Though the current political showdown is nearing an end, new research shows that government shutdowns leave polluting legacies.
Michigan restores full SNAP payments with shutdown, court battle ongoing
In a move impacting 1.4 million low-income Michiganders, the state health department has directed the payment of full SNAP benefits for November, with the funding source unclear.
Data centers in Michigan: What you need to know
As data centers proliferate across the Great Lakes, driven by AI’s soaring demands, communities face a dual reality: economic growth and environmental challenges.
Michigan SNAP benefits on hold again as Trump administration tries to reverse food payments
Over the weekend, the Trump administration demanded states reverse full benefits paid under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
Supreme Court issues emergency order to block full SNAP food aid payments
BOSTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Friday granted the Trump administration’s emergency appeal to temporarily block a court order to fully fund SNAP food aid payments amid the government shutdown, even though residents in some states already have received the funds. A judge had given the Republican administration until Friday to make the payments […]
The EPA let companies estimate their own pollution levels. The real numbers are far worse.
In a move that stunned environmentalists, the Trump administration halted an EPA initiative aimed at monitoring emissions from 20 industrial facilities.
Judge orders full SNAP funding: Is relief on the horizon for 42 million Americans?
A federal judge mandates full funding for SNAP benefits this month, following a challenge by cities and nonprofits against the Trump administration’s decision to fund 65% of the maximum benefit.
What we’re reading: Coal plant order costs Consumers Energy $615K per day
Consumers Energy has lost approximately $615,000 daily operating the J.H. Campbell coal plant under Trump administration emergency orders, totaling $80 million in net costs through September.
Michigan regulators move to protect Consumers Energy customers from some data center costs
Michigan regulators address “stranded asset” risk posed by data centers.
$7 billion Saline Township data center reignites concern over Michigan climate plan ‘off ramp’
DTE looks to fast-track OpenAI facility, while environmental advocates raise alarms over utilities’ plans to build more gas plants to meet massive energy needs of data centers.

