Results for “Community Service”
45 stories
- politics
Battle Creek Native Rachel Votruba Honored With Honorary Doctorate At Northern Kentucky University
Rachel Votruba, a Battle Creek native who grew up in Hickory Corners, received an honorary doctorate at Northern Kentucky University for her decades of service in education and nonprofit work in Northern Kentucky.
1d ago·Michigan Capitol·1 source - politics
Michigan Public Service Commission Adopts Framework to Improve Grid Reliability Through Undergrounding, Battery Storage and New Metrics
The Michigan Public Service Commission unanimously adopted a reliability framework requiring utilities to adopt emerging national metrics and explore undergrounding projects as part of efforts to improve grid resilience following severe storms.
May 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - government
Steven D. Capps Trains New FOC Employees on "Customer Service" While Tom Boyd Claims No Authority Over 100% Grievance Denial Rate
SCAO Director Steven D. Capps hosted a training webinar teaching new FOC employees about customer service and the purpose of the Friend of the Court. His boss, State Court Administrator Tom Boyd, told the press that SCAO has no legal authority over the grievance process that has denied 100% of parent complaints in Kalamazoo County for five years.
April 10, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - policy
Michigan Public Service Commission Approves Massive Battery Storage Projects Amid Rising Utility Rates
Michigan's Public Service Commission has approved six battery storage projects totaling 1,332MW, including facilities to support Oracle's data center, as utilities seek rate hikes to fund infrastructure investments.
April 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - policy
Michigan Public Service Commission Approves $276.6 Million Consumers Energy Rate Hike To Fund Grid Reliability Improvements
Michigan Public Service Commission approved $276.6 million Consumers Energy rate increase to fund grid reliability upgrades, adding $6.46 to average residential bills starting May 1 after Attorney General Dana Nessel intervened to push for lower increase.
March 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - policy
Michigan House Democrats Propose Elected Public Service Commission to Replace Appointed Utility Regulators
Michigan House Democrats introduce legislation to replace governor-appointed Public Service Commission members with voter-elected commissioners, responding to public frustration over utility rate hikes and expanding the panel to five members with term limits.
March 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·7 sources - politics
Craig Spoelhof, 57, Dies After Brain Cancer Battle; Served 13 Years as Boys & Girls Club Executive Director
Craig Spoelhof, 57, died from brain cancer after a 20-year career in the automotive industry and 13 years as Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holland.
2d ago·Michigan Capitol·1 source - politics
Mackinac Island Ferry Companies Threaten to Cut Service in 2027 Over Rate Dispute
Two ferry lines serving Mackinac Island threaten to cease operations in 2027 over a dispute with city officials about rate regulation and monopoly concerns
May 1, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - policy
Michigan Lawmakers Propose Year-Long Data Center Moratorium Amid Rural Community Backlash
Bipartisan Michigan lawmakers introduced House Bills 5594-5596 to halt data center construction statewide for one year, giving communities time to assess impacts before approving new facilities.
April 19, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - policy
The Village Network of Battle Creek Dissolves After Directing $1.25 Million to BIPOC Organizations
The Village Network of Battle Creek announced its dissolution after directing $1.25 million to BIPOC-led organizations and entrepreneurs. Dr. Nakita Baylis credited community leadership for the success of the work.
1d ago·Michigan Capitol·1 source - state government
Michigan Restores Federal Disaster Mitigation Funding After Court Victory
Michigan restores federal disaster mitigation funding after court victory. The BRIC grant program provides communities with $19 million in federal funding to reduce disaster risks from floods, tornadoes and severe storms.
April 13, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - policy
Consumers Energy Files Another Rate Hike Request Days After MPSC Approval Sparks Attorney General Fury
Consumers Energy files new electric rate hike request just days after MPSC approves $276.6 million increase, prompting Attorney General Nessel to call the system truly broken as she calls for legislative reform.
April 8, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - elections
Michigan Senate Race Heats Up as Democrats Divide Over Alliance with Influencer Hasan Piker
Michigan Democrats face an emerging rift over progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed's alliance with political streamer Hasan Piker as the state Senate race approaches the August 4 primary in a critical battleground state.
April 7, 2026·Michigan Capitol·5 sources - elections
Michigan Democrats Divided Over Senate Candidate's Alliance with Controversial Streamer Hasan Piker
Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed faces backlash for planning rallies with controversial streamer Hasan Piker, sparking debate over antisemitism and the Middle East conflict in a state where the Arab American population is among the largest in the nation.
April 7, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - business
Simpatico Coffee closes one location, opens another in Holland Township
Local coffee shop Simpatico has closed one location and opened another in Holland Township, with founder Alex Fink calling the new building a love letter to the community.
May 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - government
Ann Arbor Removes 600 Neighborhood Watch Signs After City Council Vote
Ann Arbor City Council voted unanimously to remove more than 600 neighborhood watch signs after officials decided the signs were expressions of exclusion inconsistent with community values.
