Julia Hartwell, U.S. Policy, Economy & Consumer Affairs Writer at Farmington Voice
Julia Hartwell
30 storiesWriter
U.S. Policy & Economy Writer
Julia Hartwell covers U.S. policy, the economy and consumer affairs for Farmington Voice. Her reporting focuses on federal decisions, employment, taxes, housing, household costs and consumer regulation, explaining how national developments translate into practical consequences for families, workers and businesses.
30 latest articles by Julia Hartwell
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin Tours Mid-Michigan Energy and PFAS Sites
Congressman Tom Barrett hosted EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin at Enbridge's Stockbridge Terminal and Michigan State University on September 26. Their talks covered energy reliability, fuel transport and PFAS research.
Fall Foliage Travel Builds Across New York, Colorado and Michigan
Fall color is extending the 2026 travel season across New York, Colorado and Michigan. Travelers must check road access, elevation forecasts and vehicle rules before leaving.
Nine Michigan groups named 2026 Child Care Champions
Nine Michigan organizations have been named 2026 Child Care Champions for projects that add child care spaces, support working families, and strengthen local economies across the state.
Federal judge throws out Michigan antitrust suit against oil giants
A federal judge in Michigan has tossed out the state's antitrust case against BP, Chevron, Exxon, Shell, and the American Petroleum Institute, ruling the alleged impact on energy prices is too distant to support damages or an injunction.
Michigan water utilities face new cybersecurity risks after recent attacks
Michigan's water utilities are under the microscope after a cyberattack hit operational technology nationwide. State agencies are now offering free cybersecurity risk checks to help utilities shore up defenses and protect residents.
Electric research boat begins work at Traverse City Great Lakes Center
A new electric research boat is now running from Discovery Pier in Traverse City. The Freshwater Research and Innovation Center is using it for hands-on research and workforce training on the Great Lakes.
Michigan House backs mandatory prison terms for child sexual crimes
The Michigan House has passed a bill that would force anyone convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child to serve at least 15 years in prison. The plan also calls for tougher penalties for other sexual offenses and now heads to the Senate.
Michigan State professor helps shape new climate assessment priorities
Steven Gray from Michigan State University has joined 175 researchers to set new priorities for U.S. climate assessments, aiming to guide future decisions on adaptation, resilience, and risk management nationwide.
AT&T will replace most Michigan copper landlines with fiber by 2029
AT&T plans to shut down most copper landlines in Michigan's Lower Peninsula by 2029. Customers will move to fiber and wireless networks, keeping access to 911 and regular phone features.
Michigan lawmakers weigh year-round E15 fuel sales
A bill in the Michigan House could open the door to E15 gasoline at pumps all year by dropping summer vapor pressure limits. If lawmakers approve it, drivers across the state may see new fuel options.
Latino population growth reshapes Michigan towns and cities
Michigan's Latino population is nearing 600,000, bringing new challenges and opportunities in education, housing, health, and jobs across the state.
Michigan Apple Growers Report Strong 2026 Harvest and Larger Fruit
Michigan apple growers are seeing bigger apples and solid quality in the 2026 harvest. Honeycrisp and Pink Lady varieties are gaining ground, and retailers are gearing up for more apple promotions this fall.
Hyperscale Data to spin off Patriot BTC for Bitcoin mining operations
Hyperscale Data plans to set up Patriot BTC as a separate company for its Bitcoin mining, splitting it from its Michigan AI data center business. The move aims to give each side clearer oversight and more options for the future.
Michigan Proposal 2: Voters Weigh Campaign Money Limits Amid Daily Struggles
This November, Michigan voters face Proposal 2, a plan to curb political donations from utilities and big contractors. But with rising costs hitting families now, the real impact of the measure may not show for years.
Detroit News backs Bill Huizenga for Michigan's 4th District
The Detroit News has thrown its support behind Bill Huizenga for re-election in Michigan's 4th Congressional District, pointing to his work on environmental issues and his record in Congress.
University of Michigan greenlights $26M Lay Auto Lab overhaul
The University of Michigan will spend $26 million to modernize the Walter E. Lay Automotive Engineering Laboratory, expanding its electric vehicle and battery research by winter 2028.
General Motors to bring smart transformer tech to Romulus plant
GM will install IONATE's Hybrid Intelligent Transformer at its Romulus facility. The goal: better power quality and stronger energy resilience as the plant's electricity needs grow.
Hart Solar Project now powers over 21,000 Michigan homes with clean energy
The Hart Solar Project in Oceana County is now generating enough renewable electricity for more than 21,000 Michigan homes. Local schools and services are seeing new funding and cost savings from the project.
Michigan Supreme Court removes thousands from sex offender registry
Nearly 20,000 names have been wiped from Michigan's public sex offender registry after a Supreme Court ruling limited listings to crimes after July 1, 2011. The public list is now almost half its former size.
Pointe Mouillee Road Closure Limits Boat Launch Access as Fall Waterfowl Events Begin
Michigan's managed waterfowl areas will hold their annual fall open houses this September and October, but a key road closure at Pointe Mouillee will restrict boat launch access for hunters through the 2026 season.
Michigan Resistance Camp Draws Statewide Support Against Copperwood Mine
A grassroots camp led by Indigenous organizers near Lake Superior is attracting more Michigan residents who want to protect wetlands and treaty lands from a proposed copper mine in the Upper Peninsula.
Power Outage Shuts Down Michigan State University Dining Halls and Events
A widespread power outage at Michigan State University in East Lansing closed all campus dining locations and canceled a scheduled performance at the Wharton Center on Saturday afternoon.
Oakland University Installs Michigan's First Beaver Deceiver for Flood Control
Oakland University has deployed Michigan's first Beaver Deceiver to control flooding along a campus trail without removing beavers or their dam. The project uses a specialized tube system to balance water levels and protect both wildlife and infrastructure.
Michigan sand dunes face erosion risks as shoreline policies divide experts
Erosion along Michigan's Lake Michigan shoreline is accelerating, with climate change and development putting pressure on the state's dunes. Agencies, environmental groups, and property owners are at odds over how to protect homes and ecosystems.
Michigan Moves to Take Over Carbon Capture Project Permitting
Michigan lawmakers are pushing to shift oversight of underground carbon storage wells from the federal government to the state, hoping to speed up approvals, attract private investment, and support jobs in manufacturing and energy.
Northern Michigan Counties Receive State Disaster Relief After Winter Storms
Seven Northern Michigan counties will get over $700,000 in state disaster relief to help repair roads and public buildings after severe winter storms caused power outages and flooding.
Michigan Pension Funds Shift Billions Toward Bonds and Private Credit
Michigan's largest pension systems are moving billions from equities into high-quality bonds and private credit, reshaping investment strategies for public funds and foundations across the state.
Marel Power Solutions gets Michigan grant for EV power stack pilot line
Marel Power Solutions in Plymouth has received $1.9 million from the Michigan Supplier Conversion Grant Program to set up a pilot production line for electric vehicle power stacks, expanding local manufacturing.
University of Michigan Launches $10 Million Histotripsy Research Center
The University of Michigan has opened a $10 million center dedicated to histotripsy research, aiming to advance noninvasive medical technology and expand its clinical use.
Michigan Governor Visits Taiwan to Strengthen Tech and Talent Ties
Governor Gretchen Whitmer led a Michigan delegation to Taiwan, meeting with local leaders and university alumni to discuss new opportunities for trade, technology, and workforce development between Michigan and Taiwan.
