Wildlife
Michigan’s main cause of wolf mortality? People
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By Sonja Krohn
Even though the grey wolf is classified as an endangered species, a new study found that the majority of Michigan’s recorded wolf deaths are caused by humans.
Wildlife
Stoneflies or leafhoppers: Which could become the official state insect?
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By Justin Fox Clausen
Two insects are under consideration as Michigan’s official state insect: the stonefly and, more recently, the Huron River leafhopper. The state is one of two in the country without an official insect.
Energy
Green energy boosters stress long-term savings
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By Madison Merrell
Upfront costs of clean energy projects such as wind and solar may be high but the long-term savings on fuel and increased reliability more than offset those initial costs, experts say.
Waste
Bill would expand Michigan’s bottle deposit law while some want to abolish it
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By Christian Vazquesz
A Michigan state senator is pushing for a statewide vote to expand the 10-cent bottle and can deposit law, while the Midwest Independent Retailers Association is calling for repeal of the law. Meanwhile, the state House approved a bill sponsored by a Clinton Township representative to give an income tax write-off to beverage distributors that move recycled cans and bottles from stores to recycling plants.
Energy
Federal program can help nonprofits cover costs of clean-energy projects
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By Bauyrzhan Zhaxylykov
Across Michigan, religious institutions, local governments, schools and nonprofits are turning to a federal program called Elective Pay to help pay for solar panels and other clean-energy projects.
Energy
Utilities ramp up tree trimming to address long-standing reliability problems
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By Sonja Krohn
DTE and Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest electric utilities, have ramped up tree trimming to improve reliability. Despite improvements, Michigan has the poorest reliability record among the Great Lakes states, the Citizens Utility Board of Michigan says.
Solutions
Bill would ban ‘dog-scrimination’ by insurers
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By Justin Fox Clausen
A new bill in Michigan would prohibit home insurance companies from denying, canceling or raising premiums for homeowners and tenants based on the breeds of their dogs.
Agriculture
‘None of this is normal’ – Michigan watches winter drought ahead of growing season
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By Sonja Krohn
The dry conditions and drought that Michigan is experiencing this winter may adversely affect the upcoming crop growing season.
Agriculture
Shifting farm economy means changes for rural communities
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By Lillian Williams
The shrinking number of farms in Michigan – down by about 1,300 between 2023 and 2024 – and the trend of existing farms to expand to survive is changing the culture of rural communities.
Agriculture
Michigan farmers face bankruptcies, other financial challenges
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By Bauyrzhan Zhaxylykov
Bankruptcies of Michigan farmers are troubling despite a dip in their Chapter 12 filings last year. Major reasons are higher expenses for inputs such as fertilizer coupled with flat commodity prices.