sue shink

Senator Sue Shink serves Michigan’s 14th Senate District. She joined WEMU's Caroline MacGregor to share her thoughts on two big addresses this week: President Trump’s State of the Union and Governor Whitmer's State of the State address. Both talks come amidst an era of economic uncertainty, and unpredictable federal policy changes.

As we continue the process of mapping out our energy future, there are a number of issues to address, from energy generation and storage to how our electric grids are developed, secured and controlled. State Senator Jeff Irwin is a proponent of virtual power plants as a part of the comprehensive solution. It would divert control of the grids away from the major, centralized utilities. The 15th District Democrat believes virtual power plants can give power to communities in determining their energy futures while saving ratepayers money. Learn more in his conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

The Michigan Department of Transportation has begun a noise study on M-14 in Ann Arbor. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

There will be some significant environmental issues to deal with this year. Data centers, grid security, renewable energy policy—all of these issues will be before the Michigan Legislature, and it comes during a mid-term election year. How much will get accomplished? On this week’s "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair spoke with State Senator Sue Shink. She laid out her environmental priorities in 2026.

Ann Arbor State Senator Jeff Irwin says he wants to make the most out of 2026, his final year in the state Legislature. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

We live in a polarized nation, and sometimes, those varying political beliefs and opinions make their way to the holiday dinner table. It can be awkward and uncomfortable. So, how can we bring it all back together and appreciate one another’s company? WEMU’s John Stockwell went looking for answers and, as you’ll hear, found a number of them.

Local lawmakers are pushing to get legislation passed to get plastics out of the state’s water sources and environment. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Paper or plastic? We’ve all answered that question in the checkout line at the grocery store or supermarket. While reusable bags are growing in popularity, plastic bags remain ubiquitous in retail shopping. A movement to start banning plastic bags, or at least charge money for choosing them at the store, was thwarted in 2016 when the state Legislature banned local governments from passing such environmental measures. Now, Democratic State Representative Morgan Foreman of Ann Arbor is working to lift that ban. She joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the legislation and what it aims to accomplish.

14th District State Senator Sue Shink says Michigan needs to join the growing number of states that have established a Prescription Drug Affordability Board, or PDAB. The Northfield Township Democrat held a Town Hall meeting in Ann Arbor Thursday to talk about legislation. WEMU's Kevin Meerschaert reports.

14th District State Senator Sue Shink is taking aim at a lack of transparency when it comes to so-called "forever chemicals." The Northfield Township Democrat is pushing for the Michigan Legislature to require consumer products with PFAS have a warning label. Senator Shink provided details of what she wants to see on this week's "Issues of the Environment" with WEMU's David Fair.