Michigan in Focus

The Michigan Senate is poised to pass bills that would make intimidating speech a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Critics say the bills would criminalize speech protected by the First Amendment. House Bills 4474, 4475, 4476, and 4477 aim to prohibit hate crimes, institutional desecration and crime of ethnic intimidation. The House already passed the bills. 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 record $82 billion budget for 2024 will add 899 government employees and will increase spending by about $8 billion – Republicans equate these measures to an unsustainable spending spree. Michigan’s 2022 budget was stuffed with $146M in pork barrel spending. This year, that number climbed closer to $1 billion, with taxpayers shelling out millions of dollars for splash pads, union grants, and solar panels. 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 Department of Education is set to receive a 54% increase in funding in the 2023-24 budget despite lagging student test scores. The proposed budget increases funding for the MDE from $420.6 million in the current budget to $647.4 million in 2023-24. That’s a $226 million increase from the previous fiscal year. 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 Governor Whitmer awarding $25 million in spending to hire school resource officers in Michigan schools reflects a shift in the Governor's tone around policing. Previously the Governor stated that she supported the spirit of defunding the police. 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 House approved six bills to boost union membership that critics say would prioritize union politics before the quality of education. House Bill 4357 aims to allow school districts to deduct automatically union dues from teacher salaries. Rep. Brad Paquette, R-Niles, said if the bill becomes law, it could push teachers out of the profession. He said when he was starting as a teacher, he made $34,000 annually. 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.

Democratic Michigan State Senator Stephanie Chang introduces a bill in Michigan that would eliminate job performance from impacting pay raises for teachers. This proposed change would only impact a small portion of teachers in Michigan. 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’s school board approved a $1.1 billion budget for this school year that cut about $37 million in recurring costs and 300 positions to balance the budget. The board voted 6-1 to approve the budget, which includes eliminating over 300 positions to ratchet down spending but shifting many of those employees to another position. The cuts affect office administrators and school-based employees including assistant principals, college transition advisers, school culture facilitators, and para-educators. However, those positions could be funded at the school level. 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 on Wednesday signed into law three distracted driving bills requiring hands-free cellphone use. The bills provide exceptions such as hands-free use, emergency use, using a device’s navigation feature as long as the information isn’t entered by hand, or using a single button press, tap, or swipe to activate or deactivate a device or to select a name or phone number. 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 a 10-year hiatus, the city of Detroit must resume its $149 million annual pension payment from its 2013 bankruptcy. Stephanie Davis, communications manager with the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, said the city will resume legacy pension payments by July 1 when fiscal year 2024 starts. 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 Michigan bill aims to allow a misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine levied against those who send unsolicited naked pictures to people who don’t want them. If the bill passes both chambers and is signed into law, House Bill 4535 would apply to those 18 years or older who knowingly transmit electronically to another legal adult a sexually explicit video or image if the recipient doesn’t consent to receive the item. 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.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes filed a joint amicus brief alongside 21 other attorneys general to support the federal government’s prohibition of handguns and ammunition to those 21 and older. The attorneys general filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit. The amicus brief is written “on the merits,” making arguments on how the Court should have ruled on a case it already agreed to hear. The coalition argues that the Second Amendment allows for governmental regulations, such as the federal age requirement to purchase handguns and ammunition. The federal handgun restriction law is currently followed in 19 states, including Michigan. 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.

Increased nickel demand for electric vehicle batteries hasn’t decreased environmental concerns over the potential dangers of mining the critical mineral. Eleven percent of the world’s nickel is used for lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. Extracting the metal, however, raises alarms over sulfide pollutants that are a byproduct of nickel mining. 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 Downtown Development Director Kiaira May a public servant allegedly ran up a $4,302 tab on a city government credit card for “extravagant and unnecessary indulgences.” The City of Flint says Downtown Development Director Kiaira May resigned effective May 12. 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.

