Michigan in Focus

The Michigan Supreme Court declined to say whether the government can use drones to spy on people without a warrant. The unanimous Friday ruling follows a 17-year dispute between residents Todd and Heather Maxon and Long Lake township officials who say the 5-acre residential property is being used as an illegal junkyard. The 18-page ruling written by Judge Brian Zahra affirmed the Court of Appeals ruling and remanded the case to the trial court for further proceeding. Full story: https://www.thecentersquare.com/michigan/article_432391cc-0c75-11ef-9415-637b8d09f9a4.html Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed two bills requiring high school coaches to maintain valid certification for CPR and automated external defibrillators in case of cardiac arrest. The legislation requires schools to have a cardiac emergency response plan if a student-athlete collapses on the field because of a cardiac issue. House Bill 5527, sponsored by state Rep. John Fitzgerald, requires schools to activate a cardiac emergency response plan for the governing body of a school. HB 5528, sponsored by state Rep. Tyrone Carter, amends the Revised School Code to require any individual who serves as an athletic coach at a public or private high school to maintain a valid certification in CPR and use of an AED. Full story: https://www.thecentersquare.com/michigan/article_6ee93d78-0632-11ef-81bf-7326151e4302.html Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan’s top business group says “we can’t get” to the 100% clean energy standard by 2040 without nuclear energy. The Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, bipartisan lawmakers and organized labor support restarting the 800-megawatt Palisades nuclear plant on Lake Michigan’s Eastern shore, expected to return online in 2025. Edward Kee, CEO and founder of the Nuclear Economics Consulting Group, said nuclear energy could help decarbonize the electricity industry. Full story: https://www.thecentersquare.com/michigan/article_89a8ea7a-029d-11ef-adab-9b879c80cb9d.html Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded Michigan $159 million in solar subsidies for low-income households. The Inflation Reduction Act’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund will be administered through the MI Solar for All program, which aims to increase access to affordable solar energy for eligible families. The Michigan Department of Environment, great lakes, and energy will invest 159 million dollars to accelerate the deployment of rooftop solar, community solar and energy storage. Full story: https://www.thecentersquare.com/michigan/article_8ae79510-0169-11ef-9d7c-cb2f9bad3471.html Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A new report found Michigan school districts spent their COVID-19 funds similarly to their general budget, with nearly half spent on employee compensation and benefits. A Mackinac Center for Public Policy report shows how school districts have spent $2.5 billion of the $6 billion in federal pandemic aid between the 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years. To help address the challenges of the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress distributed unprecedented amounts of money to public schools across the country from March 2020 to March 2021. Michigan schools received $6 billion total, with each district receiving varying amounts, ranging from about $500 extra per student to as much as $50,000 per pupil. Full story: https://www.thecentersquare.com/michigan/article_a01ec0ce-fb48-11ee-9019-476766d550ed.html Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced 13 felony charges against former House Speaker Lee Chatfield, 35, accusing him of stealing political funds for personal use. The state accused Lee of illegally taking political money for personal use from the 501(c)(4) Peninsula Fund, his own electoral political action committees, The Chatfield Majority Fund, The Chatfield Majority Fund 2 and the state House budget. Lee is accused of conducting a criminal enterprise, a 20-year felony; embezzlement from a non-profit organization less than $20,000, a felony punishable by 10 years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine; embezzlement by a public officer over $50, a felony punishable by 10 years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine; conspiracy to commit embezzlement from a non-profit organization less than $20,000, a felony punishable by 10 years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine and an additional $10,000 fine. Full story: https://www.thecentersquare.com/michigan/article_de59951e-fcb3-11ee-bdb4-6bf7842d5eac.html Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Department of Justice has weighed into the Line 5 pipeline dispute, saying Enbridge Energy has been trespassing for more than 10 years. The 70-page brief filed in the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals says about 12 miles of Line 5 crosses the Reservation of the Bad River Band in northern Wisconsin. The 645-mile pipeline stretching from Superior, Wisconsin to Sarnia, Canada, pumps about 540,000 gallons of hydrocarbons daily across the lakebed of Lake Michigan. Full story: https://www.thecentersquare.com/michigan/article_da16e7e2-f75c-11ee-9dd5-47e3ff66e257.html Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan Republicans are calling for accountability within the Michigan Economic Development Corp. after taxpayers reportedly bought an $11,000 flight to Budapest and a $4,500 