SCHOOL CLOSINGS
Amid worries that Democrats' blue wall may be cracking, governors hit the road for Kamala Harris
Read full article: Amid worries that Democrats' blue wall may be cracking, governors hit the road for Kamala HarrisThe Democratic governors of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin this week have embarked on a bus tour through their states to campaign for Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential bid.
Haunted by 2016, some Michigan Democrats worry that Harris remains ill-defined in swing state
Read full article: Haunted by 2016, some Michigan Democrats worry that Harris remains ill-defined in swing stateSome Michigan Democrats are raising concerns about Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential bid in a crucial swing state.
Push to map Great Lakes bottom gains momentum amid promises effort will help fishing and shipping
Read full article: Push to map Great Lakes bottom gains momentum amid promises effort will help fishing and shippingWhat lies beneath the Great Lakes' waves is largely unknown, but there's a new push to learn more about thousands of shipwrecks, underwater infrastructure and the impacts of climate change on the bottom of the world's largest freshwater system.
Biden signs 'common sense' order prioritizing federal grants for projects with higher worker wages
Read full article: Biden signs 'common sense' order prioritizing federal grants for projects with higher worker wagesPresident Joe Biden signed an executive order for federal grants that would prioritize projects with labor agreements, wage standards and benefits such as access to child care and apprenticeship programs.
Leaders to meet on radioactive waste disposal on Wednesday in Wayne County
Read full article: Leaders to meet on radioactive waste disposal on Wednesday in Wayne CountyLocal 4 has learned that local leaders are meeting on Wednesday to discuss the disposal of radioactive waste at the Wayne Disposal Facility in Van Buren Township.
Residents push back against nuclear waste in Van Buren Township
Read full article: Residents push back against nuclear waste in Van Buren TownshipLast week, Local 4 told you about the new plans to bring part of the "Manhattan Project," where the atomic bomb was created in the state of New York, to a landfill in Wayne County.
Train troubles continue in Plymouth despite community push for change
Read full article: Train troubles continue in Plymouth despite community push for changeTrains have been causing long delays -- sometimes more than an hour long. Despite pushes from business owners and elected officials, a solution could still be a long way away.
Michigan congresswomen demand longterm ceasefire after 104 Palestinians seeking aid are killed
Read full article: Michigan congresswomen demand longterm ceasefire after 104 Palestinians seeking aid are killedOfficials in Gaza say at least 104 people have been killed Thursday as aid trucks entered the city.
Biden meets with friendly autoworkers in Michigan, but avoids angry Gaza protesters
Read full article: Biden meets with friendly autoworkers in Michigan, but avoids angry Gaza protestersPresident Joe Biden has chatted cheerfully with a friendly union crowd inside a United Auto Workers hall in Michigan.
“It’s a race against the clock:” Family of Ann Arbor neurosurgeon trapped in Gaza
Read full article: “It’s a race against the clock:” Family of Ann Arbor neurosurgeon trapped in Gaza“People ask ‘Oh, they’re in a safe place, right?’ And I’m like ‘No, not really.’ Even safe zones are getting bombed," said Ann Arbor neurosurgeon Yamaan Saadeh.
US agency takes first step toward requiring new vehicles to prevent drunk or impaired driving
Read full article: US agency takes first step toward requiring new vehicles to prevent drunk or impaired drivingU.S. auto safety regulators say they have taken the first step toward requiring devices in vehicles that prevent drunk or impaired driving.
The protests outside DNC headquarters signal the divides in Biden's base over Israel-Hamas war
Read full article: The protests outside DNC headquarters signal the divides in Biden's base over Israel-Hamas warNational Democrats this year have insisted the party is united and ready to rally around President Joe Biden heading into next year’s election.
Ann Arbor festival celebrating ‘magic mushrooms’ and psychedelics kicks off Sunday
Read full article: Ann Arbor festival celebrating ‘magic mushrooms’ and psychedelics kicks off SundayThe yearly festival highlights the decriminalization of entheogens -- plants and fungi often referred to as psychedelics for their hallucinogenic effects -- kicks off at 1:11 p.m.
