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assistance continue to drive consumer interest.

School Districts Under the Spotlight for How they Handle their Social Media Accounts

March 19, 2024 The Center Square

School districts around the country are facing issues with how they handle their social media accounts, and the debate has reached the U.S. Supreme Court.

Denver Public Schools recently reviewed its social media policy that doesn’t allow employees to restrict comments on social media or limit who can see them.

Analysts: Policymakers Must Confront Weaponized Migration to Address Border Crisis

March 18, 2024 The Center Square

Unless Congress and policymakers understand how weaponized migration is being used against the U.S., they won’t be able to solve the problem, foreign policy analysts warn.

More than 11 million foreign nationals, including gotaways, illegally entering the U.S. from all over the world is not an accident, military and foreign policy experts have warned. It’s called migrant warfare, The Center Square first reported. The European Commission, United Nations, NATO, and foreign policy institutes have identified hybrid warfare being used in Europe, including migrant warfare, to shape national and international policies.

Taxpayers Supply $1 Billion Annually, and AmeriCorps Is Seven Years Without Clean Audit

March 18, 2024 The Center Square

Taxpayers provide it $1 billion annually, and for seven years running, AmeriCorps has failed to get a clean audit. A North Carolina congresswoman says that’s enough.

Identifying fraud risks, assessing inherent fraud risks, setting risk tolerance and consideration of existing controls were all cited in a scathing report of the Corporation for National and Community Service – aka AmeriCorps – from the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Study: Most Partial Automation Driving Systems Need Work

March 18, 2024 The Center Square

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says automakers should incorporate new rating programs into their partial driving automation systems to reduce traffic deaths.

The new IIHS ratings aim to encourage safeguards that can help reduce intentional misuse and prolonged attention lapses.

Inflation Woes: Home Buyers Need 80 Percent More Income to Buy than Four Years Ago

March 17, 2024March 16, 2024 The Center Square

The housing market is not immune from inflationary woes as buyer’s purchasing power has significantly diminished in four years. Home buyers in 2024 need 80% more income to purchase a home than they did in 2020, according to a new report by Zillow.

“The income needed to comfortably afford a home is up 80% since 2020, while median income has risen 23% in that time,” the report states. That equates to $47,000 more than four years ago.

Michigan Jury Finds James Crumbley Guilty of Manslaughter

March 16, 2024March 15, 2024 The Center Square

A jury found James Crumbley, the father of Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley who killed four students in 2021, guilty of manslaughter.

The jury decided Crumbley was negligent when he bought a 9 mm Sig Sauer pistol four days before the shooting for the 15-year-old with mental health problems who claimed he was seeing “demons.”

Feds Seize Massive Amounts of Cocaine in Marine Operations

March 15, 2024 The Center Square

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (CBP-AMO) agents and U.S. Coast Guard crews are seizing large quantities of cocaine attempting to be smuggled to the U.S. by boat.

In five recent operations, they seized nearly $290 million worth of cocaine totaling over 15,700 pounds. or nearly 8 tons – enough lethal doses to potentially kill more than 82 million people.

Inflation Spiked in February More than Expected

March 15, 2024 The Center Square

Producer prices spiked last month, another sign of rising inflation in the U.S., according to new federal data.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on Thursday released its monthly Producer Price Index, a leading marker of inflation, which showed an increase of 0.6% in February, more than expected.

Border Crisis: Water Scarcity Forces Texas’ Last Sugar Mill to Close

March 14, 2024 The Center Square

The border crisis has taken on many forms in Texas, from crime to fentanyl poisonings to farmers and ranchers losing their livelihoods.

Another casualty of the border crisis is the U.S. State Department’s failure to hold accountable Mexican government authorities to a 1944 Treaty of Utilization of Waters, resulting in Texas’ last sugar mill shut down, the industry contends. The Rio Grande Valley is bracing for an expected initial $100 million in economic losses as a result.

Michigan House Republican Leader: Pass FOIA Reform During Sunshine Week

March 13, 2024March 12, 2024 The Center Square

House Republican Leader Matt Hall urged House Speaker Joe Tate, D-Detroit, to pass reform to records requests during Sunshine Week, which celebrates government transparency.

Sunshine Week, observed this year from March 10-16, highlights the need for transparency and accountability at all levels of government.