Two students sued Michigan State University officials in federal court after a professor required them to pay $99 to advance progressive political causes that conflict with the students' beliefs. The lawsuit, brought by Alliance Defending Freedom on behalf of students Nathan Barbieri and Nolan Radomski, claims that marketing professor Amy Wisner compelled each of her 600 students to pay a $99 membership fee to join a progressive political advocacy organization. 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 Female Athletics Integrity of Records Act was introduced last week in the Michigan House of Representatives. Otherwise known as House Bill 4546, the FAIR Act aims to require the categorization of sporting event awards, rankings, and records with each competitor’s biological sex. If signed into law, the law would apply to any publicly-funded event with clearly designated male and female competitions. Rep. Jaime Greene, R-Richmond, introduced the bill, which she sponsored along with 28 other Republican legislators. 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.

Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley appears to drive a city-issued vehicle that city council members say isn’t in his contract. After city council members raised the issue last Wednesday, Flint gave The Center Square the following statement: “The City of Flint Police Department has identified credible threats and has assigned a vehicle to the Mayor’s Office to secure the safety of staff when traveling to and from events. The Flint Police Department makes it a standard practice to not discuss the details of security measures. "Publication of this information has the potential to compromise the safety of City of Flint employees. 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.

How can Michigan tread a path to prosperity after 50 years of population loss and another 270,000 residents projected to leave the state over the next 30 years? A new report from the Citizen’s Research Council of Michigan and Altarum says Michigan’s competitiveness with other states is in jeopardy. The state has an eroding tax base, fewer workers and more retirees, and a weak workforce to attract new employers. 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 Democrat-dominated Michigan House passed multiple budget bills for the fiscal 2023-24 year, sparking outcry from Republicans who say the roughly $80 billion budget - the most expensive in state history- is full of wasteful 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.

In Michigan, local school district evaluations stated that there were only 165 teachers out of the 115,910 evaluated in 2021-22 that were found to be "inefficient." Statistically, that translated to 0%. In fact, 99% of all Michigan public school teachers last year were rated either as "highly efficient" or "efficient," the highest two of four evaluation categories. 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.

How hard is it to get public information out of government establishments in Michigan? Might be harder than you think. Join The Center Square's Scott McClallen and Tom Gantert on this episode of Michigan in Focus. 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 House of Representatives is in favor of legislation making cocktails-to-go permanent. In a 102-5 nod of approval, the legislation would eliminate a Jan. 1, 2026 sunset date of current law enacted in response to COVID-19 closures and impact on the economy. 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 Economic Development Corporation told The Center Square it would charge $16,537 for more than 45,000 pages of documents about the planned Gotion plant in Mecosta County. A Freedom of Information Act request from The Center Square fielded a response for 45,891 pages of possible related documents, which the MEDC estimated would take 406 hours to extract from its records. 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.

Two Michigan students sued their school district for viewpoint discrimination after they were banned from wearing apparel implicitly critical of President Joe Biden. In February 2022, two Tri County Middle School students wore sweatshirts to school with the phrase “Let’s Go Brandon,” a political slogan critical of Biden with origins in a more profane chant. 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 state of Michigan Legislature has introduced three bills that would prohibit people from holding or using a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. House Bills 4250, 4251, 4252 were approved Wednesday by the Michigan House Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure Committee. The bills would next be voted on by the House and then, if passed, be sent to the Senate for a vote. 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.

On a narrow 10-9 vote, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday approved the transfer of $175 million of Michigan’s Strategic Outreach Attraction Reserve fund to the Gotion Inc. electric vehicle battery parts manufacturing facility in Mecosta County. Six Republican senators and three Democrat senators voted against the transfer. 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.

