(Detroit News) Michigan lawmakers might not get much of a summer break this year. That’s if they heed Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s call to stay in Lansing and work hard on a worthy plan to fix the state’s roads in the next few months. While Michigan is constitutionally required to have a budget in place on October 1, Whitmer says she won’t sign one until a road plan with the necessary funding is completed. The Detroit News reports that that raises the possibility of a state government shutdown for the first time in ten years. Whitmer has made a proposal for the roads. It would raise the gas tax by 45 cents per gallon. Some Republicans have dismissed that idea and are reportedly working on a counter-proposal.
(MLive) - Grand Rapids Congressman Justin Amash is a Republican. But he isn't ruling out a run for president as the Libertarian Party's candidate next year. Amash represents Michigan's Third Congressional District that includes Battle Creek. He's often been at odds with President Donald Trump and GOP congressional leaders. Amash says someone must challenge Trump from the conservative side. Although Libertarian officials have reportedly encouraged Amash to enter the race, he's not making any commitments yet. But Amash admits that he often feels "lonely" in Republican circles.
(WCMU) - Despite growing health concerns, the production of a family of fire retardant chemicals is increasing, according to an environmental group. Perfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, have been found at high levels in Parchment, Richland Township, Battle Creek, and other places around the state. They have been linked to cancer and other health problems. The group Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility says production of the chemicals has been steadily increasing despite growing concerns. A spokeswoman says the two kinds of PFAS that have been phased out have been replaced by new, untested versions. PEER says all kinds of PFAS should be banned until they can be tested and proven to be safe.
(Detroit Free Press) Amtrak is exploring options for re-launching a limited service to Canada. The Detroit Free Press reports that in a grant request to Congress, the railroad expressed interest in reviving passenger train travel between Detroit to Toronto. It’s a service Amtrak has not offered since the late 1960s. A spokesperson with the railroad says it’s looking for ways to update and expand its passenger rail network and that it sees “promise” in the Chicago-to-Ontario corridor. Amtrak did not give Congress a construction timeline.
(Kalamazoo Gazette) - The Vicksburg Community Schools have ordered more tests in a kindergarten classroom. The decision comes even though earlier tests found no environmental problems in the room at Sunset Elementary. But some parents and teachers have gone on social media to question illnesses among staff and students who use the room. The first round of tests checked for airborne contaminants. New tests last week looked for signs of PCBs, mold, and other problems. The school district says the results of those tests should be ready in about a week.
(CBS) - The Battle Creek-based Kellogg Company is selling some of its snack food brands. The Italian company Ferrero, which Americans know best as the maker of the chocolate spread Nutella, will buy Keebler, Famous Amos, and other product lines for $1.3 billion. The sale will increase Ferrero’s presence in the U.S. as the company takes over manufacturing plants in four states.
(Gongwer News Service) - The number of confirmed cases of measles in southeastern Michigan has risen to 30. And there also may be cases of the disease in other parts of the state. It's the biggest outbreak of measles in Michigan since 1991. There are unconfirmed cases of measles in Calhoun and Macomb counties. The confirmed cases are in Wayne and Oakland counties. The number of cases around the nation is close to 400, making it one of the worst outbreaks in decades of an illness that can be prevented by vaccination.
(Gongwer News Service) - It's unclear if a ruling on a law allowing an authority to build a tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac will be challenged in court. State Attorney General Dana Nessel ruled last week that the law was unconstitutional. But the authority itself doesn't plan to appeal and no others have stepped forward. Former governor Rick Snyder signed the law last year. It was part of a plan to build a tunnel for Enbridge Energy's controversial Line Five oil and gas pipeline. The Canadian company says it still wants to work with current Governor Gretchen Whitmer to complete the project.
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