‘Unusually High’ Inflation: Consumer Costs Rose Again in February

March 13, 2024 The Center Square

aceless person with cash and calculator app on smartphone

Consumer prices jumped again in February, in part driven by a significant rise in gasoline prices, according to newly released federal inflation data.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released its Consumer Price Index Tuesday, a leading marker of inflation, which showed prices rose 0.4 percent in February and 3.2 percent over the past year.

FBI Director: Smuggling Organizations Connected to ISIS Coming Through U.S. Border

March 13, 2024 The Center Square

FBI Director Christopher Wray on Monday confirmed that a smuggling organization working with the terrorist organization ISIS is funneling criminals through the U.S. border. He also said the FBI is currently investigating its operations that ‘we’re very concerned about.’

In a U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence hearing held on Monday on worldwide threats to the United States, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, asked Wray about threats coming through the U.S. border.

Mask Mandate Ban Signed into Law

March 11, 2024 The Center Square

When President Joe Biden signed a package of bills over the weekend to avoid a government shutdown, he also made law Sen. J.D. Vance’s legislation to stop federal mask mandates from the Department of Transportation.

Spending Up, Michigan Test Scores, Public School Enrollment Remain Low

March 9, 2024March 8, 2024 The Center Square

Despite more spending on public education, test scores remain flat in Michigan, according to a recently released report.

The free market-focused Reason Foundation released its Public Education at a Crossroads study, analyzing the lack of correlation between increased spending and improved test scores in American schools between 2002 and 2020.

Montana Law Enforcement Seized Record Amounts of Fentanyl Last Year

March 9, 2024 The Center Square

The amount of fentanyl seized in Montana last year was over double the amount in 2022, according to Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s office.

In 2023, the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task forces seized a total of 398,552 dosage units of fentanyl, up from 188,823 dosage units compared in 2022 and 60,557 in 2021. Since 2019, fentanyl seizures by state anti-drug forces are up over 20,000%, the office said in a statement.

Federal Lawmakers Call for Permanent Daylight Saving Time

March 7, 2024 The Center Square

Some lawmakers are once again calling on their colleagues to make Daylight Saving Time permanent.

Ahead of the switch to Daylight Saving Time this weekend, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., highlighted the importance of the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make Daylight Saving Time permanent.

Commentary: Congress Should Support Site-Neutral Reforms

March 7, 2024 The Center Square

The recent Health Equity Report by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee offers a glimpse into the health challenges faced by Tennesseans. Among many concerning statistics, one stands out: 100 people are diagnosed with cancer in the state every day.

Sadly, the financial toll of chronic illnesses like cancer is staggering. It can saddle seniors, families and patients across Tennessee with decades of debt. Nationwide, 23 million Americans are confronting the burdensome reality of medical debt, which can wreck credit scores, send seniors to debt collections, and thwart patients from getting the timely, quality care they need.

Michigan Lawmakers Want Mass Transit Between Grand Rapids, Detroit, Ann Arbor

March 6, 2024March 5, 2024 The Center Square

Michigan Democratic lawmakers want mass transit between Grand Rapids, Detroit and Ann Arbor but don’t know how to pay for it.

State Sen. Dayna Polehanki, D-Livonia, majority caucus chair & Education Committee chair, posted on social media that mass transit would prevent young people from leaving the state.

More Inflationary Woes: In One Year, Car Insurance Rates Surge 26 Percent

March 4, 2024 The Center Square

Car insurance rates surged 26% nationwide in the past year and are expected to remain elevated until 2025.

That’s according to the “True Cost of Auto Insurance” report from Bankrate, an independent comparison service company.

Food Stamp Costs for a Family’s Meal Jump 31 Percent over Last Three Years

March 4, 2024 The Center Square

The monthly costs for the thrifty plan for a family of four participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is increasing by 31% over the last three years.

The United States Department of Agriculture stated the food stamp benefit amounts are based every year upon the cost of the Thrifty Food Plan.

Green: Taxpayers’ $3 Billion Supplying Clean Ports Program

March 3, 2024 The Center Square

The Biden administration’s choice for zero-emissions operations in America’s ports was boosted Wednesday with the opening of applications for $3 billion from taxpayers in the Clean Ports Program.

Equipment and infrastructure needs can be met that “reduce mobile source emissions at U.S. ports,” a release from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says. EPA Administrator Michael Regan was in Wilmington, N.C., alongside Gov. Roy Cooper, whose administration he previously worked in, to make the announcement.

