The Upper-Midwest Archives - Page 3 of 49

Recent Democrat Legislation Continues to Allow Abortion Up Until the Moment of Birth, Says Michigan Pro-Life Group

September 10, 2023September 9, 2023 Michigan Star Staff

During Democrat Whitmer’s recent “What’s Next” speech, she outlined an agenda for Michigan that included what Barbara Listing, Right to Life (RTL) of Michigan president, called “anti-life fall policy priorities.”

In her speech on August 30th, Gov. Whitmer talked about wanting to pass the RHA or “Reproductive Health Act.” Just seven days later, the RHA 11-bill package was introduced by Democratic lawmakers, spearheaded by Michigan House Rep. Lauri Pohutsky (D-Livonia) and Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). Pohutsky said in a statement about the legislation, “The implementation of these bills is urgent to ensure medical avenues are open to access safe, legal abortion across Michigan.”

University of Michigan Students Who Test COVID Positive Must Isolate Off Campus

September 9, 2023September 8, 2023 The Center Square

The University of Michigan’s COVID-19 policies tell students who test positive to “make an isolation plan” for five days by getting a hotel, going home or staying with a friend off campus.

“Make an isolation plan, which could include relocating to your permanent residence, staying with a nearby relative or friend, or finding a hotel space,” the U-M guidance says.

Michigan Lawmakers Want to Ban Government from Using Code to Thwart Records Requests

September 8, 2023September 7, 2023 The Center Square

A new bill aims to protect public access to government communications under the Freedom of Information Act by preventing the government from speaking in code to thwart records requests.

State Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township, introduced the legislation after a lawsuit claimed Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration used encrypted Greek letters to discuss the Benton Harbor water lead crisis to avoid public scrutiny.

Former GOP Rep Launches Bid for Michigan’s Open Senate Seat in 2024

September 7, 2023September 6, 2023 Michigan Star Staff

Former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers of Michigan announced Wednesday he was running for outgoing Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s seat.

Rogers joins several other Republican hopefuls in their attempts to flip the seat red, and could face Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin in the general election, as she is the current frontrunner in her party’s crowded primary. The former congressman touted his time in the military, as well as his experience as a special agent for the FBI and as the chairman of the House Select Committee on Intelligence, in his announcement video, while slamming the Biden administration for enabling an open southern border, “a broken system of justice,” inflation and “social engineering” in schools.

Transgenders in Michigan Could Get Legislative Relief for Name Changes

September 6, 2023September 5, 2023 Michigan Star Staff

Democrats in Michigan want to make it easier for transgenders to change their names and are expected to present bills this fall according to media reports. Currently, if a transgender wants to change their name in the state of Michigan, it costs up to $400 for fees including a criminal background check and it can take months.

On the other hand, married Michiganders can pay a lot less and get it done faster. They have to pay for a certified copy of their marriage certificate ($15 to $30) which gets them a free updated social security card that can be taken to the Michigan Secretary of State to get a $9 updated driver’s license or an updated $10 state ID card.

Michigan Ranks Third in Midwest in the EV Registration Race, Trailing Illinois, Minnesota

September 5, 2023 The Center Square

Michigan is trailing Illinois and Minnesota in the Midwest race to register the most electric vehicles.

Illinois leads with nearly 80,000 EVs, while Minnesota has 41,417 and Michigan has 34,380.

Upcoming Supreme Court Elections in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan Could Tip Majorities on the Bench Just in Time for the 2024 Elections

September 3, 2023 Admin

Three swing states will hold elections to their supreme courts over the next 18 months, potentially altering court compositions amid key cultural and political flashpoints such as abortion, guns and redistricting.

Court: Wayne County Violated Rights in Vehicle Seizure ‘Scheme’

September 3, 2023September 2, 2023 The Center Square

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Wayne County violated the rights of Detroiters by not offering prompt court hearings within two weeks of their vehicles being seized.

The Center Square reported the lawsuit in 2020 when The Institute for Justice filed a class action suit challenging the program on behalf of Detroiters whose vehicles were seized without receiving a hearing.

GM Sputters from Another Plant Shutdown, UAW Prepares for Strike

September 2, 2023September 1, 2023 Michigan Star Staff

A recent supply chain snag for a General Motors light-duty truck plant may foreshadow further delays if the United Auto Workers decide to strike over unresolved contract issues in the near future.

“GM is actively working with our supplier to resolve the issues that have arisen so we can begin producing the vehicles that are in such high demand with our dealers and customers,” Fort Wayne Plant Executive Dennys Pimenta wrote to employees.