Developers want taxpayers to pony up to 82% of the cost of a proposed mixed-use facility in Grand Rapids called Factory Yards, located at Godfrey Avenue SW south of Market Avenue SW. The project could qualify for $103 million in Transformational Brownfield Credits and $20 million in traditional brownfield credits out of the estimated $150 million total development cost for the project, which would involve renovating existing buildings and constructing new buildings over about 15.5 acres. 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 from the Education Law Center and the Michigan Education Association says Michigan needs $4.5 billion annually so students can achieve state academic standards. School funding adequacy refers to the funding necessary to provide students with reasonable opportunities to achieve state standards. 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. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday announced new proposed federal vehicle emissions standards critics claim will “effectively ban gasoline and diesel vehicles” while making the U.S. dependent on China. The EPA proposal of light and heavy-duty vehicle greenhouse gas emission standards is for model years 2027-2032. The EPA projects that its proposal could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 56% by 2032 and help increase electric vehicle light-duty sales by 67% by 2032. 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 city of Detroit plans to spend $45 million of one-time money to bridge the digital divide in the Motor City while employing more residents in technology work through training, internship, and certification. Within her first 45 days at work, Christine Burkette, Detroit's new digital equity director, plans to use data-driven numbers and community engagement to connect many of the 635,000 Detroiters to affordable internet access by 2026 when federal American Rescue Plan funds must be depleted. 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.

Big Rapids’ residents were undeterred after Gotion changed a town hall style meeting to online. Instead, protestors took to the streets in front of the Ferris State University building where the meeting was to take place, showing opposition to the proposed electric vehicle battery plant the company with Chinese ties plans to build. 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 will hear arguments later this month in a case determining whether government has the right to keep all the proceeds from foreclosed properties. 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 April 5 meeting to discuss a planned Gotion electric vehicle battery plant with $1.1 billion of backing in Mecosta County has been moved online, allegedly because of planned protests and possible threats of violence. Green Township Supervisor Jim Chapman told The Center Square in an email: “Yes it is a go, virtual only because of the huge numbers of protestors that intended to overrun us. Also we received threats of violence that we felt might be credible. A link to the panel will be on our webpage next week along with a link to the questions submitted.” 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.

Saginaw Township residents might see up to a $460 annual increase in tax bills if voters approve a tax hike to repair school buildings. The Saginaw Township Community Schools Board of Education placed a $243 million bond proposal for 30 years on the May 2, 2023 ballot. With voter approval, the bond would finance school facility improvements, including demolishing three classroom pods and constructing a new 600-seat theater at Heritage High School. The bond proposal would require a 5.75 mill tax increase, or $5.75 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation, which the school says will cost the average Saginaw Township Community School District homeowner in a $100,000 home with a taxable value of $50,000, $287.50 per year, or $23.95 per month. 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 Ann Arbor public school district has a book available in its pre-kindergarten library called “Introducing Teddy: a gentle story about gender and friendship." The book is about a boy's best friend and teddy, Thomas, who is sad because "he wishes he were a girl, not a boy teddy, but what only matters to both of them is that they are friends." School districts across the country purchased books in 2022 that cover controversial topics such as critical race theory, white supremacy and gender dysphoria. The Center Square filed Freedom of Information Act requests with numerous school districts around the country and asked for the books they purchased for their K-12 libraries. 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.

