Michigan municipalities are increasingly turning to license plate readers as a public safety tool despite public outcry over privacy and data sharing concerns. Some lawmakers are pitching statewide oversight, but local law enforcement agencies are worried too much regulation could make the readers less effective for solving crimes.
Michigan would regulate police license plate cameras under bipartisan bill
Posted inMichigan Government
In bid for transparency, Michigan swing county posts ballots online
Macomb County says its decision to make all ballots available online will increase transparency. Some worry about protecting secret ballots.
Posted inBusiness Watch
How Michigan helped launch one of the nation’s first passenger airline services
Commercial passenger aviation in the United States traces key roots to the Detroit area, where aeronautical engineer William B. Stout designed the Stout 3-AT, one of the first all-metal passenger airplanes.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan bill would require schools to teach water safety in gym class
A bill would make water safety instruction part of the PE curriculum. Advocates say schools play a vital role in keeping children and teens safe in and around water.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Groups running out of time to raise millions to save unique Michigan prairie
A 440-acre section of Sibley Prairie in Brownstown Township was listed for auction, putting the rare plants found there at risk of development. Now, environmental groups are working with the owner to buy and preserve the land. But they need to raise millions of dollars to complete the deal.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Blue Cross, Michigan Medicine dispute leaves 300,000 patients in lurch
Come July 1, hundreds of thousands of subscribers to Michigan’s leading health insurance may not be able to access the Ann Arbor-based hospital system because of a payment dispute.
Posted inQuality of Life
Michigan gas prices jump 24 cents as Iran conflict escalates
Gas prices across Michigan surged 24 cents in a week, including a 12-cent spike in one day, bringing the statewide average to about $3.24 per gallon, according to AAA. The increase follows rising crude oil prices tied to escalating conflict between the US and Iran.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Graduation rates rise while student achievement flatlines
Rising graduation rates coupled with declining achievement should raise the question: Are public schools lowering their standards for measuring student success?
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Consumers warns Michigan: Dams could be torn down unless utility sells them
Critics warn the deal lacks safeguards to protect ratepayers and the public. But utility officials said they’d sooner decommission the dams than negotiate new terms.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan House rushes $152M for Selfridge expansion backed by Trump
The Michigan House proposed and quickly approved $152 million for runways at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which Speaker Matt Hall says is needed to avoid delaying an expansion backed by President Donald Trump.