Michigan Gov. Whitmer to Pursue Paid Family Leave, 100 Percent Clean Energy Standard

August 31, 2023August 30, 2023 The Center Square

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposed enacting a paid family leave program, a 100% clean energy standard and codifying the Affordable Care Act in her “What’s Next” speech that outlined the fall agenda Wednesday morning.

The second-term Democratic governor outlined her priorities as state Democrats control the governor’s office, House and Senate in Michigan for the first time in 40 years.

Michigan Gov. Whitmer Seeks to Codify Obamacare, Give Legislative Priorities Update

August 30, 2023August 29, 2023 Michigan Star Staff

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appears to be taking advantage of the Democratic majority in Lansing and plans to call on state lawmakers to pass legislation which would protect key provisions in the Affordable Care Act.

The Governor’s call-to-action comes as the Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare,” faces a battle in federal court.

Legal Opinion on New Michigan Education Agency ‘Premature,’ AG Nessel Says

August 29, 2023August 29, 2023 The Center Square

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has said it’s too early to determine whether Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s new education agency is legal or not.

On August 8, the State Department of Education requested an attorney general legal opinion regarding the constitutionality of Whitmer’s executive order creating the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential.

COVID Panic is Back with New Variants Discovered in Michigan and Elsewhere

August 28, 2023 Michigan Star Staff

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is tracking a new COVID-19 strain, BA.2.86, a highly mutated variant that was discovered in Michigan last week as the first case of its kind in the country. The variant has been spotted in the United States, Denmark, Israel and the U.K. This variant is described as being a “variant under monitoring” by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Storm: Nearly 400,000 Michiganders Put in Dark; Damage in Millions

August 27, 2023August 26, 2023 The Center Square

Torrential rain, powerful winds, and tornadoes near Canton, Michigan, flooded streets, shutting down parts of Interstate 275 and the Detroit Metro Airport, and knocked out power for nearly 400,000 Michiganders.

Whether Metro Detroit residents were trying to go across town, pick up a visitor from the airport, or go to work, they likely were met by feet of water standing in the road.

Mackinac Center Sues Michigan over Income Tax Dispute

August 26, 2023August 25, 2023 The Center Square

A new lawsuit says Michiganders should get a permanent income tax break instead of one for just one year.

Lawmakers, including two plaintiffs, passed legislation in 2015 enacting an income tax reduction trigger that lowers the current rate when the state’s revenue outpaces inflation by a set amount. Last year’s state revenue triggered a rollback of the rate from 4.25% to 4.05%.

Electric and Hydrogen Vehicles May Share the Road Within Five Years After New Investments in Michigan

August 25, 2023August 24, 2023 Michigan Star Staff

Michigan’s race to increase the state’s number of Electric Vehicles and other non-gasoline fuel vehicles may have caught its second wind after a new company is seeking to invest in hydrogen storage systems.

A subsidiary of French automotive supplier, Compagnie Plastic Omnium, is planning to invest up to $171 million at two sites in the state.

Don Jr. Says Christie’s Expected Attacks on Trump at Debate Will Do Him Little Good in Republican Presidential Race

August 24, 2023 M.D. Kittle

As expected, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie took some big swings at GOP presidential front-runner and former president Donald Trump Wednesday night at the first debate of the 2024 primary season.

Judge Rules Michigan City Cannot Ban Catholic Farmer’s Market Vendor for Refusing to Host Same-Sex Weddings

August 24, 2023August 23, 2023 Susan Berry, PhD

A federal judge ruled Monday that the city of East Lansing, Michigan, cannot prohibit a local Catholic businessman from participating in a farmer’s market because it violates his faith beliefs to host same-sex weddings on his farm’s property.

In his opinion in Country Mill Farms, LLC v. City of East Lansing, Judge Paul Maloney of U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan, Southern Division, ruled, “The City has not established that the decision to deny CMF [Country Mill Farms] a vendor license is narrowly tailored to meet a compelling government interest.”

Despite Trump’s Absence, Plenty of Fireworks at First Republican Presidential Debate of the 2024 Season

August 23, 2023 M.D. Kittle

For those who thought a Trump-less GOP presidential primary debate was doomed to be a snooze fest, the two-hour political bar brawl disabused them of that notion.

UAW President Encourages Unions to Vote Yes on Strike Authorization, Results Expected This Week

August 23, 2023August 22, 2023 Michigan Star Staff

With less than a month until the expiration of a contract between the United Auto Workers and the “Big Three” Detroit automakers, UAW President Shawn Fain is encouraging union members to vote in favor of a strike, with a strike authorization vote expected this week, with results anticipated by Thursday.

