Overcrowding woes plague Detroit-area lockup for kids

March 23, 2023

DETROIT (AP) — Officials declared a public health emergency at an overcrowded Detroit-area jail for kids, a step that could lead to improved staffing and more services. “The situation has become untenable for nearly 140 youths that are currently residing there. Extraordinary action has become necessary,” Wayne County Executive Warren Evans said during a speech Tuesday night. Evans has been pleading with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration to help solve the problem. A statewide shortage of residential facilities means kids who have already appeared in court remain stuck in ...

Lawyers: Dispute over Van Gogh art in Detroit is settled

March 22, 2023

By ED WHITE Associated Press DETROIT — A deal has been reached over control of an 1888 painting by Vincent van Gogh, lawyers said, weeks after the custody fight created public buzz and much tension near the end of a rare U.S. exhibition in Detroit. Brokerarte Capital Partners LLC, ...

Upper Peninsula woman named 2023-24 poet laureate

March 22, 2023

By RANDY CROUCH Journal Staff Writer MARQUETTE — The Upper Peninsula Poet Laureate Foundation recently announced the selection of Beverly Matherne as the 2023-24 Upper Peninsula poet laureate. A Louisiana native whohas been a U.P. resident since 1991, Matherne has published several ...

Electric island ferry

March 21, 2023

By Journal Staff MACKINAC ISLAND — A $3.06 million award from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Fuel Transformation Program Part 2 will support the first conversion of a Mackinac Island passenger ferry to zero-emissions electric power. Star Line, now known ...

Ford recalls 1.5M vehicles

March 20, 2023

DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling more than 1.5 million vehicles in the U.S. in two actions to fix leaky brake hoses and windshield wiper arms that can break. The largest of two recalls covers nearly 1.3 million 2013 through 2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ midsize cars. The company said in documents posted Friday by safety regulators that the front brake hoses can rupture and leak brake fluid. That would increase brake pedal travel and make stopping distances longer. Dealers will replace the hoses. Ford will mail owners notification letters starting April 17. They’ll get a second ...

I-96 reopens after 150-vehicle pileup

March 20, 2023

PORTLAND, Mich. (AP) — An interstate highway stretch in central Michigan has reopened following a massive pileup involving 150 vehicles in whiteout conditions that left 16 people hospitalized. Interstate 96 in Ionia County reopened at about 10 p.m. Saturday, about five hours after authorities reported the pileup in the eastbound lanes near Portland, a city more than 100 miles northwest of Detroit and roughly halfway between Lansing and Grand Rapids. Michigan State Police officials said they closed both eastbound and westbound lanes just after 5 p.m. Saturday following the ...