Alvin Jones

6 days ago | michiganpublic.org | Steve Carmody |Alvin Jones

Some Michigan counties and cities are on a list of communities the Trump administration is targeting in its latest escalation in its efforts to deport people without legal status. At issue is the term “sanctuary city.”What makes a community a sanctuary city is unclear. But this week, the Department of Homeland Security released a list of cities and counties that it says qualify.

1 week ago | radio.wcmu.org | Alvin Jones

A controversial proposed electric vehicle battery plant run by the company Gotion in mid-Michigan faces an uncertain future. That’s because a policy that would ban companies with ties to China from green energy tax credits has moved through the U.S. House earlier this month. Gotion is a Chinese tech company. Their American subsidiary has plans to build an EV battery plant in Green Charter Township, located in Mecosta County. The $2 billion plant received over $175 million in state incentives.

2 weeks ago | radio.wcmu.org | Alvin Jones

Editor's note: This story was produced for the ear and designed to be heard. If you're able, WCMU encourages you to listen to the audio version of this story by clicking the LISTEN button above. It’s been five years since a series of dam failures resulted in widespread flooding across parts of mid-Michigan. Sanford, a community in Midland County, was devastated by the incident. Five years on, the community is doing better, but is still facing challenges.

3 weeks ago | radio.wcmu.org | Alvin Jones

A new survey says businesses across northern Michigan are concerned about uncertainty of the White House's tariff policies. A poll of 214 businesses from the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance says 52.3% of their members expect "significant negative impact" from tariffs. 41.6% of those surveyed expect minimal or no impact and 6.1% expect positive impact. The survey also says 48.6% expect minimal or no impact on sales and 43.9% expect a drop in revenue. 7.5 % say they expect positive impact.

3 weeks ago | radio.wcmu.org | Alvin Jones

Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and state economic officials are touting a $25 million grant going to build infrastructure in local communities across Michigan, including several in the central and northern regions. Earlier this month, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced approval for projects through the Revitalization and Placemaking program. That program provides money for infrastructure, real-estate development, and rehabilitating downtown areas and business districts.