Meanwhile, UAW Local 51 is seeking a “peaceful gathering” on Wednesday.

Study: Detroit Charters Get $6,202 Less Per-Pupil Funding than Traditional Schools

August 20, 2023August 19, 2023 The Center Square

A new report found the funding disparity between traditional public schools and their public charter school counterparts in Detroit is $6,202 per pupil or 35.3%.

Meanwhile, the average disparity in per-pupil funding between traditional public schools and their public charter school counterparts across 18 cities is $7,147 per pupil.

Michigan’s Growing Council Tries to Stop Population Loss

August 19, 2023August 18, 2023 The Center Square

The Growing Michigan Together Tour kicked off in Escanaba and will travel statewide to collect feedback from Michiganders about what lawmakers can do to attract and retain talent.

This feedback will inform the Growing Michigan Together Council’s report due by Dec. 1.

Michigan Utilities Focus on Trees to Trim Power Outages

August 18, 2023August 17, 2023 The Center Square

Multiple times in 2021, Michigan’s utilities left more than 100,000 people in the dark after powerful storms uprooted trees and left inches of ice coating power lines – more than its Midwest neighbors, according to federal data.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s annual 2021 electric power report says Michiganders faced more than 800 minutes of electric interruptions in 2021 that lasted longer than five minutes – nearly double the national total and more than its Midwest neighbors.

Michigan AG Acknowledges Investigation into 2020 Potential Voter Fraud, Referral to FBI

August 17, 2023August 16, 2023 Just the News

Nearly three years after the 2020 presidential election, Americans are still learning facts about possible nationwide voter fraud. In Michigan, Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office has now confirmed that there was a state investigation into thousands of suspected fraudulent voter registrations, which was referred to the FBI.

Danny Wimmer, Nessel’s press secretary, told Just the News on Tuesday that among 8,000 to 10,000 voter registration forms that were submitted to the Muskegon clerk before the 2020 general election, some were suspected to be fraudulent.

Michigan to Spend $506,000 Subsidizing Electric Boat Industry

August 16, 2023August 15, 2023 The Center Square

Michigan taxpayers will pay $506,000 to five private boating companies and one university to demonstrate electric boating potential on the Great Lakes, including shore-side charging stations.

“The Fresh Coast Maritime Challenge, along with today’s grant recipients, represent a critical investment in our water recreation infrastructure that will help to attract visitors, create jobs and preserve the natural beauty of our lakes and waterways for generations to come,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “By expanding access to e-boats and charging solutions, Michigan will further foster a thriving mobility ecosystem that supports local businesses, enhances community offerings and boosts overall economic growth.”

Expert: Reforming Michigan’s Public School Pension System Will Take Decades

August 13, 2023August 12, 2023 The Center Square

Efforts to reform Michigan’s pension system for public school employees may take decades to show results, according to one expert.

Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System liability continues to grow despite past attempts at pension reforms.

All 16 Charged as Michigan Fake Electors Plead Not Guilty

August 12, 2023August 11, 2023 The Center Square

The final defendants accused of being fake electors in Michigan’s 2020 presidential election pleaded not guilty Thursday to all eight counts and were each released on a personal recognizance bond.

In mid-July, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel charged each of the 16 with one count of conspiracy to commit forgery, two counts of forgery, one count of conspiracy to commit uttering and publishing, one count of uttering and publishing, one count of conspiracy to commit election law forgery, and two counts of election law forgery.

Michigan Local Districts Set Children’s Gender Choice Policy

August 11, 2023August 10, 2023 The Center Square

Michigan’s local school districts establish their own policies on informing parents of a child’s gender choice.

States like New Jersey and California have been involved in legal disputes about if parents should be notified about a child’s gender choice.

Michigan School Spending Rises While Enrollment Drops

August 10, 2023August 9, 2023 The Center Square

Per student spending in Michigan is up 24.8% over the past 17 years as Michigan has pumped more money into K-12 education while enrollment has been in a two-decade decline.

Enrollment fell 17.5% between 2003-04 and 2020-21, from 1.71 million students to 1.44 million. Two years later, after a nominal gain, it was down to 1.43 million. There was just one year in the 20 with an increase other than 2021-22’s nominal rise, a year impacted by COVID-19.

Trump Leads Biden in Swing State of Michigan for 2024 Election: Poll

August 9, 2023August 8, 2023 Just the News

Former President Donald Trump is ahead of President Joe Biden in a hypothetical 2024 presidential election in Michigan, according to a new poll.

Trump received 43% support, while Biden came in at 41% and Green Party candidate Cornel West is at 4%, while 4% support someone else and 7% are undecided, according to a survey of registered voters released last week by Emerson College Polling.