Eligible Michigan Residents to Receive Additional Tax Credit

March 2, 2024March 1, 2024 The Center Square

by Carly Moran Michigan plans to send $219 million in tax credits back to taxpayers over the next few weeks, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced. Whitmer said a supplemental Working Families Tax Credit will be sent to Michigan families who already received a 2022 tax year Michigan Earned Income…

Trump Calls Border Crisis ‘Biden invasion’

March 1, 2024 The Center Square

Former President Donald Trump on Thursday said the border crisis is a “a Joe Biden invasion. This is a Biden invasion.”

He met with Gov. Greg Abbott in Eagle Pass, Texas, to tour a new military base established through Abbott’s border security mission, Operation Lone Star. “What they showed me is nothing less than incredible. This is a military operation. This is like a war,” he said.

Federal Data Says Inflation Continues to Rise

March 1, 2024 The Center Square

Newly released federal data showed that inflation continues to rise in the U.S.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis released its Personal Consumption Expenditures marker Thursday, showed inflation rose 0.2% in January, more than many experts had previously expected.

Groups Weigh In on Montana Supreme Court Case of Minors Challenging Permit Laws

February 29, 2024 The Center Square

A Montana think tank and special interest groups have filed an amicus brief in the state supreme court case known as Held v. Montana.

The coalition is asking the Montana Supreme Court to overrule a lower court’s decision that struck down recent changes to state environmental permitting laws and said 16 minors had standing to sue over Montana’s contribution to climate change.

Report: US EV Manufacturing Faces ‘Extinction-Level Event’

February 29, 2024 The Center Square

An Alliance for American Manufacturing report called for tariffs to protect the U.S. electric vehicle market from an “extinction-level event” caused by Chinese competitors.

The report follows Chinese EV maker BYD, the world’s largest EV maker, releasing a $14,000 EV in February that could “demolish” domestic EVs, often $40,000 more expensive.

Ranked-Choice Voting Proves to Be Lightning Rod Issue in Several States

February 25, 2024 The Center Square

Bills to ban ranked-choice voting are causing passionate debate over a method to cast ballots that some say is fairer and some say is confusing and could lower voter turnout.

Ranked-choice voting allows people to rank the candidates, with “one” being their favorite. The votes are tallied in rounds. After the first round, the candidate with the lowest votes is eliminated. The voter’s second preference is then added to the tally. The process continues until a winner is determined.

Michigan GOP Faces Division During Presidential Primary

February 24, 2024February 23, 2024 The Center Square

Days before Tuesday’s primary election, more than 700,000 Michiganders have already cast a ballot thanks to new voting laws.

More than 18,000 votes were cast in the first three days of in-person early voting statewide over the holiday weekend.

Denver Schools Facing ‘Unprecedented Challenge’ with Influx of Migrant Students

February 22, 2024 The Center Square

Denver’s public school system has been taking in as many as 250 new students a week since the new year, which it attributes to the increase in the number of migrants arriving in the city.

Denver Public Schools Superintendent Alex Marrero called the situation an “unprecedented challenge” in a message to the community posted on the district’s website. The district said the influx of new students will cost an additional $837,000 “to support additional needs across the system.”

Supreme Court Rejects Appeal over 2020 Election Sanctions

February 21, 2024February 20, 2024 The Center Square

The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from Sidney Powell, a lawyer aligned with former President Donald Trump who challenged the 2020 presidential election results in Michigan.

The nation’s top court included no comment with the Tuesday rejection.

Auto Executives: Chinese EVs Could ‘Demolish’ U.S. Production

February 21, 2024 The Center Square

Detroit placed the U.S. on wheels but if Motor City wants to go electric it faces fierce global competition.

Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD outsold Tesla in the fourth quarter of 2023. The foreign automaker said it produced more than 3 million new energy vehicles in 2023 compared to Tesla’s 1.8 million.

Domestic Oil Production in U.S. Reached Record Levels

February 18, 2024 The Center Square

Domestic oil production in the U.S. reached a new record in November of 2023, hitting 13.31 million barrels per day, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The previous record was 13.25 million barrels per day. That was set in September 2023.

Americans Unhappy with Biden’s Handling of Immigration

February 18, 2024 The Center Square

Immigration has become a toxic issue for President Joe Biden, with many voters citing it as their top problem with the president, according to newly released survey data.