Biden and House Democrats hope to make curbing 'junk fees' a winning issue in 2024
Read full article: Biden and House Democrats hope to make curbing 'junk fees' a winning issue in 2024The White House is taking on “junk fees,” those extra charges tacked on to plane tickets, hotel rooms, hospital bills and more.
Department of Transportation awards $9.8M grant to University of Michigan for connected vehicle technology
Read full article: Department of Transportation awards $9.8M grant to University of Michigan for connected vehicle technologyThe technology could prevent injuries, ease traffic and improve the environment.
Rep. Debbie Dingell approves $230K for climate initiatives in Ann Arbor
Read full article: Rep. Debbie Dingell approves $230K for climate initiatives in Ann ArborThe city will receive the funds to support 10 AmeriCorps members who will implement local resilience-building initiatives and launch neighborhood-focused decarbonization.
Construction season is in full swing as orange barrels are everywhere in Metro Detroit
Read full article: Construction season is in full swing as orange barrels are everywhere in Metro DetroitThe saying goes Michigan has two seasons which are winter and construction. And it's safe to say the latter is in full swing, as orange barrels are almost everywhere you look.
Michigan residents can share power outage concerns with state officials in virtual town hall
Read full article: Michigan residents can share power outage concerns with state officials in virtual town hallState officials will hold a virtual town hall Tuesday afternoon, where residents can voice their concerns about power outages following several widespread outage events that have occurred in recent months and years.
State to hold Dearborn, Jackson town halls to hear residents’ power outage concerns
Read full article: State to hold Dearborn, Jackson town halls to hear residents’ power outage concernsState officials will hold a town hall in Dearborn on Monday to listen to residents’ concerns about power outages after a February ice storm caused hundreds of thousands of outages across Metro Detroit.
Michigan congresswoman, others come together to push for solutions for women on Equal Pay Day
Read full article: Michigan congresswoman, others come together to push for solutions for women on Equal Pay DayMarch 14 is Equal Pay Day. The date symbolizes how far into the year women have to work to earn what men did in the previous year.
State to hold Dearborn town hall to hear residents’ power outage concerns
Read full article: State to hold Dearborn town hall to hear residents’ power outage concernsState officials will hold a town hall in Dearborn next week to listen to residents’ concerns about power outages after a February ice storm caused hundreds of thousands of outages across Metro Detroit.
Ann Arbor representative among those asking for answers from DTE
Read full article: Ann Arbor representative among those asking for answers from DTEFour Michigan Congressional representatives are demanding answers from DTE Chairman and CEO Jerry Norcia after the company's failure to quickly restore power to nearly 900,000 households in Michigan after February's storms.
Nonprofit awarded $4M in federal funding to help build residential center in Ann Arbor
Read full article: Nonprofit awarded $4M in federal funding to help build residential center in Ann ArborGarrett’s Space has been awarded $4,000,000 in federal funding to help build a residential center. Julie and Scott Halpert started Garrett’s Space after they lost their son Garrett to suicide in 2019.
Wayne County leaders don’t want any more toxic waste imported from Ohio train derailment
Read full article: Wayne County leaders don’t want any more toxic waste imported from Ohio train derailmentMayors and township supervisors from Wayne County are coming together to call for a “permanent halt” on any further importation of toxic waste from the Ohio train derailment site.
Michigan officials are blindsided by arrival of waste from Ohio train derailment
Read full article: Michigan officials are blindsided by arrival of waste from Ohio train derailmentWayne County Executive Warren Evans held a news conference Friday alongside U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell and Rashida Tlaib about hazardous materials sent to Michigan.
In letter, Dingell pushes Norfolk Southern for answers in Van Buren Township train derailment
Read full article: In letter, Dingell pushes Norfolk Southern for answers in Van Buren Township train derailmentA train operated by Norfolk Southern derailed in Van Buren Township last week, alarming residents in the area following the derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, also operated by the transportation company.
