Kate Wells

4 days ago | michiganpublic.org | Kate Wells

The union representing staffers at one of the largest nursing home operators in the state has filed complaints against Ciena Healthcare, alleging it retaliated against workers who participated in a one-day strike, including firing some of them. SEIU Healthcare Michigan said hundreds of workers participated in a one-day strike on May 20 at several sites in Metro Detroit, and gave their employer proper notice about the strike.

1 week ago | radio.wcmu.org | Kate Wells

Michigan's will continue this year. The end of the school year also means the end of free and reduced-cost breakfast and lunch for kids, so the SUN Bucks program gives families an extra $40 a month per kid for June, July, and August. Kids who are already receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Medicaid, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance will qualify automatically, and families will receive the money on EBT cards.

1 week ago | michiganpublic.org | Kate Wells

Michigan's will continue this year. The end of the school year also means the end of free and reduced-cost breakfast and lunch for kids, so the SUN Bucks program gives families an extra $40 a month per kid for June, July, and August. Kids who are already receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Medicaid, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance will qualify automatically, and families will receive the money on EBT cards.

2 weeks ago | michiganpublic.org | Kalloli Bhatt |Ronia Isabel Cabansag |Kate Wells

Planned Parenthood of Michigan closed four clinics this year. Kate Wells, health reporter for Michigan Public, explained why operational costs and the loss of Title X funding may be the biggest threat to abortion access. She also discussed the role telehealth services have played in changing the reproductive care landscape, particularly in rural areas.

2 weeks ago | michiganpublic.org | Kate Wells

Workers in five Detroit-area nursing homes took part in a one-day strike against Ciena Healthcare, one of the largest nursing home operators in Michigan. Some 300 employees, including certified nursing assistants, housekeeping, and maintenance workers walked off the job, according to SEIU Healthcare Michigan. Workers have been without contracts for months, said Larry Alcoff, the union’s chief negotiator.