May 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - politics
Bay City Mayor Chris Girard Files for Michigan House Seat, Challenging Incumbent Timmy Beson
Bay City Mayor Chris Girard has filed for Michigan's 96th House District seat, challenging incumbent Republican Rep. Timmy Beson in a race focused on bridge accountability and community needs.
April 22, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - budget
Whitmer Asked for Help as Genesee County Prosecutor's Office Faces 21 Layoffs
State Sen. John Cherry asked Governor Whitmer for work project funds to prevent 21 layoffs in Genesee County Prosecutor's Office as High-Crime Community Support Grant funding runs dry.
April 18, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - policy
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Said "Re-Parent Black Kids" and Every HHS Dollar Sent To Michigan FOC Proves It
The Secretary of Health and Human Services told a podcast audience that Black children should be re-parented. His department funds every Friend of the Court office in Michigan. The tape is public. The funding is documented. The system is doing exactly what he said.
April 18, 2026·Michigan Capitol·6 sources - policy
MPSC Approves 1.3 GW Energy Storage Contracts Including Huron County Data Center Deal
Michigan Public Service Commission approved six energy storage projects totaling 1,332 megawatts, including a 450 MW Big Mitten Energy Center in Huron County with a 20-year tolling agreement for DTE Electric.
April 17, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - courts
Genesee County Prosecutor Faces Layoffs as State Grant Funding Runs Dry
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton faces potential layoffs of 21 employees as state grant funding for the High-Crime Community Support Grant program runs dry, despite promises of continuous annual funding.
April 17, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - policy
Michigan Communities Push Back Against Data Centers as State Lawmakers Consider Moratorium and Tax Repeal
Michigan communities are rallying against data centers while state lawmakers consider repealing tax breaks for the facilities. A ballot initiative to ban utility political donations has 81 percent support. Deep Green withdrew its $120 million Lansing proposal amid community opposition.
April 10, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - State Government
State FOC Bureau Director Steven D. Capps Oversaw 100% Grievance Denial Rate in Kalamazoo While Collecting Awards and Blogging About Portal Metrics
A state-level director within the Michigan Supreme Court's administrative office has presided over a grievance system that denied every parent complaint in Kalamazoo County for five straight years. During that time, he received an industry award, published blog posts celebrating website traffic, and trained new staff on customer service. The Legislature has never held a hearing on FOC grievance outcomes.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·7 sources - education
Michigan Expands Tuition-Free Education and Career Training Programs as State Invests $558.9 Million in Student Financial Aid
Michigan invested over $558.9 million in student financial aid during the 2024-2025 academic year, helping 153,000 students access tuition-free community college, career training, and four-year degree programs. The state is hosting more than 25 events this April to promote these opportunities as part of Career Exploration and Awareness Month.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·5 sources - Elections
Haley Stevens Running for U.S. Senate as She Pushes to Restore Social Security Staffing After Trump Administration Cuts
Haley Stevens enters the Michigan U.S. Senate race as incumbent Gary Peters retires, launching the Social Security Customer Service Act to reverse Trump Administration staffing cuts and restore agency service levels.
April 8, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - elections
Michigan Senate Primary Heats Up as El-Sayed Rallies With Controversial Streamer Hasan Piker
Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed draws fire from fellow candidates and community leaders after scheduling campaign appearances with controversial streamer Hasan Piker, who is accused of making antisemitic remarks. The decision marks a flashpoint in the competitive primary as Democrats seek to regain power in the midterm elections.
April 8, 2026·Michigan Capitol·6 sources - governor
Michigan Regulators Reject Attorney General's Challenge to DTE Data Center Power Contracts
Michigan Public Service Commission rejects Attorney General Dana Nessel's petition to review confidential DTE Energy contracts for Oracle's Saline Township data center, leaving in place agreements that include 332 megawatts of battery storage serving the facility.
April 8, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - courts
Supreme Court Conversion Therapy Ruling Threatens Michigan Law Protecting LGBTQ+ Youth
US Supreme Court ruling against Colorado conversion therapy ban may allow Catholic counselors to resume counseling services prohibited under Michigan law, prompting state officials to evaluate their legal options.
April 7, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - policy
Michigan's $9 Billion Surplus Vanished: What Happened to Lawmakers' Spending
Michigan lawmakers spent a $9 billion surplus on schools, Medicaid, roads and other priorities, but the spending has not produced proportional improvements in education quality, economic growth or public services.
April 7, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - policy
Michigan Approves 1,332 MW Battery Storage Projects, Including $16B Oracle Data Center Power
Michigan Public Service Commission approves 1,332 MW of battery energy storage projects, including 332 MW to support Oracle's 1,383 MW data center in Saline Township, bringing DTE Electric's total storage capacity to 2,606 MW.
