Executive Action

On Thursday, President Joe Biden said he wants 50% of all vehicles sold by the year 2030 to be electric. The EPA has set 2026 as the year for automakers to reach a 52-MPG fleet average. 12th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss what will be needed to achieve those targets. They also discuss the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic and what the short-term future may hold. 

It's been a busy week in the federal goverment.  President Joe Biden has signed several executive orders.  The stock market has seen unusual gains, due to a group of online traders and Congressional hearings are on the way.  WEMU's David Fair caught up with 12th District Congressional Representative Debbie Dingell for her perspective on those issues and more. 

Starting Wednesday, restaurants in Michigan are again limited to delivery and takeout, high school and college classes can only be online, and non-professional sports games are cancelled.  That’s under an order from Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s public health director.  We have more from Rick Pluta.

Republican state lawmakers have presented their version of a COVID-19 response plan.  This state House GOP proposal follows a court ruling that struck down many of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s unilateral emergency orders.  We have more from Rick Pluta.

The legislative committee looking into the state’s COVID-19 response meets again today.  Top health officials in Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s administration will face questions from the committee.  We have more from Rick Pluta.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is expected to sign a series of bills adopted by the Legislature as part of a deal on the state’s response to COVID-19.  It includes extending unemployment benefits for people who lost their jobs during the health crisis.  Rick Pluta reports.

Many of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's executive orders were struck down by the Michigan Supreme Court on Friday.  That created a great deal of uncertainty among residents and businesses about COVID-19 protocol and regulations.  For clarification, the Washtenaw County Health Department issued four orders of its own on Monday.  Health Department spokesperson Susan Cerniglia joined WEMU's David Fair to further explain the county response. 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has set a goal of making Michigan a carbon-neutral economy by the year 2050.  She has also announced a $500 million water infrastructure plan.  Liesl Clark is director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and this month's guest on "1st Friday Focus on the Environment."  She discussed the initiatives with WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director Lisa Wozniak.  

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has extended the COVID-19 state of emergency through October 27th.  As we hear from Rick Pluta, the governor also issued four new executive orders.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer told a business group Wednesday that she can’t predict exactly how long her emergency measures will be required to address the COVID-19 crisis.  That was at roughly the same time those powers were being challenged in court.  We have more from Rick Pluta.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed an order that will allow Detroit’s casinos to re-open next week, but at a reduced capacity.  It could also force many bars and restaurants in northwest lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula to shut down Friday.  We have more from Rick Pluta.

Governor Whitmer issued an executive order last week ordering Michiganders to wear masks in gatherings where social distancing was not possible.  Yet, there were still instances where the order was ignored, such as a Fourth of July party in Saline and an open graduation ceremony at Hillsdale College.  In her weekly conversation with WEMU's David Fair, Washtenaw County Health Department spokesperson Susan Cerniglia explains the best ways to handle these situations without incident, while reducing the spread of COVID-19.

Effective today, Governor Whitmer's executive order requires everyone wear face coverings while visiting indoor public spaces and outdoor gatherings where proper social distancing is difficult.  Washtenaw County Health Department spokesperson Susan Cerniglia joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the orders and where we are locally when it comes to COVID-19. 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued new executive orders Thursday to extend Michigan’s COVID-19 state of emergency for another four weeks.  That was after Republicans in the Legislature refused her request to extend the emergency through May 28th.  The Legislature’s Republican leaders say they are ready to go to court to block future use of the emergency powers the governor has exercised to address the coronavirus crisis.  We have more from Michigan Public Radio’s Rick Pluta.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued a new COVID-19 executive order.  This order sets rules to help manage the re-opening of some businesses and recreational activities.  We have more from Rick Pluta.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order that will provide financial relief for bars and restaurants.  WEMU’s Jorge Avellan tells us how this could benefit businesses in Washtenaw County during the coronavirus crisis. 

Many aspects of daily life have been dramatically changed due to COVID-19, and public transportation is certainly no exception.  Although services like the Ann Arbor Area Transportion Authority (AAATA) promote a cleaner environment, they still have financial obligations and public health matters to consider.  In this week's "Issues of the Environment," AAATA CEO Matt Carpenter explains how his organization and other forms of public transit in Michigan are adapting to the pandemic in a conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

The coronavirus crisis had forced school districts across Michigan to close down all K-12 school buildings for the rest of the academic year.  But, learning will go on for students.  Ann Arbor Public Schools superintendent Dr. Jeanice Swift joined  WEMU's David Fair to discuss distance learning, academic equity, the achievement gap, and the heartbreak high school seniors are experiencing.  

The Washtenaw Intermediate School District is working on an action plan after Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order saying that K through 12 schools will remain closed for the remainder of the school year. 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is expected to sign an executive order this week with more details on the state’s plans for schools amid the COVID-19 outbreak.  As we hear from Michigan Public Radio’s Rick Pluta, schools have been closed since March 16th.

Michigan's jails and prisons have typically dealt with overcrowding, which is now more dangerous due to the COVID-19 crisis.  In response, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order designed to protect Michigan's inmates and law enforcement officers.  Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton spoke with  WEMU's David Fair about the adjustments made already and the short and longer term plans to come. 

Just as the coronavirus pandemic was beginning, many people were still traveling.  The executive director of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters was among them.  Upon return, Lisa Wozniak, her family, colleagues, and organization had to make significant life and work adjustments.  She discussed those changes and the growing importance of water and environmental protections as we deal with COVID-19. 

Tuesday, March 24, 2020 is the first full day of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order mandating that people stay home to avoid spreading the coronavirus.

89.1 WEMU’s Lisa Barry talked with the governor about the order and her expectation for more confirmed cases in the state.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a new executive order that further limits gatherings of people.  As Rick Pluta reports, the order took effect at midnight and lasts until April 13th. 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s plans to restructure the state Department of Environmental Quality could be over.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order to restructure the Department of Environmental Quality could be overturned before any changes are made.

University of Michigan professor emeritus of economics thinks President Barack Obama's executive action on immigration could boost the economy.