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Michigan’s cell phone ban: Local police weigh in on new legislation

By DREYMA BERONJA Journal Staff Writer MARQUETTE — Local law enforcement agencies are weighing in the cell phone ban legislation recently signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The governor signed three bills last week. The laws, which will be enacted officially on June 30, are expected ...

Stack taken down

DETROIT (AP) — In a boom, a low rumble and a vibrating crash, the looming smokestack of a shuttered trash incinerator whose stench sickened and angered Detroit residents for decades came down in a controlled implosion Sunday morning. Reducing the smokestack to rubble is almost the final phase in the facility’s yearlong demolition, which should be completed by July, according to the city. The facility has stood a few miles northeast of downtown Detroit. Before closing in 2021, fumes and the rank odor of burning trash could be smelled for miles, but were strongest for residents of ...

Agency seeks proposals for food safety education, training

By Journal Staff LANSING — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is seeking proposals for food safety education and training as part of the annual Food Safety Education Fund grant program. The grant cycle for 2023-2024 runs from Oct. 1, through Sept. 30, 2024. The Food Safety Education Fund was established under the Michigan Food Law of 2000, as amended, Sec. 4117, and is funded through assessments of $3.00 to $5.00 from each Michigan food establishment license. Up to a maximum of $365,600 is available during the 2023-2024 grant cycle for projects ...

Whitmer unveils first LGBTQ+ Commission

By Journal Staff DETROIT— Sunday, at the Motor City Pride parade, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order establishing Michigan’s LGBTQ+ Commission. The commission will address issues facing Michigan’s LGTBQ+ community, according to a release. Among the issues that the ...

GM’s electric vehicles will gain access to Tesla’s charging network

DETROIT (AP) — Electric vehicles made by General Motors will be able to use much of Tesla’s extensive charging network beginning early next year. In addition, GM will adopt Tesla’s connector, the plug that links an electric vehicle to a charging station. GM joins Ford in shifting its electric vehicles to work with about 12,000 of Tesla’s roughly 17,000 chargers, and both Detroit automakers are pushing to make Tesla’s connector the industry standard. GM CEO Mary Barra and her Tesla counterpart, Elon Musk, made the announcement Thursday during a Twitter Spaces ...

Federal judge Bell dies at age 79

By ED WHITE Associated Press LANSING — Robert Holmes Bell, a federal judge for 30 years whose trials included one that led to a rare death sentence in Michigan, has died. He was 79. Bell died Thursday, Michelle Benham, the court’s chief deputy clerk, said Friday. A cause was not ...