Train that derailed in Van Buren Township operated by Norfolk Southern; no hazmat leak reported
Read full article: Train that derailed in Van Buren Township operated by Norfolk Southern; no hazmat leak reportedA train operated by Norfolk Southern, the same operators behind the Ohio derailment, went off the rails Thursday morning in Van Buren Township.
Michigan leaders vote to change presidential primary election date from March to February
Read full article: Michigan leaders vote to change presidential primary election date from March to FebruaryMichigan will become one of the first primaries in the country and the first in the Midwest after a National Democratic Party approved sweeping changes to the primary election calendar for the 2024 election on Saturday.
Ann Arbor’s TheRide receives $7M for Ypsilanti Transit Center expansion project
Read full article: Ann Arbor’s TheRide receives $7M for Ypsilanti Transit Center expansion projectFederal funding will be put towards the construction of an improved and expanded transportation center, which is expected to break ground in 2026.
New poll shows where voters stand on presumptive nominees for 2024 presidential election
Read full article: New poll shows where voters stand on presumptive nominees for 2024 presidential electionThe new poll from Epic/MRA commissioned by Nexstar Media Group shows voters unhappy with both presumptive nominees for 2024.
2022 election results: Democrat Debbie Dingell wins re-election in newly drawn Michigan 6th district
Read full article: 2022 election results: Democrat Debbie Dingell wins re-election in newly drawn Michigan 6th districtMichigan U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell has won re-election in the state’s newly drawn 6th district, defeating Republican challenger Whittney Williams in the 2022 general election.
Cha-ching! Biden embraces his election-year fundraising role
Read full article: Cha-ching! Biden embraces his election-year fundraising rolePresident Joe Biden is picking up the pace of his high-dollar fundraisers for Democratic candidates and party committees in the closing weeks before Election Day in November.
Washtenaw Community College reveals $13.5M renovations to its community, events building
Read full article: Washtenaw Community College reveals $13.5M renovations to its community, events buildingMembers of the community gathered to celebrate the grand re-opening of the Morris Lawrence Building on Saturday.
Extended Flashpoint: A busy week in Michigan politics on Mackinac Island
Read full article: Extended Flashpoint: A busy week in Michigan politics on Mackinac IslandDevin Scillian hosts an extended Flashpoint from Mackinac Island where political and business leaders from around Michigan assembled for the 2022 Mackinac Policy Conference.
‘They were babies’: Vigil held for victims of Uvalde shooting in Southwest Detroit
Read full article: ‘They were babies’: Vigil held for victims of Uvalde shooting in Southwest DetroitMetro Detroit leaders and the community came together for a vigil Friday (May 27) in Southwest Detroit to honor those 21 people who were killed in the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
ACCESS hosts 16th annual Arab American Service Day with focus in Dearborn
Read full article: ACCESS hosts 16th annual Arab American Service Day with focus in DearbornAfter a two year pandemic pause, Arab American Service Day returned to the Metro Detroit area, with hundreds of volunteers showing up to serve.
In outcome of Whitmer case, some see freedom, others danger
Read full article: In outcome of Whitmer case, some see freedom, others dangerThat a jury didn't convict any of the four men charged with planning to kidnap Michigan Gov_ Gretchen Whitmer is further evidence of the political polarization in the U_S_ A defense lawyer for one of the men says it shows freedom still exists, and that the men's actions were nothing more than “rough talk.”.
Pandemic relief money spent on hotel, ballpark, ski slopes
Read full article: Pandemic relief money spent on hotel, ballpark, ski slopesAn Associated Press review finds that state and local governments have spent nearly $1 billion worth of federal coronavirus aid on projects that have little to do with combating the pandemic.
Flat Rock chemical leak: Substance coming from underwater; source still undetermined
Read full article: Flat Rock chemical leak: Substance coming from underwater; source still undeterminedOfficials are still trying to determine the exact source of the chemical leak in the Huron River in Flat Rock, but they have learned that the substance is coming from underwater.
