Primary races are set after Tuesday's filing deadline for Congress and State Legislature. Trial begins for a man accused of killing five bicyclists and seriously injuring four others near Kalamazoo in 2016. Four years ago Wednesday Flint started using water from the Flint River, beginning the Flint water crisis.
There will be contested primaries in some Southwest Michigan state House districts. Republican State Representative David Maturen faces two challengers in the GOP primary for the district that includes parts of Kalamazoo and Calhoun Counties. Paul Foust and Matt Hall filed to appear on the August primary ballot before Tuesday’s deadline. Democrat Jennifer Aniano and Libertarian Ronald Hawkins are also running in the 63rd district.
Two Democrats will face off to challenge Republican Representative Brandt Iden in the state House district that includes Portage. Alberta Griffin and Thomas Whitener will compete for the Democratic nomination in the 61st district.
There are also two Democrats on the ballot in the 80th district, which includes most of Allegan County. Erik Almquist and Mark Ludwig will face off in August. The winner of the Democratic primary will change Republican Representative Mary Whiteford in November.
Republican Congressman Justin Amash will face a challenge for his party’s nomination this summer. Joe Farrington submitted petitions to appear on the August primary ballot before Tuesday’s filing deadline. Amash is seeking his fifth term in the U-S House. Two Democrats Cathy Albro and Fred Wooden will face off in the August primary for the third district which includes Battle Creek and Grand Rapids.
The trial of the man charged with killing bicyclists near Kalamazoo in 2016 began Tuesday. The Kalamazoo Gazette says opening arguments followed the seating of the jury hearing the case against Charles Pickett, Junior, of Battle Creek. He's accused of hitting a group of bicyclists with his pickup truck on North Westnedge Avenue, killing five riders and injuring four others. Picket could face life in prison, if he's convicted. His attorney has said that he'll pursue a plea of insanity.
New Holland Brewing is expanding into Battle Creek. The Battle Creek Enquirer says the company has won a $200,000 incentive from Battle Creek Unlimited. New Holland already has operations in Grand Rapids and Holland. It plans to open a new brewpub on West Michigan Avenue in downtown Battle Creek next year. The company says the new location will include facilities to brew beer and distill craft spirits.
Motorists will have to treat an intersection with a malfunctioning traffic light as a four-way stop. That is now the law in Michigan. It was the traditional way to handle a traffic light that’s not working. But it was not a state law until Tuesday, when it was signed by Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley. He signed the bill because Governor Rick Snyder is out of the state on a trade trip to Europe.
Wednesday marks four years since Flint’s drinking water source was switched to the Flint River beginning the city’s water crisis. State officials insist recent tests show Flint’s tap water now meets quality standards. But city residents will rally in Lansing and Flint to demand the state do more including continuing to provide free bottled water. (Michigan Radio)
Carmakers are preparing for an emerging global movement to ban vehicles powered by internal combustion engines. Britta Gross with General Motors says automakers need to be ready with a fleet of electric powered vehicles that is reliable and profitable. More than a dozen countries and cities – as well as the state of California – are examining laws that would phase out diesel or gasoline-powered cars and trucks. Gross says the development of electric vehicle technology is occurring in tandem with creating autonomous vehicles. She says state and local governments need to help create the network of charging stations for electric vehicles. Gross testified Tuesday before the state House Energy Policy Committee.
The Trump Administration argues in federal court Wednesday why hundreds of Iraqi nationals should be deported from the U.S. The Administration is appealing an order from a Detroit judge that banned the deportations nationwide. (WDET)