jeff irwin

Michigan lawmakers questioned state Department of Corrections officials Tuesday over persistent problems at the state’s only women’s prison. Colin Jackson has more.

The results are in, and incumbent Democrat, Jeff Irwin, will serve another term as State Senator. Irwin currently represents the 18th district, but redistricting moves him to the newly drawn 15th district. Irwin joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss his plans for the next four years.

The chair of the Michigan House Appropriations Committee resigned Wednesday over a proposed billion-dollar spending plan. Colin Jackson has more.

Republican lawmakers have been working on a 30-bill emergency powers package for months. Now, the Senate oversight committee is advancing some of those bills to the full chamber. Colin Jackson has more.

The Huron River has, once again, been put at risk because of a chemical spill. First it was PFAS contamination, and now it's Hexavalent Chromium. In both instances, the same Wixom-based company is responsible. Yet, the laws in Michigan do not allow for holding the company liable. That wasn't always the case. WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak, got together with the author of Michigan's original and now-dismantled polluter pay legislation. Former Ann Arbor State Senator Lana Pollack weighed in on the need to re-institute liability laws to better protect the environment.

The vacant property on Water Street in downtown Ypsilanti has received $4.3-million from the state. The money will cover the costs of cleaning up contamination with the hopes of attracting a developer. WEMU's Josh Hakala has more.

The same Wixom company that dumped PFAs into the Huron River may be causing more damage with the release of a carcinogenic chemical into the sewer system. Monitoring continues to see if the contamination will reach Washtenaw County. Huron River Watershed Council executive director, Rebecca Esselman, joined WEMU's David Fair with the latest on the health of the Huron River.

A suspension of Michigan taxes on motor fuel passed the state Senate Thursday. Colin Jackson has more.

Michigan lawmakers are working to get a permanent joint legislative oversight committee placed in the state constitution. Colin Jackson has more.

The Michigan Senate has advanced a reading education package to the state House of Representatives. We have more from Colin Jackson.