coffee maker. Metro Detroit businesswoman and MEDC executive committee member Fay Beydoun received a $20 million grant for her company Global Link International to attract international business. The Detroit News reported that money paid for a flight to a conference in Budapest and a Jura coffee maker. Full story: https://www.thecentersquare.com/michigan/article_bd198ccc-f71a-11ee-b214-436639f5bf60.html Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Twenty-five Michigan lawmakers oppose President Joe Biden administration's electric vehicle mandate through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA rules for light-duty and medium-duty vehicles phased in from 2027 through 2032 will require about 67% of new car sales to be electric by 2032. Republican lawmakers said the mandate will destroy auto jobs in Michigan responsible for 19% of U.S. automotive production. Producing EVs requires 30% less human labor. This story: https://www.thecentersquare.com/michigan/article_44bb13d2-f0d9-11ee-8f99-c3be7ce3ba49.html Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed nine bills into law to legalize surrogacy contracts. Michigan is the last state to legalize surrogacy contracts. Democrats say that nine bills, House Bills 5207, 5208, 5209, 5210, 5211, 5212, 5213, 5214, and 5215, will help more people get children born through surrogacy or in vitro fertilization. The bills will regulate surrogacy, ensure surrogates are fairly compensated, have legal representation and are screened by medical professionals. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The federal government will give a $1.5 billion loan to restart the Palisades nuclear plant. The loan follows Michigan shuttering coal plants at a record pace while chasing a 100% renewable energy standard by 2040. In 2022, renewables comprised 12% of Michigan's electricity net generation, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New analysis shows Michigan school districts are underperforming against districts in other states. Launch Michigan, a nonprofit public education organization, released a dashboard showing how Michigan school districts compare to similar districts in top-performing states in reading and math proficiency, graduation rate, and other metrics. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rep. Mike Harris, a retired police sergeant, opposes bills that aim to allow murderers, rapists and other violent offenders to reduce their prison sentences. The House Criminal Justice Committee held a hearing on House Bills 4556, 4557, 4558, 4559, and 4560. The “Second Look Sentencing Act” aims to allow sentence reconsideration for eligible prisoners who have served at least ten years of a sentence. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. In November, voters ousted the entire board, claiming it signed non-disclosure agreements to give Gotion taxpayer dollars to build the $2.4 billion electric vehicle plant without telling the local community. Get your Audible Membership today! (As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualified purchases) Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan officials traveled to Austin, Texas to speak at the SXSW festival's Midwest House. Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II is featured on a Tuesday panel while Michigan Chief Mobility Officer Justine Johnson will discuss “The Future of Air Travel: Innovation From the Ground Up.” It’s unclear if the Michigan Economic Development Corp. or taxpayers are funding the trip and how much the trip will cost. The Center Square has filed a records request seeking the total cost. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. The letter from the Richland Township Repubican said House Republicans in the minority are ready to pass 55 bills, including House Bills 5422, 5423, 5424, 5425, 5426, and 5427. Get your Audible Membership today! (As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualified purchases) Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Repubican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida wants to stop China from flooding the automobile market via state subsidiaries, slave labor and property theft. The Center Square reported Chinese automaker BYD, the world’s largest EV maker, wants to build a factory in Mexico for a 2.5% tariff instead of a 27.5% tariff. The new factory follows BYD releasing a $14,000 EV in February that some in the industry say could “demolish” domestic EVs, often $40,000 more expensive. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Polehanki’s office hasn’t yet responded to additional questions about the funding source, the mode or the the timing of mass transit – whether it would be funded before or after Michigan fixes its roads, ranked as worse than the national average. Join Skillshare: skillshare.eqcm.net/ATN Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. The report says China uses Mexico's trade relationship with the United States to avoid high tariffs. The Institute for Energy Research says BYD will dodge a 27.5% tariff from China by building a factory in Mexico where tariffs are 2.5%. