michigan

We are a country divided. The tone and tenor of political discourse is divisive, mean-spirited and the business of effectively legislating is being compromised. An event in Lansing on Wednesday will bring together the four living former Michigan governors to call for a more civil approach to governing and in how we interact in our communities. Republicans John Engler and Rick Snyder will join Democrats Jim Blanchard and Jennifer Granholm to ask that we turn the political temperature down, so problems can be solved in a civil manner. WEMU's David Fair was joined by one of the organizers of the event, Rebekah Warren. She is a former Ann Arbor State Senator, who now co-leads a bi-partisan group called Michiganders for Civic Resilience.

Michigan’s attorney general is encouraging residents to know their rights when dealing with immigration enforcement. Colin Jackson has more.

As winter weather leads to more school closures, some districts may have to consider extending the school year. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has more on how those decisions are made.

The Michigan Court of Appeals says a lawsuit filed by Benton Harbor residents against the state over lead-contaminated water can move forward. The state argued that residents had missed the window to file the lawsuit. We have more from Rick Pluta.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has approved the expansion of the Wayne Disposal landfill in Van Buren Township. The decision is not going well with many local residents and officials. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

A state Senate committee opened hearings Thursday on bills to restrict how federal immigration authorities operate in Michigan. We have more from Rick Pluta.

Michigan’s Secretary of State is releasing the findings of her investigation into claims of non-citizens being registered to vote in Macomb County. Colin Jackson has more.

Legislation waiting for Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s signature would ban cell phone use during instructional times in K-12 classrooms. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor spoke to Ypsilanti Community Schools about the proposed ban.

The ACLU of Michigan is warning the Ypsilanti Township clerk she may be violating state election laws by aggressively purging names from the voter rolls. The civil rights organization sent the clerk a letter this week. We have more from Rick Pluta.

A State Senate Committee will hold a hearing today on three bills aimed at limiting actions of immigration enforcement officers in Michigan. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.