Rep. Debbie Dingell tracks food prices in Metro Detroit, shares results on social media
Read full article: Rep. Debbie Dingell tracks food prices in Metro Detroit, shares results on social mediaThe cost of everything from food to toiletries is up, and it may stay that way for a while. A Michigan Congresswoman says she’s feeling the pinch too, and she’s tracking prices in the area.
Surge of COVID cases prompts Rep. Debbie Dingell to hold virtual town hall
Read full article: Surge of COVID cases prompts Rep. Debbie Dingell to hold virtual town hallThis was the chance for viewers to have a pretty intimate discussion with State Rep. Debbie Dingell and other leaders about COVID-19.Everyone involved had the chance to really speak their minds on where we are in the pandemic.
Flashpoint Interview: US reps for Michigan talk changing districts, midterms
Read full article: Flashpoint Interview: US reps for Michigan talk changing districts, midtermsMichigan is looking at what will likely be a dramatic set of midterm elections this year after the state’s political maps were redrawn.
Michigan redistricting panel OKs US House, legislative maps
Read full article: Michigan redistricting panel OKs US House, legislative mapsMichigan’s new redistricting commission has approved congressional and legislative maps, ones that is fairer to Democrats than when the process was controlled by the Republican-led Legislature for two decades.
EPA looks to tighten rules for lead in drinking water while president works to replace pipelines
Read full article: EPA looks to tighten rules for lead in drinking water while president works to replace pipelinesThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is looking to tighten rules for allowable levels of lead in drinking water while the Biden Administration is looking to replace the country’s lead lines using new funds.
Get Caught Up: Drunk driving detection systems mandatory in new cars by 2026 in honor of Abbas family
Read full article: Get Caught Up: Drunk driving detection systems mandatory in new cars by 2026 in honor of Abbas familyWhen a family of five from Northville was killed by a drunk driver, the sister of one of the victims decided to make meaningful change in their honor.
Drunk driving detection systems mandatory in new cars by 2026 in honor of Abbas family
Read full article: Drunk driving detection systems mandatory in new cars by 2026 in honor of Abbas familyWhen a family of five from Northville was killed by a drunk driver, the sister of one of the victims decided to make meaningful change in their honor.
Michigan office of US Rep. Dingell broken into, vandalized
Read full article: Michigan office of US Rep. Dingell broken into, vandalizedA suburban Detroit office of U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell has been broken into and ransacked, with memorabilia belonging to her late husband and longtime Congressman John Dingell damaged.
Nightside Report Nov. 29, 2021: Michigan COVID-19 hospitalizations reach new record high, how the omicron variant impacts the COVID pandemic
Read full article: Nightside Report Nov. 29, 2021: Michigan COVID-19 hospitalizations reach new record high, how the omicron variant impacts the COVID pandemicHere are tonight's top stories.
Infrastructure bill includes money for removing lead from pipes
Read full article: Infrastructure bill includes money for removing lead from pipesRemoving lead from drinking water pipelines has been a key piece of Democrats sweeping bills, but the clock is ticking to get both the bills passed as Michiganders again have to worry if their water is dangerous.
Community members, elected officials gather to repaint vandalized Black Lives Matter mural in Ypsilanti
Read full article: Community members, elected officials gather to repaint vandalized Black Lives Matter mural in YpsilantiIt was an all hands on deck effort this past weekend to repair a Black Lives Matter mural that was defaced in September in Ypsilanti.
Milley: US coordination with Taliban on strikes 'possible'
Read full article: Milley: US coordination with Taliban on strikes 'possible'Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, say it’s “possible” the U.S. will coordinate with the Taliban on any future counterterrorism strikes in Afghanistan against Islamic State militants or others.
Debbie Dingell asks for investigation after death of AK Steel worker who fell from catwalk in Dearborn
Read full article: Debbie Dingell asks for investigation after death of AK Steel worker who fell from catwalk in DearbornRep. Debbie Dingell is asking for an investigation into AK Steel after a worker fell from a catwalk and died earlier this month at the company’s plant in Dearborn.
