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New law makes it easier for Michigan prisons to release people in poor health
DETROIT (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a law Tuesday that would make it easier for people to be released from Michigan prisons if they’re in debilitating health and considered to be a minimal risk to the public. The new law replaces a 2019 law that was seen as vague and hard to apply. Only one person had been released, according to FAMM, an advocacy group that works for changes in criminal justice systems across the country. The Michigan parole board will have authority to release someone to a medical facility, hospice or a home, especially if they have a life expectancy of less than 18 months. “Their needs are too much for the Corrections Department and they’re not a risk to public safety,” said Maria Goellner, director of state policy at FAMM.
Whitmer signs bill giving EGLE authority to declare emergencies
Senate Bill 398 was introduced in June of 2023 by Sen. Sean McCann, D-Kalamazoo. It gives emergency authority to the state agency to protect natural resources when there is a threat to public health, safety or property.
Michigan faces a shortage of local clerk candidates, raising alarms about how elections will be run
They are the administrators of democracy, making sure that elections are free, fair and efficient. They maintain the records of local government and are responsible for public access to those records, including births, deaths and the marriages in between. And yet, nearly 10% of the 1,240 township clerk positions that are up for election this […]
Michigan dry spell won’t last long, next rain speeding up
We do have several dry and nice weather days coming for all of Michigan. The parade of rain systems is not going to take a big break however. The next rain is moving toward us from a not-so-frequent trajectory. This next rain is also moving a day faster than what it looked like yesterday.
William Seikaly: Shame on Trump Camp For Not Condemning Michigan Supporters Chanting 'We Love Hitler, We Love Trump'
The author is an attorney and a lifelong Democrat. Are you still considering voting for Trump? You might remember your parents' admonition to “Be careful who you associate with.”. There was an interesting story this weekend in the Livingston Daily in Livingston County. One group of White Supremacists demonstrated...
Voters asked to renew tax for Ross-Augusta Fire Department, possible vehicle purchases
KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI -- Voters will weigh in on continuing a tax to fund firefighting services in Kalamazoo County’s Ross Township. The Ross-Augusta Fire Department is encouraging residents to vote in the upcoming Tuesday, Aug. 6, election, to support a renewal of the its operating millage that expires Dec. 31.
2 Republicans square off in Kent County Commission primary race
KENT COUNTY, MI – Two candidates are vying in the Republican Party primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 6, for a seat on the Kent County Board of Commissioners. Republicans Joel Langlois and Elizabeth Morse are facing off for a chance at the seat representing Alpine, Sparta and Tyrone townships as well as the village of Sparta and part of Plainfield Township.
Promoting public health from an economics standpoint
Economics and management majors don’t usually go to medical school – and senior Riley McKinney has no plans to do so. Thanks to a summer internship with the Kent County Health Department (KCHD), however, she is excited to see the impact that local government and local nonprofits can have on the health of, well, pretty much everybody.
Daughters of man gunned down in double-homicide call killer ‘pure evil’ in court
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Wearing red shirts with the words “Daddy’s Girl” on the back, the daughters of a man gun down in a 2022 double homicide told a judge he died while celebrating his birthday. The daughters spoke to Kent County Circuit Judge Christina Elmore moments...
Detroit Riverfront Conservancy sues ex-CFO; Michigan Dem delegates commit to Harris; more
Good morning, it's Thursday. ⛅ The high will be 79 degrees today and it'll be partly sunny. After rain and flooding the last couple of days, we're finally getting to see a stretch of nice weather. 🎧 Prefer to listen to the news? Here are today's top stories. ...
Grand Rapids and Lime offer free rides through new pilot program
The City of Grand Rapids and Lime have launched a new pilot program for residents who qualify for state and federal subsidies such as SNAP, Medicaid and WIC. Eligible residents will be able to take five free, 30-minute rides each day as part of the Lime Access program. Lime had...
Michigan St reopens, Fuller still impassable near I-196
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A major construction headache is easing, but not complete. Michigan St has reopened where it intersects with Fuller Ave just south of I-196. Fuller, however, is still closed, blocking access to and from the highway. Earlier this summer the entire intersection was closed down, causing...
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