Michigan regulators are considering denying DTE Energy’s proposed $456 million electricity rate increase after it was revealed that the utility had ghostwritten comments in support of the hike, prompting calls for lawmakers to pass legislation to block utilities from making political donations.
Posted inDemocracy
2024 race: Are economic issues sidelining climate and LGBTQ+ rights?
The economy is a top priority for voters in the 2024 presidential election, with both Trump and Harris focusing on tax breaks and job creation to boost the economy.
Posted inNews
What we’re reading: DTE targets data centers, polluters resist cleanup costs, Detroit’s e-bike startup secures $100K
DTE seeks tax breaks for Michigan’s digital infrastructure; industry groups oppose a ‘polluter pay’ bill; mobile home residents face unreliable water; a Detroit startup secures $100K for e-bike designs; Michigan gets $32 million to clean PFAS-contaminated aquifers; Michigan DNR provides $3 million to help cities plant trees.
Posted inNews
Detroit City Council tightens rental rules, focusing on tenant safety and compliance
Detroit City Council has greenlit changes to its rental ordinance, focusing on rental compliance, lead inspections, and tenant protections via expanded escrow rules, starting January 1, 2025, with full rollout by spring.
Posted inDemocracy
Environmental issues compete with economic worries in tight Downriver House race
Democrat Janise O’Neil looks to unseat Republican Jamie Thompson, promising to fight DTE political spending and push for climate action and jobs.
Posted inNeighborhood Reporting Lab
Detroit Action director Anthony Baber on why voting and housing matter
Anthony Baber, Director of Communications and Culture at Detroit Action, is pushing for vote count protection and poll worker safety to secure and make voting accessible for everyone.
Posted inNeighborhood Reporting Lab
Detroit voter worries about climate, Palestinian genocide and healthcare gaps
Theresa Chavez believes that voting is important, but feels that the two-party system is failing the people, and that a working-class party and a general strike are necessary to create change in the country.
Posted inVoices
VOICES: Biden-Harris team tackles Michigan’s urgent water safety issues
The Biden-Harris Administration addresses Michigan’s water safety, passing laws to replace lead pipes and investing in infrastructure, while former President Trump cut clean water funding and rolled back environmental protections.
Posted inGuides
What to know about Manhattan Project-era radioactive waste coming to Michigan
Radioactive waste from the Manhattan Project is being shipped to a landfill in Van Buren Township, Michigan, raising alarms about potential hazards and sparking public outrage.
Posted inVoices
VOICES: Why Harris and Walz are Michigan’s safest bet for reliable transportation
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are the top choice for improving Michigan’s transportation, focusing on safety, reliability and cutting emissions and pollution.