News History & Fun in Michigan
News and events of Michigan’s Upper Thumb that are worth knowing in the region.
Here are some of the top stories.
Michigan has awarded over $106,000 in grants to 28 organizations for tree-planting projects statewide, aiming to enhance urban forests and green spaces. This initiative, supported by the DNR and DTE Energy Foundation, promotes environmental sustainability while improving air quality and community aesthetics across multiple municipalities.
Michigan lawmakers are calling for accountability from the DNR after plans to clear 420 acres of forest for solar farms near Gaylord emerged. Critics argue this move contradicts conservation efforts, poses threats to wildlife, and undermines Michigan’s climate goals, raising concerns about local control and environmental practices.
On December 29, 2024, Dispatcher Cidnee Schramm of the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office effectively guided a father through his wife’s emergency childbirth over the phone, showcasing remarkable training and composure until paramedics arrived. Both mother and baby are reportedly healthy.
Veterans in Bay City are invited to a Town Hall and PACT Act Resource Fair on January 27, 2025, hosted by the Saginaw VA Healthcare System. The event will provide essential information on benefits, toxic exposure screenings, and community resources aimed at supporting veterans in their transition to civilian life.
The Grindstone General Store, a 140-year-old institution in Port Austin, Michigan, was destroyed by a fire on New Year’s Day, mourning the loss of a beloved community hub known for its handmade ice cream. Preliminary investigations suggest an electrical malfunction caused the blaze.
Lake Superior State University’s 2025 Banished Words List highlights overused terms like “cringe” and “game changer,” reflecting language evolution. This tradition sparks global interest, prompting discussions on communication’s impact and encouraging thoughtful language use while showcasing submissions from various countries, including Michigan.
Grocery prices in Michigan are forecasted to rise significantly in 2025 due to proposed tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and environmental challenges. Key items affected include coffee, garlic, milk, and eggs. Consumers need to prepare for increased expenses amid ongoing agricultural and economic pressures.
Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a law expanding unemployment benefits for the first time in over 20 years, increasing weekly payments and extending benefit duration. This move reverses previous cuts, addressing economic hardships and advocating for worker rights amid partisan tensions and rising living costs in the state.