Jennifer and James Crumbley will face a trial on four counts of involuntary manslaughter for their alleged role in the Oxford School shooting in which four students were gunned down by their son, Ethan. The Michigan Court of Appeals on Thursday upheld District Court Judge Julie A. Nicholson’s ruling last month that a jury could find probable cause the parents could reasonably foresee their son’s violent actions against students and faculty Nov. 30, 2021. In their opinion, Judges Christopher M. Murray, Michael J. Riordan and Christopher P. Yates concurred with Nicholson when she determined the parents’ behavior “increase[d] the foreseeable risk of a particular harm occurring through … a second actor.” 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 ruled unanimously Tuesday that a deaf former student can pursue monetary damages against a Michigan school district that allegedly failed to provide an adequate education. Nine-year-old Miguel Perez, the plaintiff, left Mexico with his family and enrolled at Sturgis Public School District in 2004. Perez was assigned to a classroom aide and was never given a sign language interpreter - only aides who were either unqualified or absent. For 12 years, Sturgis allegedly awarded Perez inflated grades and advanced him from grade to grade despite his actual progress, until just months before his anticipated graduation in 2016 when Perez’s parents were informed he was only eligible to earn a certificate of completion rather than a diploma. 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 Detroit Police Department is seeking a $22 million increase to its budget in 2024, citing an increase in violent crime. The budget, proposed by Mayor Mike Duggan, would total $389 million, up from $366 million in fiscal year 2023. Most of that funding increase, about $13.5 million, would fund a bump in salaries and wages, while another $10 million would fund employee benefits. Meanwhile, planned operation costs in 2024 would drop by about $6 million. Chief James White says homicides are up 17% year to date, while they’ve seen a 32% spike in vehicle thefts year-to-date. 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 Democrat-dominated Michigan Senate voted to repeal right-to-work and to reinstate the prevailing wage. The House passed bills to repeal right-to-work last week. If signed into law, the first bill would affect about 9% of Michigan workers. Right-to-work was implemented during a lame-duck session in 2012 under former Republican Gov. Rick Synder and a Republican majority. In short, the 2012 law says that nobody can be required to pay dues or fees to a union to hold a job. “The ability to speak up together with one voice for better pay and benefits and safer workplace conditions is a right that workers deserve,” Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, said in a statement. “By repealing anti-worker laws, we’re making our state a place where people want to come, work hard, and build a life knowing that they will be respected and able to earn a good living. It’s a new era in Lansing and we are taking this historic opportunity to restore workers’ freedom.” --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. 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 lawmakers on Wednesday pressed DTE Energy and Consumer’s Energy officials and others about recent storms that left some without power for up to seven days. House Energy, Communications, and Technology Chairwoman Helena Scott, D-Detroit, said Michiganders demand a reliable grid. “We cannot and will not accept this as the new normal,” Scott said at the beginning of the hearing. “The power grid and associated infrastructure must be reinforced, it must be updated and improved so that Michigan residents are safe, warm, and receive the services that they pay for.” --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. 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.

Three years after COVID struck Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer now admits that many of her early lockdown rules, in retrospect, “don’t make a lot of sense.” “We had to make some decisions, that in retrospect, don’t make a lot of sense,” Whitmer said in a CNN interview clip posted by the Twitter account @Breaking911. When COVID struck, Whitmer shuttered much of the state’s economy. Her rules deemed which careers were “essential” and ordered “nonessential” workers to stay home. Whitmer banned stores larger than 50,000 square feet from selling paint and home-improvement supplies, as well as advertising for “nonessential” goods. Even poperating a motorboat could bring criminal charges, as could traveling to a secondary home. Her lockdown was the longest and most strict in the Midwest. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. 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 House approved adding LGBTQ protections to the state’s civil rights law while the Senate repealed a 1931 abortion ban, which already was disarmed by Proposal 3. The House voted 65-45 on House Bill 4003 to expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. The act prohibits discriminatory practices, policies, and customs based on religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, familial status, or marital status. The Michigan House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a measure to expand firearm background checks to include rifles and shotguns. Fifty-six Democrats voted for the bill, while 53 Republicans voted against it. Michigan’s background check requirements apply only to handguns. The law passed Wednesday by the House will, if approved by the Senate and signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as anticipated, expand background checks for long guns that are sold at gun shows or through private transfers. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. 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.

One decade after then-Republicans in the legislative majority and governor’s mansion instated it as the law in Michigan, the current Democrat legislative majority and governor have kicked it to the curb. On Wednesday night, the Michigan House voted 56-53 along party lines to repeal the state’s right-to-work law. That vote tally was echoed on reinstating Michigan’s prevailing wage law. The bills now travel to the Democrat-majority Senate, which could send them to the governor’s desk as early as next week. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat and former State Senator when right-to-work went into effect in March 2013, is expected to sign both bills into law. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. 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 two train derailments – one in Ohio and one in Michigan – remain national news, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel continue their crusade to shut down the Line 5 pipeline. If successful in their efforts, moving the petroleum products would transition from pipelines to tanker truck and rail transportation, according to experts interviewed by The Center Square. This transition would likely drive up prices for consumers, increase carbon emissions, and prove less safe, they say. Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Bruce Walker and Reporter Scott McClallan. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. 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.