$13.5 Million in Grants Going to Train 8,500 Michigan Workers

August 7, 2023 The Center Square

About $13.5 million in taxpayer grants from the Going PRO Talent Fund will help train 8,500 workers across nearly 300 Michigan businesses to earn industry-recognized credentials and strong wages.

“The Going PRO Talent Fund is an investment in our state’s greatest asset – our people – helping them develop the skills they need to advance their careers and ‘make it’ in Michigan,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “These grants help us put thousands of Michiganders on paths to good-paying jobs and empower hundreds of Michigan businesses across the state develop the talent they need to compete in the global economy.”

Progressive Third-Party Candidate Gives Trump Edge over Biden in Michigan: Poll

August 6, 2023August 5, 2023 Michigan Star Staff

Former President Donald Trump would win Michigan if the 2024 presidential election were held today against President Joe Biden when Green Party candidate Cornel West is included on the ballot, according to a new poll released on Friday.

Michigan was a critical swing state for Trump’s 2016 victory, where he won by 0.2%, and Biden’s 2020 victory, where he won the state by 2.78%. Should West be on the ballot, he would draw votes away from Biden and enable Trump to win the state, according to the new poll conducted by Emerson College.

Lawsuit Challenging Michigan’s 2020 President Election Votes Dismissed

August 5, 2023August 4, 2023 The Center Square

A Michigan federal judge Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit filed two years after the 2020 presidential election hoping to decertify the state’s votes.

Instead, U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney said the lawsuit was “yet another attempt by misguided individuals who reject the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.”

CCP-Linked EV Company Buys Land in Michigan for Factory

August 4, 2023August 3, 2023 Michigan Star Staff

On Tuesday, an electric vehicle (EV) company with ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) announced that it had purchased 270 acres of land in the state of Michigan to build a factory for battery components.

According to the Daily Caller, the planned factory near Big Rapids, Michigan will be located roughly 100 miles away from an American military facility, and within 60 miles of military armories. The factory will be built and operated by Gotion, an EV company that could receive hundreds of millions of dollars in both state and federal grants, as well as tax incentives, to complete the project.

Gov. Whitmer Signs $23 Million in Michigan Outdoor Recreation Grants

August 3, 2023August 2, 2023 The Center Square

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill funding 45 outdoor recreation projects with $23.3 million in Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants.

“From camping and kayaking to swimming and snowmobiling, Pure Michigan offers us world-class recreation right in our backyard,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Since 1976, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund has helped us protect our precious natural places and invested in accessible outdoor public recreation.”

Michigan Taxpayers May Pay $25 Million to Move Racetrack 4.5 Miles

August 2, 2023August 1, 2023 The Center Square

Plymouth Township trustees have yet to say if Michigan taxpayers will shell out $25 million to move a horse racetrack 4.5 miles.

When the Northville Downs horse racetrack closes at this year’s end, it might move to Plymouth Township. Established in 1944, Northville Downs is Michigan’s oldest and only nighttime harness racing track.

University of Michigan, National Institutes of Health to Spend Nearly $80 Million as Part of ‘DEI 2.0’

August 1, 2023August 1, 2023 Michigan Star Staff

The University of Michigan announced a new initiative to “enhance inclusion and equity across the biomedical and health sciences community,” which includes hiring 30 new professors.

With a $15.8 million investment from the National Institutes of Health and a $63.7 million investment from the University of Michigan, the Michigan Program for Advancing Cultural Transformation will “bolster U-M’s diverse academic environment by hiring tenure-track faculty with a demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion.”

Accused 2020 Michigan False Elector Hires Kallman Legal

July 30, 2023July 29, 2023 The Center Square

Ten days ago, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel charged 16 people with felonies for what she called “the alleged false electors scheme following the 2020 U.S. presidential election.”

The charges stem from a Dec. 14, 2020, meeting in the Michigan Republican Party headquarters where Nessel says each defendant signed several certificates claiming they were “duly elected and qualified electors for President and Vice President of the United States of America for the State of Michigan.”

Michigan to Spend $7.6 Million on Three Public Pools

July 29, 2023July 28, 2023 The Center Square

Michigan’s 2024 budget should make a splash in at least three communities approved for taxpayer-funded public pool repairs.

The record-setting $82 billion budget funds $7.6 million for public pools repairs: $6.2 million for Moore’s Park pool in Lansing, $1.2 million for the Forest Brook pool in Ann Arbor, and $200,000 for an Ypsilanti pool.

