A 3.3 magnitude earthquake rattled western Michigan Tuesday. The small quake was centered in Union City, which is about 20 miles south of Battle Creek. The U-S Geological Survey tells the Michigan Radio Network the quake was an aftershock of a 4.2 magnitude quake in the same area in early …
Read More »Obama Changes Overtime Law
A new rule change in Washington could allow up to 100,000 more workers in Michigan to claim overtime pay. The change, announced by the Obama administration on Tuesday, will allow certain salaried workers who make up to about $50,000 per year, to claim overtime. Currently the threshold limit is set …
Read More »“Death Star” Bill Signed Into Law
Legislation dubbed by opponents as the “Death Star” bill, which would block local governments from setting their own wage, benefits or leave requirements on local employers, has been signed into law by the governor. The bill would not affect ordinances already in place. Democrats opposed the measure, saying local governments …
Read More »Lawmaker Calls For Expanded Civil Rights For LGBT Community
A state lawmaker wants the legislature to act on expanding the state’s civil rights law to protect gay and transgendered people. State Senator Curtis Hertel says most people support equal rights and it’s the lawmakers’ duty to legislate as a reflection of those they represent. Hertel’s comments follow the U.S. …
Read More »Vote Expected On Road Funding Plan
The Michigan Senate is set to vote on road funding plan Wednesday. The proposal includes a gradual increase of the gas tax by 15-cents, $700 million in redirected General Fund money, elimination of the earned income tax credit for the working poor and an income tax cut. Senate Majority Leader, …
Read More »U.P. Man Charged With Abuse & Torture Of An Infant
A West Branch Township man is in jail on charges of child abuse and torture. Troopers from the Michigan State Police Negaunee Post say 27–year–old Nicholas Racine was arrested after investigation into a case involving the severe injury of a 3–month–old infant. Police say the victim was treated for injuries …
Read More »Sea Lamprey Control Planned For Lake Superior Tributary
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel will apply lampricides to the Gratiot River (Keweenaw County) to kill sea lamprey larvae burrowed in the stream bottom. Applications will be conducted on or about July 6-10, 2015 in accordance with State of Michigan permits. Applications will be complete in about two days. …
Read More »Environmental Group Calls Attention To Effects Of Mining on Water Sources
An environmental watchdog group is voicing their concerns surrounding the Eagle Mine and the effect on ground and surface water. “Save the Wild U.P” President Kathleen Heideman says they are concerned about the long term effects of mining on surface water, drinking water and water sheds. “Treated industrial waste water …
Read More »Restriction Lifted For Waivers For Native Americans At NMU
Native American students attending Northern Michigan University will no longer need to be enrolled in a degree-granting program to receive the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver. NMU President Fritz Erickson announced the change during a meeting with members of the Hannahville Indian Community. He said it is meant to assist Native …
Read More »Peregrine Falcon Population Continues to Rebound
It’s been a busy June for an endangered bird in Michigan. Seven peregrine falcons have hatched in different parts of the Upper Peninsula this month – three in Houghton and four in Sault Ste. Marie. Brian Roell a state wildlife biologist in Marquette says the birds used to be on …
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