License Plate Privacy Project Exposes 5 Major Privacy Risks Nationwide
The Institute for Justice launches the License Plate Privacy Project to fight warrantless ALPR surveillance, revealing five key privacy risks and urging legislative reform.
Category: News
Site announcements of changes that affect the Thumbwind website are highlighted.
News and events of Michigan’s Upper Thumb that are worth knowing in the region.
Here are some of the top stories.
Heating Cost Relief – Michigan Senate Lowers Winter Heating Bills With CPI Update
The Michigan Senate unanimously passed SB 435, updating the Home Heating Credit’s inflation measure to a national CPI index, ensuring fairer winter aid for 250,000 households.
U of M Study – Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations Tied To 28% Spike in Air Pollution – Map
A University of Michigan mapping study finds that large cattle and hog feeding operations raise PM2.5 pollution levels and disproportionately affect uninsured and Latino communities.
Michigan Schools Are Starting Without a Budget—Delay Threatens Key School Programs
Senate Democrats warn that House GOP delays on Michigan’s education budget could jeopardize free meals, safety initiatives, and class size reductions as the school year starts.
Muck Threat in Lake St. Clair – Rep. St. Germaine Pushes $800K Trial
State Rep. St. Germaine backs $800K to fund a three-year trial addressing Microseira wollei mats choking Lake St. Clair—aimed at restoring boat access, fish habitat and local economies.
Unlock Michigan Sentencing – Maximum Fine Caps Dark Money Ballot Probe
Sandra Baxter’s guilty plea for providing false statements during the Unlock Michigan probe ends with probation, community service, and a $2,500 fine—the maximum allowed.
Grindstone City’s Historic Grindstones Drying Yard
A rare historic photo captures the drying yard of Grindstone City, Michigan, where freshly cut Berea sandstone grindstones awaited shipment to markets around the world. This scene reflects the height of the Thumb’s once-thriving stone-cutting industry.
Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet seeks Mid-Michigan infrastructure funding for 5 shovel-ready fixes
Congresswoman Kristen McDonald advances five infrastructure funding requests—roads, bridge, fire station upgrades, blight removal, and SVSU site prep—in the FY 2026 budget battle.