WASHINGTON DC - President Biden will pardon everyone in the U.S. who has been convicted of simple possession of marijuana under federal law, the White House announced Thursday. “There are thousands of people who have prior federal convictions for marijuana possession, who may be denied employment, housing, or educational opportunities as a result. My action will help
LANSING - In somewhat of a surprise, the Judge at the court of claims whose decision would have increased minimum wage and added a mandatory paid sick leave benefit has agreed to “stay” his own decision. This means that the decision will not go into effect until February 19, 2023, or upon action of a
LANSING - A record-breaking $76 billion state budget, with $15.3 billion coming from the General Fund, rolled out of a House-Senate conference committee early Friday morning and through both chambers of the Legislature – fueled by leftover emergency federal dollars and better-than-expected income and sales tax revenues. Around $7 billion ($3.8 General Fund, $3.2 billion
BENTON HARBOR - The Michigan Public Service Commission will hold the second in a series of energy assistance fairs and listening sessions as the state’s energy regulators and partner agencies seek public feedback on energy affordability and accessibility and the availability of energy assistance programs. The next energy assistance fair will be held 3-7 p.m.
BUFFALO, NY - President Biden Budget for fiscal year 2023 includes more than $6.6 billion in discretionary funding for the Civil Works program of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with just over $141 million set aside for Buffalo District projects. Of great significance for the region is an additional $600,000 for the Great Lakes Coastal
LANSING - The Michigan Public Service Commission last week approved an $84.2 million rate increase for DTE Gas, including $38 million for an infrastructure surcharge previously approved by the Commission. The new rates take effect Jan. 1, 2022, and will cost the average residential customer $3.18 a month. DTE Gas sought a rate increase of
WASHINGTON DC - Brian Deese, director of the White House's National Economic Council, expressed optimism about the Build Back Better Act's prospects days after President Biden's social spending package passed in the House. Speaking with "Fox News Sunday" guest host Bret Baier, Deese defended the bill against criticisms that it could worsen already elevated inflation. "There's
LANSING — Michigan’s citizen redistricting panel could approve maps this month that would make the state far more competitive, giving Democrats a solid chance at controlling the state Legislature for the first time in decades. But many African-American leaders fear the approach will reduce their clout, as the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission’s proposals have
WASHINGTON DC - President Joe Biden on Tuesday nominated Jessica Rosenworcel, the acting chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission, to be the head of the agency. If she's confirmed by the Senate, she'll be the first woman to fill that role. Biden also nominated Gigi Sohn, a net neutrality advocate and a former FCC official,
ANN ARBOR - Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist provides details on a new state government program aimed at providing low-cost broadband connections to people in the cities and country that can not afford otherwise. The state wants to close the digital divide that often keeps both groups from participating in virtual schools and training, remote
