What we’re reading: Whitmer orders state to remove barriers to COVID-19 vaccines

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💉 Whitmer counters federal changes with executive order on vaccine access Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive Wednesday ordering state agencies to remove barriers hindering COVID-19 vaccine access amid federal policy changes. The directive instructs health departments to ensure insurance coverage, issue guidance to providers, and encourage vaccination. This follows federal changes under HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., who limited CDC recommendations and replaced vaccine advisory panels. Michigan broke with CDC guidance, recommending vaccines for all residents 6 months or older as coronavirus cases surge statewide. 📌 Source: Detroit Free Press

🪠 Oakland County challenges state permit requirements after sewage discharge Oakland County challenged state permit requirements for the Kuhn Drain Drainage District, arguing mandated improvements lack evidence of water quality benefits. The permit requires feasibility studies and infrastructure evaluations following April’s 1.2 million gallon sewage discharge into Red Run Drain. Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash said some provisions exceed state authority and burden ratepayers. Macomb County officials criticized the challenge, calling for regional cooperation. The petition was filed with Michigan’s Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules. 📌 Source: The Detroit News

🧪 Michigan finds microplastics everywhere in initial river testing Michigan began testing rivers and streams for microplastics this year using $2 million in funding, finding the pollutants “ubiquitous” across samples from remote, urban, and agricultural areas. EGLE will test 200 waterways through 2029. Democratic lawmakers proposed bills requiring monitoring of drinking water systems, establishing baseline concentrations, and banning microbead products. Environmental experts warn microplastics concentrate other contaminants like metals and PFAS, posing health risks through fish consumption and drinking water. 📌 Source: MLive

💵 Nessel slams DTE’s latest gas rate increase proposal DTE Energy filed to seek another natural gas rate increase less than a year after receiving approval for a $113 million hike. The utility serves 1.3 million customers and will specify the increase requested in a November filing. Attorney General Dana Nessel criticized the move as disrespectful to ratepayers. DTE says the increase will fund infrastructure modernization. Any approved rates wouldn’t take effect until September 2026. The MPSC has 10 months to review applications. 📌 Source: The Detroit News

🩺 Court blocks Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood for non-abortion care Planned Parenthood clinics nationwide began telling Medicaid patients Friday their routine health care appointments will no longer be covered after a federal court order took effect. The change affects hundreds of thousands using Medicaid for non-abortion services like cancer screenings and STI testing. A GOP law targets organizations providing abortions receiving over $800,000 in Medicaid reimbursements. Planned Parenthood warns 200 of 600 clinics could close, with 50% of patients using Medicaid insurance. 📌 Source: Michigan Advance

🔋Michigan Supreme Court revives lawsuit against Ford’s Marshall battery plant The Michigan Supreme Court revived a lawsuit challenging Ford’s $2.5 billion electric vehicle battery park in Marshall. The court vacated the Court of Appeals’ dismissal and ordered reconsideration based on a 2017 Wexford County case. “The Committee for Marshall not the Megasite” group alleges city leaders improperly rezoned land and the city clerk miscounted petition signatures opposing rezoning — validating only 136 of over 800 submitted signatures. Ford says construction is complete and generating economic benefits. 📌 Source: WTVB