April 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - policy
Michigan Measles Outbreak Forces Temporary Early Vaccine Recommendation as Cases Spread to Two Counties
Michigan measles cases have reached eight across two counties, prompting state health officials to temporarily recommend early MMR vaccination for infants as young as 6 months. The outbreak has spread from Washtenaw County to Monroe County, raising concerns about community transmission.
April 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - policy
Michigan Opens Federal Disaster Preparedness Grants After Court Order Restores Program
Michigan State Police opens federal BRIC disaster mitigation grant program after court order restores congressionally mandated funding for community resilience projects
April 5, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - policy
Michigan Measles Outbreak Spills to Monroe County as State Health Officials Recommend Earlier Vaccination for Infants
Michigan's measles outbreak has expanded to Monroe County, bringing the state total to eight confirmed cases. Health officials are recommending that infants as young as 6 months receive an accelerated first dose of the MMR vaccine in several southeast Michigan counties due to possible community transmission. The outbreak has cost health departments nearly $100,000 so far in containment efforts.
April 4, 2026·Michigan Capitol·5 sources - policy
Michigan Utilities Face Back-to-Back Rate Hikes as MPSC Approves $276.6M Consumers Energy Increase
Michigan Public Service Commission approves $276.6 million rate hike for Consumers Energy, raising residential bills by 8.9% starting May 1, as utility customers face back-to-back increases from both major providers.
April 4, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - policy
Michigan Counties Rush to Implement Data Center Moratoriums Amid Growing Local Opposition
Michigan counties are implementing data center moratoriums amid growing concerns about environmental and community impacts, with Huron County approving a three-year pause and Washtenaw County supporting local actions.
April 4, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - policy
University of Michigan Research Center Faces Fierce Local Opposition Over Safety Concerns and Site Location
Ypsilanti Township unanimously opposes University of Michigan's proposed $1.2 billion research center, citing terrorism risks, misleading communications, and concerns over site selection in a marginalized community.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - policy
University of Michigan's $1.2 Billion Nuclear Research Center Faces Fierce Local Opposition in Ypsilanti Township
The University of Michigan's proposed $1.2 billion research center for energy and national security, including nuclear weapons development, faces fierce local opposition in Ypsilanti Township over security concerns and accusations of targeting a marginalized community.
April 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - legislature
Michigan Senate Committee Advances Child Care Reform Bills Aiming to Lower Costs and Expand Access
Michigan Senate Housing and Human Services Committee advances child care reform bills that would codify the Tri-Share program, tie reimbursement rates to inflation, and clarify neglect definitions to make child care more affordable and accessible for families across the state.
April 1, 2026·Michigan Capitol·6 sources - policy
Michigan MPSC Approves $276.6 Million Consumers Energy Rate Hike While Multiple Utility Cases Remain Open
Michigan Public Service Commission approves $276.6 million rate increase for Consumers Energy, effective May 1, 2026, while multiple utility rate cases remain open before the regulator.
April 1, 2026·Michigan Capitol·5 sources - legislature
Michigan House and Whitmer Administration Pause Lawsuit Over $645 Million in Budget Cuts as Settlement Talks Continue
Michigan House and Whitmer administration have paused their lawsuit over $645 million in budget cuts as settlement discussions continue, with approximately $370 million in community grants at stake.
March 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - policy
MPSC Approves $276.6 Million Consumers Energy Rate Hike as Utility Continues Reliability Investments
The Michigan Public Service Commission approved a $276.6 million rate increase for Consumers Energy, the largest utility rate hike in decades, to support reliability improvements and grid resilience investments that will take effect May 1.
March 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - governor
MPSC Rejects Attorney General's Challenge to DTE Data Center Power Deal, Approves Contracts for OpenAI Campus
The Michigan Public Service Commission voted 3-0 to reject Attorney General Dana Nessel's challenge to a DTE Energy agreement for powering Oracle's OpenAI data center campus, denying petitions from the AG's office and other groups that lacked standing to intervene.
March 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - community
Zeeland Students Create Sustainability Curriculum for Holland Farmers Market
Zeeland students are creating a sustainability curriculum for the Holland Farmers Market. The project will help teachers use field trips at the market when it opens Wednesday.
23h ago·Michigan Capitol·1 source - community
Driving Successful Lives Donates Buildable Saginaw Lot to Auto Accident Victim Pursuing Real Estate Dream
A national nonprofit charity donated a buildable lot in Saginaw to Walter, an unemployed auto accident victim whose lifelong dream has been to become a real estate investor. Driving Successful Lives made the donation after learning about his difficult circumstances and passion for real estate.
1d ago·Michigan Capitol·1 source - community
Holland Roofing Expert Art Tolsma Shares Roof Leak Warning Signs for Homeowners
Holland roofing expert Art Tolsma shares practical tips for homeowners to catch roof leaks early after storms, emphasizing attic inspections and exterior checks to prevent costly water damage.
1d ago·Michigan Capitol·1 source