Michigan Gov. Whitmer Signs Bills Boosting Solar Power, Allowing More Stringent State Regulation

July 28, 2023July 27, 2023 The Center Square

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed six bills into law to boost solar power and allow promulgation of state environmental rules more stringent than the federal standard.

Whitmer signed House Bills 4317 and 4318, and Senate Bills 302 and 303, 288, and 14, which she says advance her climate goals of reaching 2 million electric vehicles driving on Michigan roads by 2030.

Abortionist Allegedly Runs over Pro-Life Protester with Car in Michigan

July 27, 2023July 26, 2023 Michigan Star Staff

An abortion doctor allegedly ran over a pro-life protester with his car in Saginaw Township, Michigan, and now has a felony warrant out for his arrest, according to Michigan Live News.

The doctor, an 87-year-old abortion provider, allegedly ran over Mark Zimmerman, who was protesting the abortion clinic, and broke Zimmerman’s leg, which resulted in Zimmerman needing to be hospitalized, according to MLive News. The doctor also reportedly assaulted another pro-life protestor in 2012, Lynn Mills, director of Pro-Life Michigan, an incident for which he was charged with assault and received probation.

Eight Michigan Lawmakers Face Recall Attempts Over Their Support of Hate Crime Bills, Red Flag Laws

July 25, 2023July 24, 2023 The Center Square

Michigan voters are trying to recall eight freshman lawmakers over bill votes this year ranging from supporting hate crime bills to red flag laws.

Six House Democrats and two Republicans face recall threats according to petitions filed with the Michigan Secretary of State.

Michigan City Council Members Sue City Mayor

July 23, 2023July 22, 2023 The Center Square

The formation of Flint’s American Rescue Plan Act Advisory Committee by the City of Flint and Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley has prompted a lawsuit from two members of the City Council and a small number of city residents.

At issue is how $15.6 million of ARPA money will be spent on community grants in the city.

Gov. Whitmer Signs Record $24 Billon Michigan Education Budget

July 22, 2023July 21, 2023 The Center Square

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the 2024 education budget with a record per-student investment in which taxpayers will foot all public school students’ breakfast and lunch, as well as pre-kindergarten for some 4-year-olds.

Democrats holding a political trifecta for the first time in 40 years say Senate Bill 173 will improve student success through tutoring, extra school programming, and literacy support.

Michigan’s June Unemployment Rate Drops Slightly

July 21, 2023July 20, 2023 The Center Square

Michigan’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate decreased by one-tenth of a percentage point to 3.6% during June, according to data released by the state’s Department of Technology, Management & Budget.

Total employment increased by 26,000, while unemployment edged down by 3,000, resulting in a labor force gain of 23,000 over the month.

Michigan Gov. Whitmer Signs Bills Expanding Voting Rights

July 20, 2023July 19, 2023 The Center Square

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law a bill package expanding voting rights approved by Michigan voters in November of 2022.

The changes include installing dropboxes for voting, nine days of early voting, pre-paid postage for absentee voter applications and a website to track ballots.

Public Blowback Threatens Michigan Electric Vehicle Battery Production

July 19, 2023July 18, 2023 The Center Square

Michigan residents leery of manufacturing electric vehicle batteries in their respective backyards are watching two court cases filed on their behalf of in Marshall and Mecosta County.

On Monday, a legal demand letter challenged the Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s Renaissance Zone designation for the Gotion battery plant outside Big Rapids. A Calhoun County judge is expected to issue a ruling next week on whether to cease development on the Blue Oval Battery Park in Marshall during litigation related to alleged zoning violations.

Detroit Taxpayers Paid $56 Million in Police Settlements Since 2020

July 18, 2023July 17, 2023 The Center Square

Detroit taxpayers forked over $56 million in police settlement payouts between 2020 and four months of 2023.

Those payouts are a record amount in recent history, but public officials won’t explain why.

City of Detroit Spending $95 Million of Federal Money to Combat Blight

July 17, 2023July 16, 2023 The Center Square

The city of Detroit is targeting $95 million of federal money to take care of blight.

That’s in addition to the city’s $250 million bond that voters approved in 2020 to also address blight remediation. The city estimates it has 16,000 vacant homes in the city limits.

Northern Michigan Legislator Pledges to Restore $15 Million to Pure Michigan Campaign

July 16, 2023July 15, 2023 The Center Square

Rep. Ken Borton, R-Gaylord, announced Thursday he’s planning to restore $15 million to the Pure Michigan budget.

The Michigan tourism campaign has spent $450 million since its launch in 2008. Although the bulk of that money came from Michigan residents, the state also appropriated $15 million of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds in the current budget.