Gallup released the poll, which was taken in January and found that only 41% of Americans approved of the job Biden is doing as president while 54% disapprove. Among those disapproving of Biden’s work, 19% cite immigration as the reason, far more than any other specific issue.

Former CEO: High Interest Rates ‘Killing’ Companies as Layoffs Continue

February 18, 2024 The Center Square

President Joe Biden is blaming corporations for high prices and “shrinkflation.” Business executives and many economists disagree, arguing the real problem is inflation created by federal deficit spending policies.

Ahead of the Super Bowl, Biden posted a video on X saying, “While you were Super Bowl shopping, did you notice smaller-than-usual products where the price stays the same? Folks are calling it Shrinkflation and it means companies are giving you less for every dollar you spend. I’m calling on the big consumer brands to put a stop to it.”

Q1 2024: Most Illegal Border Crossers Apprehended at Northern Border in U.S. History

February 17, 2024 The Center Square

In the first quarter of fiscal 2024, more foreign nationals were apprehended illegally entering the northern border than at any time in U.S. history.

They totaled 60,602, according to new data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Michigan Petition Drive Aims to Repeal State Control over Large Wind, Solar Farms

February 17, 2024February 16, 2024 The Center Square

A voter-led petition seeks to repeal a Michigan law that allowed the state to seize local control of large-scale wind and solar projects.

The Michigan Farm Bureau and the Michigan Townships Association say Public Act 233 of 2023 strips local siting authority in 1,240 townships and gives it to the Michigan Public Service Commission – three people appointed by the governor.

Nearly 243,000 Illegal Border Crossers Reported in January

February 15, 2024February 14, 2024 The Center Square

There were nearly 243,000 illegal border crossers reported in January nationwide, according to new data released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

They include 176,205 illegal border crossers along the southwest border. The majority, 124,220, were apprehended between ports of entry.

Consumer Prices Rose More than Expected Last Month

February 14, 2024 The Center Square

Prices rose more than expected in January, according to newly released federal inflation data.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on Tuesday released its Consumer Price Index, a key marker of inflation, which reported that prices rose 0.3% last month.

Whitmer’s Proposed 2025 Budget Carries 1,288 Percent Trash Fee Hike Increase

February 14, 2024February 13, 2024 The Center Square

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says the proposed 2025 budget wouldn’t raise taxes but it would dump a 1,200% increase in trash fees onto local taxpayers.

The budget aims to raise the landfill tipping fee rate for state landfills from 36 cents to $5 per ton – a 1,288% increase.

U.S. Senate Passes $95 Billion Foreign Aid Bill to Ukraine, Israel

February 13, 2024 The Center Square

The U.S. Senate passed a $95 billion foreign aid bill for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after days of delay from Republicans who did not want to pass the funding without provisions to secure the southern border.

The legislation passed early Tuesday morning after a filibuster largely led by U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., ended. Now the legislation goes to the House, where it remains unclear if they can get the votes.

South Carolina House Republicans Plan Clean ‘Constitutional Carry’ Measure

February 10, 2024 The Center Square

The South Carolina House Republicans plan to introduce a clean “Constitutional Carry” measure after declining to proceed with an amended version the state Senate passed, exposing a rift within Republican ranks over one of the party’s top priorities.

Lawmaker: Vehicle Repair Fund Exists Because Michigan Roads Aren’t Fixed

February 10, 2024February 9, 2024 The Center Square

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 2025 budget includes $5 million for a car repair program.

The program would fund vehicle repairs, purchases and other services to obtain and retain employment not to exceed $2,000 in the past year – the same cap as last year’s budget but more than double from the $900 cap in the year prior.

Biden Defends His Mental Fitness After DOJ Report Calls Him ‘Elderly Man with Poor Memory’

February 9, 2024February 9, 2024 The Center Square

A visibly upset President Joe Biden addressed the nation late Thursday to respond to news that the special counsel tasked with investigating his handling of classified documents had chosen not to charge him, but also detailed numerous examples of his memory loss.

The blockbuster special counsel report, while clearing Biden, sparked questions about Biden’s mental fitness when it called him an “elderly man with a poor memory.” Biden is 81 years old.

Trump Blasts Senate Border Bill: ‘Don’t Fall for It’

February 5, 2024 The Center Square

Many Republicans already are criticizing a border bill expected to be voted on in the U.S. Senate. Former President Donald Trump blasted the proposed legislation Monday, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., called it “dead on arrival.”