Government

Police killings of dogs violate owners’ rights, advocates say

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COPS AND DOGS: Incidents of police shooting non-threatening pet dogs are more common than you’d think, animal advocates say. “It is so common in Detroit, there’s a form for it,” said Royal Oak lawyer Chris Olson. “They’re called destruction of animal reports.” But the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police defends the shootings. We also talk to a researcher for the U.S. Department of Justice, PETA, an Inkster dog owner whose pet was killed by police. and a Detroit pit bull rescue group. By Emerson Wigand. FOR DETROIT and ALL POINTS.

Capital News Service

To bail or not to bail, ask Michigan lawmakers

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BAIL REFORM: Michigan’s bail system punishes poor people and should consider risk of flight, the ability to pay and other circumstances when deciding to grant it, say reform advocates. We interview Grand Rapids and Detroit lawmakers, the American Bail Coalition and Safe & Just Michigan officials. By Emerson Wigang. FOR DETROIT, GRAND RAPIDS and ALL POINTS.

Capital News Service

Forced removal from encampments leaves few options for homeless Michiganders

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HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS: As temperatures drop, Michigan advocates for homeless people say encampment populations are expected to grow. Gaps in services for these populations and a lack of long-term affordable housing have led to hundreds of people living in temporary shelters like tents, cars and hotels. We talk to homeless advocates in Lansing, Kalamazoo and Eugene, Oregon in addition to a statewide group. By Emerson Wigand. FOR ALL POINTS.

Capital News Service

Firefighters, environmental advocates push for safer foam

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FIRE FOAM: Michigan has disposed of more than 50,000 gallons of potentially harmful firefighting foam since 2019. Firefighters and environmental advocates say that isn’t enough. The foam targeted for removal contains PFAS, a substance that some firefighters say there is an alternative to. But while others have quit using it for training, they say it is still needed to put out actual fires. By Emerson Wigand FOR ALL POINTS.

Capital News Service

Firefighters seek more coverage of cancer caused by toxic exposure

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FIREFIGHTER CANCERS: On-call and volunteer firefighters could get the same workers compensation for certain cancers as their full-time counterparts under recent legislation. The additional coverage for 80% of the state’s firefighters would come from revenues from Michigan’s legal online gambling and sports betting. We talk to a Richmond lawmaker, Michigan Firemen’s Association, the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs and the worker’s compensation agency. By Emerson Wigand FOR ALL POINTS

Capital News Service

Michigan psychologists seek to expand care options 

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INTERSTATE PSYCHOLOGY: Joining an interstate compact that allows out-of-state psychologists to practice in Michigan could provide more mental health care for state residents. But state regulators worry it could reduce its budget for investigating complaints. We talk to an Ann Arbor area lawmaker, state regulators and national association. By Emerson Wigand. FOR ALL POINTS.

Business & Economy

Advocates want free college for more Indigenous students 

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TUITION WAIVER: Some Michigan tribal leaders say a tuition waiver for Native American students is overly restrictive and hard to navigate. The state agreed to the waiver in 1934, began funding it in 1976 and reduced it in 1996. Now it is back fully funded, advocates are trying to determine who should be eligible and how a confusing system can be made easier to navigate. By Emerson Wigand. FOR BAY MILLS, HARBOR SPRINGS, PETOSKEY, SAULT STE. MARIE ALL POINTS

Capital News Service

Discrimination complicates organ transplants for those with disabilities

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ORGAN TRANSPLANTS:Without laws to prevent it, Michiganders with disabilities are not guaranteed equal consideration for needed organ transplants, advocates say. Michigan could soon join the 29 states that have passed organ transplant discrimination laws. Bills have been introduced by Sen. Curtis Hertel, D-East Lansing, and Rep. Bronna Kahle, R-Adrian. We talk to Hertel, a Grand Rapids advocate who has a daughter with Down syndrome, and the National Down Syndrome Society. By Emerson Wigand. FOR LANSING, BLISSFIELD, HOLLAND and ALL POINTS.

Capital News Service

Advocates say more work needed to maintain drop in homelessness

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HOMELESS MICHIGANDERS: A recent report indicates a statewide drop in homelessness. But local officials say that’s not true across the state and they are worried that it merely reflects the short term availability of pandemic relief funds. We talk to state and Traverse City-based advocacy groups, and service providers for homeless residents in Lansing, Grand Rapids and Cadillac. By Emerson Wigand. FOR TRAVERSE CITY AND ALL POINTS

Capital News Service

Lawmakers push for early parole reform

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PRISON SENTENCES: A group of lawmakers say that Michigan prison policy fails to consider good behavior and rehabilitation when it comes to parole. They are pushing for reforms to a system they say needs greater incentives for self-improvement efforts. By Emerson Wygand. FOR ALL POINTS.