US House passes new drunk driving provisions, introduced in honor of Abbas family
Read full article: US House passes new drunk driving provisions, introduced in honor of Abbas familyThe U.S. House passed new provisions that would require drunk driving prevention technology to be installed as safety equipment in new cars.
Study: Half of US cosmetics contain toxic chemicals
Read full article: Study: Half of US cosmetics contain toxic chemicalsMore than half the cosmetics sold in the United States and Canada are awash with a toxic industrial compound associated with serious health conditions, including cancer and reduced birth weight, according to a new study.
Grosse Ile bridge repair permits approved, construction to begin June 14
Read full article: Grosse Ile bridge repair permits approved, construction to begin June 14The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved the final permits for the Grosse Ile bridge repairs and construction is expected to begin soon.
US Rep. Debbie Dingell hospitalized after undergoing emergency surgery for perforated ulcer
Read full article: US Rep. Debbie Dingell hospitalized after undergoing emergency surgery for perforated ulcerCongresswoman Debbie Dingell underwent an emergency surgery for a perforated ulcer, according to her spokesperson Mackzenie Smith.
Gov. Whitmer tours Eastern Michigan University vaccine clinic with Rep. Debbie Dingell
Read full article: Gov. Whitmer tours Eastern Michigan University vaccine clinic with Rep. Debbie DingellMichigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer toured a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Eastern Michigan University alongside Congresswoman Debbie Dingell on Monday morning.
Willow Run Airport awarded more than $15 million in federal funding for upgrades
Read full article: Willow Run Airport awarded more than $15 million in federal funding for upgradesSenators Debbie Stabenow (MI), Gary Peters (MI) announced on Tuesday that Willow Run Airport will receive $15,275,685 from the Department of Transportation. The airport will use the Federal Aviation Administration grant to improve its existing runways. “I’m pleased to announce this federal grant, which will help improve Willow Run’s daily operations.”“Investing in Willow Run Airport will support economic development in the region,” Senator Stabenow said in a release. “Willow Run Airport is a critical gateway for our local economy in Ypsilanti and Washtenaw, as well as throughout the entire tri-county area,” Congresswoman Dingell said in a release. “With more than $15 million in federal funds, Willow Run can make critical improvements to their runway that will keep pilots and passengers safe, while increasing cargo capability arriving at and departing from the airport.
How Michigan’s women lawmakers are breaking barriers
Read full article: How Michigan’s women lawmakers are breaking barriersDETROIT – A group of Michigan women hold powerful positions in Washington, D.C., representing all of us in the House of Representatives and Senate. Rep. Rashida Tlaib is one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress. When it comes to Michigan’s voices in the halls of power, many of those voices are women. “I believe in listening to people, hearing what they really have to say,” Dingell said. “She said, ‘Make sure you always know that you’re representing women everywhere.’”And women everywhere now look to Michigan for their advice.
COVID-19 law sparks dialogue on nursing home alternatives
Read full article: COVID-19 law sparks dialogue on nursing home alternativesNow, the COVID-19 relief bill is offering states a generous funding boost for home- and community-based care as an alternative to institutionalizing disabled people. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)WASHINGTON – With the memory of the pandemic's toll in nursing homes still raw, the COVID-19 relief law is offering states a generous funding boost for home- and community-based care as an alternative to institutionalizing disabled people. As it has grown to cover about 1 in 5 Americans, it's also become the nation's default long-term care program, although qualifying is often an arduous process. While the federal government requires state Medicaid programs to cover nursing home care for low-income people, that's not the case for home- and community-based support services. For now, states and advocates for the disabled are awaiting guidance from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on how the money in the COVID-19 law can be spent.
