A shortage of U.S. Coast Guard icebreakers left sailors stranded and caused several cargo delays affecting Great Lakes ports. Federal officials are looking for a solution by March.

The number of new COVID cases is falling in the state, but with the omicron-fueled pandemic still high, health officials say masking and testing remains critical. Here’s where you can get them for free.

Michigan cheered news in January that it will get a $2.5 billion battery plant in Lansing to supply electric vehicles made by General Motors. A similar plant nearly ready to open in Lordstown gives a glimpse into what that could mean.

Lawyers’ large cut of the $626-million settlement is justified by the years of difficult, good work on the case, a judge said Friday. Critics argue that’s too much, and that more of the money should go directly to Flint residents.

Policymakers should look back to Michigan’s recent history and use this opportunity to address some of the tough budget choices made during the last two decades.

The sales tax on femine hygiene products has long been criticized. Gov. Whitmer signed legislation in November to repeal the tax. It went into effect this week.

Political maps created by Michigan’s new independent redistricting have survived the first in a series of legal challenges.

Low-energy homes are critical to combating climate change, which is why progressive Ann Arbor is helping fund sustainable home building. But experts say good policy, as well as money, is needed for other cities to follow suit.

Big storms used to mean snowball fights, not school. But remote technology has made it easier for schools to keep teaching in the pandemic. Educators say there are still kinks to figure out before snow days vanish.