Kalamazoo City Commissioners say they will address homelessness issues raised by Bronson Park protesters. The 2001 terrorist attacks will be remembered 17 years later in Kalamazoo. Tests show no PFAS'es in Battle Creek, but they have been found in part of the Kalamazoo River.
(Kalamazoo Gazette) Kalamazoo City Commissioners have voted to address demands presented by protestors in Bronson Park. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports that the vote Monday night came during a special meeting to begin discussions on the city budget. The motion says the public safety department will investigate crimes against homeless people. It also says the city will work on issues such as providing access to physical and mental health support and finding a structurally sound vacant building. Protestors say they want to coordinate volunteer contractor services and get a facility up to code in time for winter.
The anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001 will be marked Tuesday with a service of remembrance in Bronson Park. The event begins at 5:30, and is free and open to the public. The service will include several speakers and musical performance. Members of police and fire fighters will also participate in the ceremony.
(MPRN) Governor Rick Snyder has submitted a waiver to require people on Healthy Michigan to work for their health insurance benefits. Last June, the governor signed a law that required able bodied people, who don’t meet an exemption, work or go to school for 80 hours per month in order to receive benefits. But in order to make this change, the federal government has to approve the waiver If the federal government doesn’t approve the waiver, Healthy Michigan will end.
(Michigan Radio) Two new studies suggest new Medicaid work requirements in Michigan would end up kicking qualified people off the health care program. Michigan is among the states seeking a federal exemption to require able-bodied adults to work in order to qualify for Medicaid. But the studies predict more Medicaid recipients will lose coverage because of paperwork issue than an unwillingness to find a job.
Battle Creek officials say tests show that the city doesn't have a PFAS problem in its water system. The State Department of Environmental Quality tested water from the Verona wellfield in late July. That was after PFAS'es were found at elevated levels in some private wells near the Air National Guard Base in Battle Creek. The chemicals have been linked to cancer and other health problems. They've also been found in other places, including Parchment and Richland Township. Meanwhile PFAS’es have been found in the Kalamazoo River between Marshall and Allegan. The Kalamazoo Gazette says the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality found the chemicals as part of surface water sampling.
(WKAR) Some unlicensed medical marijuana companies in Michigan will be able to stay in business. They were in danger of having to close their doors in the next few days. The Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation is extending the September 15th licensing deadline. That will allow specific operators to continue serving patients while waiting for state approval. The Bureau says it will release more information on Tuesday about the extended deadline and which businesses will qualify.
(WNMU) The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved Governor Snyder’s request for a physical and economic disaster declaration for Houghton County. That means homeowners and businesses hit by June flooding can apply for low-interest loans. The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved public funding but repeatedly denied personal assistance. SBA funding can be used for personal property or real estate, equipment, and business assets.
Western Michigan University’s football game against Georgia State on September 22nd will kick off at 2:00p.m. The start time for the game in Atlanta a week from Saturdaywas announced Monday. It will be shown on the paid internet subscription service ESPN-plus. The Broncos have lost their first two games so far this season. Western will play Delaware State in the annual CommUniverCity game this weekend. It kicks off at seven o’clock Saturday night at Waldo Stadium.