10/24/2025

MICHIGAN - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) said they have received instructions from the Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to hold November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) issuance and ongoing benefits until further notice due to the ongoing government shutdown.  Nearly 13% of Michigan households, approximately 1.4 million people, receive SNAP benefits, according to MDHHS. About 43% are families with children and 36% are families with members who are older adults or disabled. In Fiscal Year 2024, the average Michigan SNAP household received $335 in SNAP benefits per month.

10/24/2025

UPPER MICHIGAN - Ten tribal nations have filed a brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reject Enbridge’s Line 5 Project and shut the pipeline down.  Enbridge’s Line 5 is before the U.S. Supreme Court, accused of “underhanded procedural tactics” in relation to a previous lawsuit filed against it. It stems from a 2019 lawsuit filed by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel (D).  The suit sought to shut down the Line 5 dual pipelines that run through the Straits of Mackinac. More than two years past the legal deadline, Enbridge attempted to move the case to federal court.  The federal district court accepted the case, but the U.S. Court of Appeals sent it back to the state court. Enbridge asked the Supreme Court to intervene.  Environmentalists want the pipeline shut down saying it poses a risk to the Great Lakes.  Enbridge say the project poses no environmental risks.

10/24/2025

MICHIGAN / U.P. - The Michigan Department of Transportation held a virtual public hearing on proposed rules to limit camping, panhandling and long-term stays at rest stops, roadside parks and other state properties. The rules would make it a misdemeanor crime to park vehicles at public rest areas for more than two days, ask for money on MDOT property, live in vehicles or sleep under overpasses. MDOT said during the hearing Wednesday that it needs state approval to enforce the rules, which aim to improve safety and maintenance. Advocates warn that the changes could penalize people experiencing homelessness. The department will take comments on the proposed rules until Nov. 20,