Ethan Mercer, Michigan News & Public Affairs Writer at Farmington Voice
Ethan Mercer
30 storiesEditor
Michigan News & Public Affairs Writer
Ethan Mercer is the owner, publisher and editor of Farmington Voice and also writes about Michigan news and public affairs, including state government, public policy, infrastructure, education and the automotive economy. His reporting explains how decisions in Lansing and Washington affect Michigan communities, households and businesses.
30 latest articles by Ethan Mercer
Michigan Reading Proficiency Hits Record Low as State Reforms Lag
Michigan's latest standardized test results show reading proficiency among third graders has dropped to its lowest point in 12 years, with statewide reforms still in early stages and key districts seeing only modest gains
SMART to Add New Bus Routes Across Wayne County After Millage Approval
SMART will launch new bus routes and service improvements in Wayne County after voters approved a 10-year transit millage expected to generate at least $570 million for regional transportation upgrades
Proof of Citizenship Ballot Proposal Blocked for Michigan's November Election
A proposal to require proof of citizenship for all Michigan voters will not appear on the November ballot after both the U.S. and Michigan Supreme Courts denied emergency appeals, leaving only two statewide measures for voters this fall.
Nearly 280,000 Lose Power as Severe Storms Hit Southeast Michigan
Tornado warnings and damaging winds swept through southeast Michigan Thursday, toppling trees, halting school dismissals, and leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity as utility crews raced to restore service
Metro Detroit Sees Rise in Respiratory Illnesses and Sports Injuries
Doctors across Metro Detroit are reporting a surge in respiratory viruses, COVID-19 cases, and sports-related injuries as students return to school and fall activities ramp up, prompting renewed calls for prevention and early treatment
Southeast Michigan Survey Seeks Resident Input on Urban Deer Issues
Residents in Farmington Hills and neighboring cities are being asked to weigh in on deer-related problems, from car crashes to property damage, as part of a new regional survey open through November 1
Federal Order Halting Invasive Carp Project Lifted After Whitmer-Trump Call
Work on the Brandon Road Interbasin Project to block invasive carp from Lake Michigan resumed after Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer directly appealed to President Donald Trump, highlighting the urgency as carp were detected just 80 miles from the lake.
MSU Releases Wasps Across Michigan to Control Invasive Lily Beetles
Michigan State University has released over 4,400 parasitoid wasps statewide to target the destructive scarlet lily beetle, aiming for long-term pest control without pesticides. Residents may see new research plots and volunteer-planted lilies in local gardens.
Ford Field Launches Food Passport and New Menu for Lions Fans
Detroit Lions fans attending the September 13 home opener at Ford Field will find a new Food Passport program, expanded local vendor options, and value deals on food and drinks throughout the stadium
Farmington Hills to Join Regional Urban Deer Survey This Fall
A new urban deer survey will run from September 1 to November 1, 2026, as Farmington Hills and other Southeast Michigan communities seek data to address rising deer-related accidents, property damage, and health risks
Labor Day Closures and Farmers Market Event in Downtown Farmington
Farmington city offices will close for Labor Day on Monday, shifting garbage pickup by one day. Meanwhile, Riley Park hosts a hands-on applesauce demonstration at the Farmers Market Saturday morning.
Hawk Makerspace Marks 4 Years With Free Open House in Farmington Hills
The Hawk Makerspace will host a free open house on Saturday, September 12, offering hands-on activities, equipment demos, and special pass deals at its 12 Mile Road location in Farmington Hills
Farmington Hills Woman Charged With Wire Fraud Over False Bank Claims
Federal prosecutors allege Shannon Monet Steel misled investors with fake bank documents and false claims of diplomatic status. The case centers on a $200,000 investment and a non-existent bank in Farmington Hills.
Michigan Audit Finds Voter Rolls Largely Accurate Ahead of 2026 Election
A new audit shows Michigan's voter registration system is overwhelmingly accurate, with only a handful of noncitizens and deceased individuals found on the rolls as the state prepares for the 2026 midterm election.
