Overview:
- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer allocates $4.5 million to the Food Bank Council of Michigan.
- UN secretary general says humanity has failed to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
- Michigan Senate hears testimony on legislation that would create a permanent water affordability fund.
🍽️ Michigan scrambles to feed 1.4 million residents as SNAP benefits halt Saturday Michigan leaders moved Thursday to help 1.4 million residents facing food assistance loss Saturday due to the federal shutdown. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer allocated $4.5 million to the Food Bank Council of Michigan, while the Senate approved $50 million for low-income food aid and $21 million for food banks. The bill needs House approval but faces a five-day constitutional waiting period. A federal judge indicated she’d likely order the Trump administration to use reserves for partial November SNAP funding nationwide. 📌 Source: The Detroit News
🌡️ UN chief admits 1.5C climate target will be missed with ‘devastating consequences’ UN Secretary General António Guterres acknowledged humanity has failed to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit), calling the overshoot “inevitable” with “devastating consequences.” He warned of catastrophic tipping points in the Amazon, Arctic, and oceans if emissions aren’t cut dramatically. Only 62 of 197 nations submitted climate action plans showing just 10% emissions reduction when 60% is needed. Guterres urged leaders at November’s Cop30 summit to change course immediately to minimize overshoot duration and intensity. 📌 Source: The Guardian
🥶 FEMA rejects Michigan request for $90M in ice storm recovery funds The Trump administration denied Michigan’s appeal for additional disaster aid following a March ice storm that caused over $300 million in damage to northern Michigan’s power grid. The decision limits assistance to individuals and rural power cooperatives. Two co-ops have already raised rates $17-$20 monthly, warning of sustained increases without federal support. Michigan’s state budget includes $14 million for recovery, but lawmakers say it’s insufficient. A $100 million relief bill awaits Senate approval. 📌 Source: MLive
🦠 Staff cuts, government shutdown weaken bird flu response Migratory birds are spreading avian flu across the U.S., with 62 flocks affected in 17 states last month, impacting 6.6 million birds. Public health experts say the federal response is hampered by staff cuts at CDC and USDA, immigration enforcement on farms, and the government shutdown suspending key activities. Animal vaccination rates lag, and regular expert meetings have stopped. While not yet threatening most Americans, the virus continues evolving and spreading to other species, raising pandemic concerns. 📌 Source: Axios
🚰 Michigan Senate considers permanent water affordability fund The Michigan Senate heard testimony on legislation creating a permanent water affordability fund to help households struggling with bills. The proposal would assess a $1.25 monthly fee on every retail water meter, rising 25 cents annually until 2030, generating $71.2 million initially. Households at 200% of the federal poverty level would qualify, paying no more than 3% of monthly income on water. Currently, 370,000 Michigan households struggle with water affordability. The bills could reach the full Senate next week. 📌 Source: Detroit Free Press
☢️ Michigan House approves tax credits for small modular nuclear reactors Michigan’s House approved bipartisan bills Tuesday offering business tax credits to support new nuclear reactor development. The legislation provides up to $25 million annually for research-and-development tax credits and $10 million per site for small modular reactor electricity sales, plus funds for nuclear education programs. Holtec International plans to build two SMRs near South Haven by 2030. The Sierra Club opposes the bills, calling SMRs “expensive, unproven technology” that diverts funds from renewable energy. 📌 Source: Crain’s Detroit Business