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Michigan’s Mystery Hill defies gravity — and the demise of roadside attractions

Growing up about 20 miles south of the Irish Hills, Nathan Wakefield was a regular visitor to “ southern Michigan’s vacation land.”

 

Michigan releases prison autopsy, transfers inmate who alleged mold sickness

A woman at the center of a controversy over allegations of toxic mold in Michigan’s only women’s prison has been transferred to another facility after seeking relief in federal court, state officials confirmed.

 

Michigan prisons leader defends oversight of women’s prison after 3 deaths

The embattled director of the Michigan Department of Corrections is defending conditions inside the state prisons.

 

Deaths at Michigan women’s prison spur calls for Whitmer to act, director to resign

Federal and state lawmakers are calling on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to intervene at Michigan’s only women’s prison after a third inmate in less than a month died Saturday, intensifying scrutiny over conditions and medical care at the Huron Valley Correctional Facility.

 

Two deaths at Michigan’s women’s prison renew concerns over medical care

Two sudden deaths within days of each other at Michigan’s only women’s prison are intensifying scrutiny of medical care and conditions at the Huron Valley Correctional Facility in Ypsilanti, as attorneys allege chronic staffing shortages and failures in treatment.

 

Money woes close a small Michigan college. It’s not alone

Rollan Mattson didn’t expect to make history when he lined up for Siena Heights University’s commencement on Saturday.

 

Michigan teen tobacco use ticks up as prevention funding lags

While teen tobacco use in Michigan remains far below historic highs, data shows it’s beginning to rise again, fueling renewed calls to boost prevention spending that has fallen far short of federal recommendations.

 

Michigan cities rethink ‘No Mow May’ as experts question pollinator benefits

Cities across Michigan are rethinking “No Mow May” policies amid fears that taller grass could attract ticks and growing evidence that skipping mowing for just one month does little to help pollinators.

 

More Michigan prisoners than ever are getting educations, job training

In Michigan prison classrooms and workshops, the numbers are climbing: More inmates than ever are earning high school diplomas, technical certificates and college credits, signaling a shift in how the state approaches incarceration.

 

Michigan launches ‘safe prisons’ initiative amid growing assaults, concerns

Amid a continued rise in prison assaults, the Michigan Department of Corrections this month launched a new “safe prisons initiative” that aims to improve conditions for inmates and officers alike.

 

Michigan prison art program helps inmates find voice — and hope

At first glance, the small colored drawing by Kushawn Miles El reads like a comic strip. But it is actually a record of survival — one man’s attempt to reclaim his story after decades behind bars.

 

Marijuana tax payouts dip in Michigan amid sales slump

Michigan is once again sending millions of dollars in marijuana tax revenue back to local communities — though this year’s payout is slightly smaller than last and spread across more governments.

 

Assaults on prison staff have increased in Michigan. Union asks state for change

A union representing Michigan corrections officers is sounding alarms over an increase in violent assaults against prison staff, alleging the state is too often holding dangerous prisoners in lower-security settings not designed to house them.

 

State: New wrong-way detection system cut crashes on Michigan highway

While wrong-way crashes are increasing statewide in Michigan, one major highway is seeing the opposite trend.

 

0HDAMM, Michigan has banned more than 30,000 license plates

Michigan drivers hoping to show off their personality on a license plate might be surprised at what won’t make the cut.

 

Michigan tops doula goal in push to improve maternal and infant health

Michigan is rapidly expanding doula access after beginning to cover the service through its federally funded Medicaid program, a shift that health officials say will improve birth outcomes and strengthen maternal care.

 

Michigan seeks to limit rest stop stays. Some fear ‘criminalizing homelessness’

The Michigan Department of Transportation is attempting to formalize rules that would limit camping, panhandling and long-term stays at rest stops and other state facilities, a move advocates contend could criminalize homelessness.

 

Michigan expands program to help jailed people obtain identification documents to ease transition

Michigan is helping people who were detained at the Wayne County jail obtain driver’s licenses or state identification cards, a move advocates say will increase the odds they land on their feet as they return to society.