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Former President Donald Trump defeated former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley in Michigan’s Republican presidential primary while President Joe Biden cruised to an easy victory on the Democrats' side. The races were called within an hour of polls closing, with the GOP primary determined with about 80% of the vote counted. Biden received more than 126,000 votes while the “uncommitted” spot received more than 23,000 votes, a vote protesting the Israel-Hamas conflict and the U.S’s continual funding of the war. Join Skillshare: skillshare.eqcm.net/ATN Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. In 2021, a court levied $175,000 of sanctions against Powell and attorney Lin Wood for submitting court documents based on “theories, conjecture, and speculation..." U.S. District Judge Linda Parker of Michigan's Eastern District Parker wrote. Join Skillshare: skillshare.eqcm.net/ATN Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. The Wall Street Journal reported BYD wants to build a factory in Mexico to avoid high tariffs and gain a foothold near the United States market. If successful, BYD would likely provide a much cheaper EV than domestic-made ones costing around $65,000. Get your Audible Membership today! (As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualified purchases) Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Whitmer posted on social media: “Have you heard? Our new balanced budget does a whole lot. But it doesn't raise taxes.” Get your Audible Membership today! (As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualified purchases) Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

House Speaker Joe Tate, D-Detroit, stripped Rep. Josh Schriver, R-Oxford, of his committee and office allocation for a social media post. The post claimed that an orchestrated effort called “the great replacement theory” aims to replace White people with people of color through mass illegal immigration. Tate’s spokesperson Amber McCann said Schriver's staff will be reassigned and the $132,000 office allotment will be withheld from Schriver. Join Skillshare: skillshare.eqcm.net/ATN Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Southfield-based electric vehicle project will receive $60 million of federal funding for battery research seeking wide-scale EV adoption. The United States Advanced Battery Consortium LLC, a collaboration between General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co., and Stellantis N.V., will focus on boosting the performance and manufacturing capabilities of batteries. The funding aims to extend the range of EVs – a barrier to adoption along with a sparse charging network and expensive upfront cost, opponents say. Get your Audible Membership today! (As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualified purchases) Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

House Republican Leader Matt Hall called on Democrat House Speaker Joe Tate of Detroit to “address major issues” including criminalizing fertility fraud. The Richland Township lawmaker called for “balanced committees” to vet bills and claimed the speaker reneged on promised actions on five bills in October. Hall claimed Democrats “rejected” collaboration proposals after adjourning in November. Join Skillshare: skillshare.eqcm.net/ATN Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Michigan Court of Appeals will decide the Mackinac Center for Public Policy’s lawsuit challenging an income tax rate increase by March 11. Any appeal to that decision would be due to the Michigan Supreme Court by March 25. The lawsuit challenges the Michigan Department of Treasury’s decision to raise the personal income tax rate back to 4.25% in 2024. The rate was lowered to 4.05% last year triggered by a 2015 law. Get your Audible Membership today! (As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualified purchases) Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A letter urges an investigation into suppliers of a Ford electric vehicle plant in Marshall, Michigan. Republican U.S. Reps. Mike Gallagher, R-Wisconsin, chairman of the House Select Committee on the CCP, and Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Washington, chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, signed the letter. Lawmakers urge an investigation into four companies allegedly supplying goods and services to the People’s Liberation Army, the government of North Korea, China’s Ministry of Public Security, companies engaged in the genocide of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang and companies already on the Commerce Entity List. Join Skillshare: skillshare.eqcm.net/ATN Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer targeted lowering household costs for Michiganders in her sixth State of The State address. Whitmer called on lawmakers to offer free preschool for all 4-year-olds, two years of free community college for all high school graduates and an Innovation Fund to subsidize Michigan companies. “Every single Michigander can count on a free public education from pre-K through community college,” Whitmer said. “Let’s get it done.” Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan’s Growing Together Council was funded partly by private groups – a detail omitted in the final report which one lawmaker called an “abuse of the public trust.” State Rep. John Roth, R-Interlochen, told The Center Square in an email Republican concerns continue to grow. “The governor chose to keep over $900,000 in non-profit payments hidden even after strong-arming $2 million in taxpayer funding through the Legislature,” Roth said. “This abuse of the public trust is yet another example of negligence from a governor that has shown no willingness to operate out in the open. Republicans had concerns about the council’s report before, and this lack of transparency is the final nail in the coffin.” Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Days of freezing temperatures and falling snow have knocked out power for more than 150,000 Michiganders and canceled school at multiple districts. The Detroit Public Schools, Livonia Schools, Plymouth-Canton Community Schools and many other districts canceled school on Tuesday and Wednesday. The storm tested Michigan’s infrastructure that is ranked worse than the national average. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