Michigan lawmakers join 7UP workers picketing in Redford
Read full article: Michigan lawmakers join 7UP workers picketing in RedfordREDFORD, Mich. – For the 10th day in a row, 7UP workers picket outside the distribution center in Redford. Workers said they are on strike to fight a two-tier wage system and for a fair disciplinary process. “He worked for this company and he’s out here saying he’s never seen anything like this. “They’re not going to let their jobs get diminished. We’re not going to work for a second-tier wage.”Parent company Keurig Dr Pepper released the following statement regarding the strike:
House Democrats vow to pass minimum wage hike
Read full article: House Democrats vow to pass minimum wage hikeThe version sent to the Senate won’t include a plan to raise the minimum wage. “When it comes to the minimum wage, I am going to be one of the loudest screamers about it,” Dingell said Feb. 7. “There will be a lot of discussions about minimum wage and you may see it being moved as a separate bill,” Dingell said. The last time the federal minimum wage was raised was July 24, 2009. It is currently the longest period the U.S. has gone without raising the federal minimum wage since it was instituted in 1938.
Michigan Democrats call for federal COVID relief funds to be released immediately
Read full article: Michigan Democrats call for federal COVID relief funds to be released immediatelyLANSING, Mich. – Michigan Democrats are pressuring state Republicans to vote to release more than $5 billion in COVID relief, chastising them for holding the funds. “Republicans need to stop holding these federal stimulus dollars hostage. This is not a partisan issue, these dollars should be at work here in Michigan right now,” said Michigan House Minority Leader Donna Lasinski. READ: Michigan Republicans unveil $2B COVID relief plan for residents struggling due to shutdownsRepublicans have held funding, hoping to get Gov. In a statement, a spokesperson for Michigan House Speaker Jason Wentworth said, “Our plan addresses all needs...
Michigan officials walk seniors through COVID vaccine sign up process amid confusion
Read full article: Michigan officials walk seniors through COVID vaccine sign up process amid confusionBeyond getting the actual shot, getting signed up for a vaccination appointment can be a huge and confusing process for elderly residents -- especially since computers are needed to do so. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, from Michigan, had called on the state to set up a phone system to help simplify the appointment scheduling process for seniors. On Thursday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) held a virtual COVID vaccine information session, hearing from seniors who are beyond frustrated by the sign up process. Michigan health officials walked seniors through the state’s COVID vaccine website, where individuals are advised to seek information about vaccinations in their local communities. Officials then encouraged seniors to call 2-1-1 for assistance with scheduling a vaccination appointment, especially if they do not have access to the internet or a computer.
Cheney says she won't quit the House after Wyoming censure
Read full article: Cheney says she won't quit the House after Wyoming censureFILE - In this March 6, 2019, file photo, Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Wyoming Republican Party voted overwhelmingly Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021 to censure U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney for voting to impeach President Donald Trump for his role in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. On Saturday, the Wyoming Republican Party voted overwhelmingly to censure Cheney. Ad“We need to honor President Trump. About two-thirds of House Republicans voted to back Trump’s effort to overturn his November election loss — just hours after his supporters’ deadly siege of the Capitol.
Flashpoint 2/7/21: SOS puts forth her prescription for strengthening Michigan’s elections
Read full article: Flashpoint 2/7/21: SOS puts forth her prescription for strengthening Michigan’s electionsDETROIT – A million vaccines have been distributed in Michigan, which sounds like a lot, until you realize it isn’t nearly enough. On Sunday’s episode we turned to one of the leading authorities on vaccines. Dr. Arnold Monto, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health spoke about where we stand on vaccine distribution. And Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson puts forth her prescription for strengthening Michigan’s elections. The state leader spoke about the issue more on Sunday.
Rep. Debbie Dingell pushes own vaccine fears aside to set example for others
Read full article: Rep. Debbie Dingell pushes own vaccine fears aside to set example for othersLike many Americans, one congresswoman has some fears about receiving a coronavirus vaccine -- but she says that shouldn’t stop anyone from receiving their shot. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, from Michigan, tells Local 4 that her personal experience with vaccinations has made her fearful about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. However, the congresswoman says she has been assured by several experts -- including the nation’s top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci -- that the COVID vaccine is not dangerous and will not affect her the same way. She says despite her fears, she is going to receive the vaccine when it’s her turn. She also hopes that anyone who is scared like her will overcome their fear of the vaccine and get vaccinated when they can.