Spartan Newsroom (https://news.jrn.msu.edu/author/postem12/)
Michigan public schools have been underfunded for two decades, but the results of the 2022 gubernatorial election could change that, education advocates say.
“Everybody running for office says they support public education, but voters have to look into what candidates actually propose to do,” said David Hecker, president of American Federation of Teachers Michigan.
GRID RELIABILITY: Increasing numbers of power outages caused by climate-induced weather put pressure on utility companies to strengthen energy grid resilience. The Michigan Public Service Commission is working with utilities, such as providing incentives for Upper Peninsula Power Co. to improve its grid resilience and wants to do the same with DTE and Consumers Energy. We hear from the PSC chair, Lansing-based Citizens Utility Board of Michigan and Highland Park-based energy justice advocacy group. By Kristia Postema. FOR GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS, DETROIT, CORP!, MARQUETTE, SAULT STE. MARIE, BAY MILLS, ST, IGNACE, CHEBOYGAN and ALL POINTS.
SEA LAMPREY: A new study by scientists at MSU and the U.S. Geological Survey’s Great Lakes Science Center in Millersburg says behavior-altering chemicals produced by sea lamprey may decrease the invaders’ populations in the Great Lakes. The 3kPZS pheromone, a chemical released by males to guide females for mating, could be used to lure them into traps. Research took place near Rogers City. We also hear from the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. By Kristia Postema. FOR ALCONA, MONTMORENCY, CHEBOYGAN, HOLLAND, MANISTEE, OCEANA COUNTY, BENZIE COUNTY, HARBOR SPRINGS, TRAVERSE CITY, LEELANAU, MONROE, ST. IGNACE, MARQUETTE, SAULT STE. MARIE and ALL POINTS.
A new form will streamline the process for cases brought to the civilian appeals board and referred to the labor relations unit. The Civilian Appeals Board is a body that reviews findings from the Grand Rapids Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit. Each year, there are about 20 eligible appeals.
PANDEMIC PETS: The peak of the pandemic brought unfamiliar free time that led many people across the state to adopt a pet. As life returns closer to normal and in-person activities resume, these new owners continue to embrace their pandemic pets. Michigan Humane and owners from Okemos, Belleville, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, Lansing and Sterling Heights explain. By Emilie Appleyard, Cameryn Cass, Joseph Dungerow, Kristia Postema, Sammy Schuck, Nicholas Simon & Andrea Vera. FOR DETROIT, LANSING CITY PULSE and ALL POINTS.
Grand Rapids Public Schools educational support staff will receive higher pay and other benefits to help with staff retention and hiring issues thanks to the pandemic.
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION: Hunting license revenue is dropping as fewer licenses get sold, reducing money for wildlife habitat projects. A federal bill to provide more funding, with U.S. Rep. Dingell of Dearborn as lead sponsor, hasn’t moved since a subcommittee hearing earlier this year. We talk to a DNR wildlife biologist, National Wildlife Federation and Michigan United Conservation Clubs. Cosponsors are from Watersmeet, Zeeland, Flint, Southfield, Bloomfield Township, Rochester Hills, Detroit, St. Joseph and Tipton. For news and outdoors sections. By Kristia Postema. FOR DETROIT, MARQUETTE, BAY MILLS, SAULT STE. MARIE, CHEBOYGAN, ALCONA, MONTMORENCY, PETOSKEY, HARBOR SPRINGS, TRAVERSE CITY, LEELANAU MANISTEE, LUDINGTON, BENZIE COUNTY, CRAWFORD COUNTY, HOLLAND, LAKE COUNTY, OCEANA COUNTY, STURGIS, THREE RIVERS, HILLSDALE, COLDWATER, BLISSFIELD, MONROE, MICHIGAN FARM NEWS and ALL POINTS.
After closing in March of 2020, Grand Rapids Public Schools reopened their school-based health centers on Oct. 4, providing the same level of care as before while incorporating changes made in the past year.
Grand Rapids was once known for its roaring rapids that are no longer. After nearly a century and a half, river restoration projects may bring back the “grand rapids” that once characterized the city and provide environmental and economic boosts to the city
On Sept. 14 the Grand Rapids City Commission approved a proposal to create an Affordable Housing Fund. The presentation of the fund included data showing that approximately 25,000 Grand Rapids households spend over 30% of their income on housing and approximately 13,000 households spend over 50% or more.