Masculinity Debates Shape Michigan Senate Race Between El-Sayed and Rogers
Personal attacks over masculinity and high school football have taken center stage in Michigan's 2026 U.S. Senate race, as Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers trade barbs while voters weigh issues from health care to inflation.
Farmington Schedules Public Hearing on Brownfield Plan for Senior Apartments
A public hearing is set for September 22 at Farmington City Hall to review a proposed Brownfield Plan that could fund major rehabilitation of the Farmington Place Apartments, a senior income-based complex on Grand River Avenue
Farmington Schools Face Scrutiny After Antisemitic Drawing at Warner Middle
Farmington Public Schools leaders are under pressure after parents raised concerns about antisemitism and student safety at Warner Middle School, following a recent incident involving Nazi imagery in a classroom.
Oakland County Residents Asked to Weigh In on Urban Deer Management
A new survey invites Oakland County residents to share their experiences with local deer as cities consider expanding culling programs. The survey is open through November 1 and aims to guide future management decisions.
Farmington Hills Offers Free Car Seat Inspections September 12
The Farmington Hills Fire Department will provide free car seat inspections for families on Sunday, September 12. Appointments are required and must be confirmed by September 10 to secure a spot at Fire Station #3.
Farmington Hills Woman Charged in $200,000 Investment Fraud Scheme
Federal prosecutors allege Shannon Monet Steel posed as an ambassador and bank owner to defraud a California investor out of $200,000. The case highlights ongoing federal efforts to address complex financial fraud in Metro Detroit.
Four Michigan Colleges Launch Three-Year Bachelor's Degree Programs
Davenport University, Adrian College, Northwood University and the College for Creative Studies are now offering three-year bachelor's degrees, aiming to reduce costs and attract more students as enrollment challenges persist across Michigan.
Fact Check: Did John James Vote to Raise Health Costs in Michigan?
As Michigan's gubernatorial race heats up, claims about U.S. Rep. John James' voting record on healthcare costs have become a central issue, with both campaigns pointing to recent legislation and premium increases affecting hundreds of thousands of residents.
Metro Detroit Deer Cull Plans Face Delays and Long Waitlists
Metro Detroit suburbs including Livonia and Beverly Hills are seeking deer culls to manage rising deer populations, but staffing shortages and high demand mean some communities may wait until 2027 or later for USDA-led operations
Voting Opens for Detroit Free Press Girls Athlete of the Week
Four standout high school athletes from Ann Arbor, Utica, Farmington Hills, and Grosse Ile are finalists for the Detroit Free Press Girls Athlete of the Week for August 24-30. Voting is open until 3 p.m. on Thursday, September 3
Michigan Gas Prices Top $4 for Labor Day, Up Sharply From 2025
Drivers across Michigan are paying more than $4 per gallon for regular gas this Labor Day weekend, a significant increase from last year. AAA attributes the rise to global oil market disruptions and offers tips to help residents save.
JD Vance Rallies Michigan GOP, Criticizes El-Sayed in Senate Race
Vice President JD Vance visited Sterling Heights to support Michigan Republican candidates and challenge Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, as the state's high-profile Senate race intensifies ahead of the 2026 midterms
Nine Metro Detroit Restaurants and Breweries Announce Closures
Several well-known restaurants and breweries in metro Detroit are closing or have closed, with some citing rising costs and challenging business conditions. Closures affect Detroit, Taylor, Canton, Farmington, Troy, Redford, and Wyandotte.
Michigan School Districts Add Free Direct Primary Care for Staff
Three Michigan school districts are offering employees and their families free access to direct primary care clinics, aiming to reduce health care costs and improve access as insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses continue to rise.
Oakland County Road Construction Paused for Labor Day Weekend
Most Oakland County road construction will be suspended from Friday, September 4 at 3 p.m. through Tuesday, September 8 at 6 a.m. to help reduce holiday traffic delays, with several key roads remaining closed for ongoing repairs.
Wayne County Plans New Roundabouts to Ease Traffic and Improve Safety
Wayne County communities including Canton, Northville, and Romulus are moving forward with their first roundabout projects, aiming to reduce congestion and improve safety at busy intersections starting as early as 2027