Should Michigan taxpayers foot $700,000 per job created for 2,500 jobs at the new Ford factory that will pay an average wage of $45,136? That’s the question Michigan lawmakers will soon decide for the BlueOval Battery Park in Marshall. The $3.5 billion factory aims to drop the cost of electric vehicles via lithium iron phosphate batteries and pump out 2 million vehicles globally by 2026. The factory will be funded by at least $1 billion in taxpayer funds. The state asked for another $750 million to prep the site, bringing the total taxpayer cost to $1.75 billion. Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Bruce Walker and Reporter Scott McClallan. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. 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.

Lansing Democrat Elissa Slotkin, representing Michigan’s 7th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, says she plans to run for a U.S. Senate seat in 2024. Democratic U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow has announced she will not run for reelection in 2024. Slotkin defeated Republican state Sen. Tom Barrett last November in the nation’s most expensive U.S. congressional race. The former state congresswoman raised a reported $9.3 million on her way to defeat Barrett, who raised only $2.5 million. Slotkin defeated Barrett after winning 50.8% of the vote to Barrett’s 47.2%.Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Bruce Walker and Managing Editor Tom Gantert. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. 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 taxpayers might have to foot the bill for the state’s clean energy goals if DTE Energy is permitted to impose a $622 million rate hike. The utility's request seeks to hike residential rates by 13.9%, commercial rates by 11.5%, and industrial rates by 7%. DTE asked for the new rate hike effective as of Dec. 10 to recover costs of increased investments, carbon reduction plans, and attempting to comply with the state’s clean energy goals. Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Bruce Walker and Managing Editor Tom Gantert. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. 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 battle over whether a state of Michigan or federal court will determine the fate of the Line 5 dual pipelines remains in legal limbo for the time being. The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan on Wednesday ruled in favor of granting Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's request to certify the court's August 2022 decision for interlocutory appeal to the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Join The Center Square's Bruce Walker and Tom Gantert on this episode of Michigan in Focus. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. 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 city of Flint's public schools have been the biggest benefactor in Michigan from the federal pandemic funding. The district received $49,996 per pupil in federal pandemic funding and that has allowed it to increase employee pay on average by 35% from 2019 to 2022. By comparison, Goodrich Area School District is within the same county as Flint, but that district received $1,662 per pupil in federal pandemic money. The Flint district received so much federal aid primarily because 96% of its students are "economically disadvantaged," meaning they receive some form of government aid. Join The Center Square's Bruce Walker and Tom Gantert on this episode of Michigan in Focus. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. 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 many as 676,280 customers in Michigan were without power as of 7:45 a.m. Thursday due to an ice storm that swept through the southern part of the state. Consumers Energy and DTE warned customers on Twitter that downed wires could delay restoration efforts. "Crews are actively working in the field. They are assessing damage and making the public safe due to down wires. Restore efforts will be made when it is safe to do so," DTE tweeted at 4:57 a.m. Thursday. Join The Center Square's Bruce Walker and Tom Gantert on this episode of Michigan in Focus. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. 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.

Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Bruce Walker, Managing Editor Tom Gantert, and Michigan Reporter Scott McClallen as they discuss Citizens Research Council of Michigan challenging the conclusions of a toll road feasibility study commissioned by the Michigan Department of Transportation. One day after announcing it would use $1 billion in taxpayer subsidies to build a new electric vehicle battery plant in Michigan, Ford Motor Company on Tuesday halted production of its F-150 Lightning EV pickup because of a potential battery issue. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. 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.