School districts in Detroit, Lansing and Pontiac will each receive $5.9 million in federal funding to buy 15 clean-powered school buses apiece. The funding flows from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Clean School Bus Program grants. Funding through third-party multi-state grantees First Student Inc. and Highland CSB 1 will help buy electric buses in five additional Michigan public school systems – 10 buses in Flint; five in Redford Union No. 1 near Detroit; and two each in Mason County, Brimley, and the West Shore Educational Service District in Ludington. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Over the weekend, the Michigan GOP State Committee said it voted to expel its chair Kristen Karamo. Karamo, elected in February of 2023, posted on social media Saturday the meeting was "illegitimate." Last week, eight of 13 GOP congressional chairs called for her to resign. Get your Audible Membership today! (As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualified purchases) Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Applications are open until Jan. 21 to fill 30 seats on the new MI Healthy Climate Corps program. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Office of Climate and Energy program will field 30 AmeriCorps members to help communities fight climate change in March 2024. Projects will be specific to the community, but could include connecting residents to clean energy or energy-efficient programs, helping access clean public transit and bicycle-friendly infrastructure, and researching and assessing opportunities to advance “environmental justice.” Join Skillshare: skillshare.eqcm.net/ATN Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Since the pandemic began, Michigan has embarked on an "unsustainable" spending spree, says James Hohman, the Director of Fiscal Policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Hohman said Michigan's five newly created agencies since 2020 aren’t as consequential as the "sheer spending." Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Capital Area Transportation Authority wants to use zero-emission vehicles by 2035, following a statewide effort to use 100% renewable energy by 2040. The group hopes to start driving its first 40-feet, battery-electric, fixed-route bus the board approved April 20, 2022 around 2024-2025 in the city of Lansing since the current lead time for order and delivery is between 20 to 24 months. In August 2021, CATA was awarded a $2.4 million grant, $1,971,211 federal, and $492,803 state funds it will use to purchase electric buses. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A fifth and final audit of the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency found the agency “undercounted fraud penalties by at least 49.4%” because it didn’t fix programming issues with the Michigan Integrated Data Automated System. The audit from the Office of Auditor General Doug Ringler marked two “material conditions” – the most severe rating finding that the agency didn't protect agency funds. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When the city of East Lansing excluded someone from a farmer’s market because of his religious beliefs, they violated his right to free speech and freedom of religion. The exclusion of Country Mill Farms owner Stephen Tennes from the farmers market because he refused to play host to same-sex wedding ceremonies at his farm, detailed in a 2017 lawsuit, will cost East Lansing $825,000 in damages and attorney fees. U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan Judge Paul Maloney said the city can enforce vendor guidelines against Tennes but can’t ban him from participating in the farmer’s market because of his religious beliefs on same-sex marriages. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed $625M of supplemental bills clearing some school debt, funding colleges and universities and her secondary education department. Whitmer signed House Bill 4292 and Senate Bill 174 to fund capital outlay projects from the Fiscal Year 2024 state budget, which was a record $82 billion. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan will give a nearly 2-year-old company a $10 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant to support a facility for Scout Motors expected to employ 200 people. Scout Motors, a Volkswagen-backed, independent American auto manufacturer headquartered in Virginia, is establishing a new research and development facility in Novi with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced arrests from two investigations into alleged criminal rings operating in the metro-Detroit area. Three Chilean nationals -Jeremy Martinez, 19, Ignacio Ruiz-Saldias, 29, and Tamara Ruiz-Saldias, 36, allegedly targeted expensive homes in Oakland, Wayne, and Kent Counties. They each face eight counts of second-degree home invasion, a 15-year felony, and one count of conducting a criminal enterprise. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A farmer who co-owns Soil Friends Hard Cider Co. is suing Comstock Township alleging constitutional and civil rights violations after local officials shut down a new barn “instrumental” to its business. The local government shut down the 22-acre farm during peak season for selling Christmas trees, pumpkins, squash and hard cider “with no warning and no chance for correction,” co-owner Ben Martin told The Center Square in a phone interview. The 12-count complaint filed in the United States Western District of Michigan against Comstock Township alleges First Amendment retaliation, violation of due process, regulatory takings, civil conspiracy, defamation, violation of Michigan’s Open Meetings Act, violations of due process, unconstitutional conditions, conspiracy to interfere with civil rights, tortious interference with a business relationship, intentional infliction of emotional distress under state law, state law preemption by Michigan Liquor Control code and state law preemption by Michigan Right to Farm Act. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After the Michigan Public Service Commission approved the permit for Enbridge Energy to move the Line 5 oil pipeline into an underground tunnel, Republicans welcomed the decision. The MPSC found “there is a public need for Line 5 products and a public need for the replacement project to protect the resources of the Great Lakes.” Enbridge’s Line 5, a 645-mile oil pipeline, runs 4.5 miles across the lakebed of the Straits of Mackinac that connect Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After 11 weeks on strike, the United Auto Workers announced a tentative agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network. The agreement includes the reduction of the wage progression from 22 years to five, significant general wage increases, a $6,500 ratification bonus for Blue Cross Blue Shield workers, a $5,000 ratification bonus for Blue Care Network workers, and inflation protection bonuses of $1,000 each year of the contract. Negotiators secured stronger contractual language to protect worker jobs from being outsourced during the agreement. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan state Rep. Steve Carra, R-Three Rivers, says he will introduce a bill next year aiming to prohibit legislators from signing non-disclosure agreements. The plan follows a Detroit News report revealing that nearly one in five Michigan lawmakers have signed “secrecy pacts” gagging them from sharing their knowledge of taxpayer-funded projects. Carra encourages economic expansion but says the government picking winners and losers behind closed doors isn’t the right solution. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bills into law that ban those convicted of domestic violence from buying, owning or transporting firearms for eight years after sentencing. House Bill 4945 updates the sentencing guidelines to prohibit those convicted of domestic violence from buying or owning a gun or ammunition for eight years. Senate Bill 471 prohibits the possession or use of firearms and ammunition by persons convicted of a misdemeanor involving domestic violence. Senate Bill 528 defines additional domestic violence offenses that result in disqualification. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ford Motor Co. will slash 800 jobs from its planned electric vehicle plant in Marshall subsidized by more than $1.7 billion of taxpayer money. Ford said it is "re-timing and resizing" the BlueOval Battery Park Michigan in Marshall.” The news brought bipartisan criticism from Michigan lawmakers. Ford originally announced the plant as worth $3.5B and estimated it would employ 2,500 workers. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan announced that three companies will receive $178,000 in total funding through the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform to deploy mobility projects. The projects aim to deliver life-saving medications, maximize environmentally-conscious travel experiences, and create more walkable, bikeable and accessible streets. The funding will flow to three companies – $90,000 to Bedestrian in Dearborn, $8,000 to Keweenaw Mountain Lodge in Copper Harbor and $80,000 to Numina in Corktown, Detroit. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan House Republicans introduced House Concurrent Resolution 9 aiming for lawmakers to adjourn in late December. The resolution notes, according to session schedule, that House lawmakers are to meet until Dec. 21 and the Senate is scheduled to meet until at least Dec. 14. The plan follows as the Democratic majority in the House and Senate plan to stop legislative business and break for the year on Nov. 14 instead of adjourning in late December. The early adjournment is because last week, the Michigan House deadlocked 54-54 until a special session is called after two Democratic lawmakers won mayoral races in Warren and Westland. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As Michigan aims for 100% clean energy by 2040, a new plan aims to ensure that child slaves aren’t mining the rare earth minerals and assembling the solar panels. Michigan House Republicans proposed a package aiming to stop taxpayer money from funding projects using child or forced labor for solar panels and electric vehicle battery parts. Phil Green, R-Millington, and others sponsored House Bills 5322, 5323, 5324, and 5325 and House Resolution 168. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.