Data & Investigative Analysis - Page 2
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Michigan Kindergarten Vaccination Waivers Hit Decade High
Michigan's kindergarten vaccination waiver rate has climbed to 7.7 percent for 2025, the highest in a decade. Families can now check their local school's immunization data using a new online tool from Bridge Michigan.
Michigan School Vaccine Exemptions Reach Highest Level in a Decade
Michigan's rate of school vaccine waivers has climbed to 7.1 percent, the highest in ten years, with nearly 25,000 students exempted in 2025. Health officials warn this trend could increase outbreaks of diseases like measles and whooping cough.
Rising National Debt Limits Michigan Infrastructure and Health Services
Michigan's $40 trillion national debt burden is forcing rural communities to make tough choices as interest payments crowd out funding for bridges, broadband and hospitals. Local leaders warn that essential projects may be delayed or cut as federal dollars shrink.
Michigan Data Centers Expand Across Dozens of Cities and Towns
Michigan now hosts 77 verified data centers in 38 cities, with Southfield leading the state in facility count. The growing network supports everything from business operations to public infrastructure statewide.
Detroit, Chicago, and Columbus Chosen for New Study on Urban Energy Equity
A $1 million grant will support a three-year research project led by the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, examining how clean energy investments in Detroit, Chicago, and Columbus affect local neighborhoods.
Michigan Farm Bureau Presses Washington for Clear Support Amid Rising Imports and Policy Shifts
Michigan Farm Bureau President Ben LaCross is urging federal officials to take a clear stand for American farmers, citing policy confusion and growing imports as threats to Michigan agriculture and food security.
Michigan Awards $1.5 Million for Clean Transportation Pilots
Ten Michigan projects will split $1.5 million to test hydrogen fuel, EV charging, and mobility tech in real-world conditions as part of the state's push to modernize transportation and infrastructure.
North Carolina and Michigan fund new EV charging and hydrogen projects
North Carolina and Michigan have announced millions in new grants for electric vehicle charging and clean mobility projects, including hydrogen fuel cell trucks and fast charging sites. Construction and deployment are set to ramp up over the next three years.
Michigan Data Center Campus Valued Up to $1.25 Billion as Hyperscale Data Weighs Next Move
Hyperscale Data is considering a sale, IPO, or further expansion after its Michigan data center campus was valued at up to $1.25 billion. A new long-term contract and expansion options are shaping the company's decision.
Michigan Court Freezes Stadium Funding, Puts State Earmarks Under the Microscope
A Michigan court has stopped payments for two minor league baseball stadiums, drawing attention to billions in state earmarks that may violate constitutional rules and raising questions about what happens to unspent taxpayer funds.
Michigan Animal Agriculture Research Faces Uncertain Future Without State Funding
Michigan's $125.8 billion animal agriculture sector relies on the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture for research and innovation. Farmers and industry leaders say losing this funding would threaten farm profitability and local food supply chains.
Michigan Schools Expand Career Tech as Debate Over College Value Grows
Michigan is investing millions to expand career and technical education in schools, but with most high-demand jobs still requiring a bachelor's degree, educators and policymakers are divided on how far to push the skilled trades path for students
US Consumer Sentiment Drops as Fuel Prices and Inflation Weigh on Households
The University of Michigan's latest survey shows consumer sentiment has fallen to its second-lowest level on record, with rising fuel prices and inflation expectations driving the decline and raising the likelihood of a Federal Reserve rate hike.
Federal Court Blocks Trump Order to Keep Michigan Coal Plant Running
A federal appeals court has struck down the Trump administration's emergency order requiring the J.H. Campbell Generating Plant in Michigan to stay open past its planned retirement, citing lack of legal grounds and high costs for local ratepayers.
Michigan Ranks High for Business but Faces Worker Shortage
Michigan is ranked among the top states for business in 2026 but continues to struggle with slow job growth and a shrinking workforce. New forecasts show the state's economic gains are not translating into more jobs or population growth.
Michigan Ranks High for Business but Faces Worker Shortage
Michigan is ranked among the top states for business in 2026 but continues to struggle with slow job growth and a shrinking workforce. New forecasts show the state's economic gains are not translating into more jobs or population growth.
Michigan Small Business Survey Reveals Five Urgent Investment Priorities
A statewide survey by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation identified five critical needs for small businesses, including better program coordination and access to capital, shaping future state investment decisions
Michigan State University to Lead New National Turbulence Research Center
A $30 million National Science Foundation grant will fund the TEMPEST Science and Technology Center at Michigan State University, aiming to advance turbulence research with AI, computation and hands-on experiments starting in 2026
Early Voting Opens Statewide for Michigan General Election
Michigan voters can cast ballots early at designated locations from October 24 to November 1 for the 2026 general election, with no-excuse voting and accommodations for disabilities available across the state
Michigan Student Test Scores Drop Despite Record School Funding
Michigan's latest statewide test results show a decline in student reading proficiency even as public school funding has reached new highs, raising questions about the effectiveness of current teaching methods and standards
Michigan Faces Job Shortages as Unemployment Remains High
Michigan's unemployment rate is now among the highest in the nation as the state's manufacturing sector contracts and job seekers outnumber available positions. A new report details the growing competition for work and the challenges facing residents
Michigan Candidates Push for Limits on Flock License Plate Cameras
Michigan lawmakers and candidates are calling for statewide rules on Flock Safety license plate cameras as concerns mount over privacy, data sharing and the rapid spread of surveillance technology across local communities
Michigan Reading Proficiency Hits Record Low as State Reforms Lag
Michigan's latest standardized test results show reading proficiency for third graders has dropped to its lowest point in 12 years, with only 38.2 percent meeting state standards. State officials say new literacy reforms are still in early stages
Michigan Ballot Proposal Targets Utility and Contractor Political Donations
Michigan voters will decide in November whether to ban political donations from major utilities and large state contractors while requiring new donor disclosures for election ads. The measure would not restrict union or most out-of-state spending
Michigan EV Charging Expansion Leaves Low Income Residents Behind
Michigan is rapidly adding electric vehicle charging stations but a new study finds that many low income households remain unable to benefit from the transition due to affordability and home infrastructure barriers
Michigan Candidates Demand Limits on Flock License Plate Cameras
Automated license plate readers operated by Flock Safety have become a flashpoint in Michigan's 2026 elections, with candidates from both parties urging new rules on data use and retention as the technology spreads across the state
Benson Holds Fundraising Lead in Michigan Governor Race
Jocelyn Benson has built a significant cash advantage over John James in the Michigan governor's race, with new filings showing major donations from utility and health executives as both campaigns face questions about donor transparency and campaign finance rules
Michigan Third Grade Reading Proficiency Drops to New Low in 2026 M STEP
Just 38.2 percent of Michigan third graders scored proficient in English Language Arts on the 2026 M STEP, marking the lowest rate in recent years and raising concerns for families and educators across the state
Michigan Ballot Proposal Targets Utility and Contractor Political Donations
Michigan voters will decide in November whether to ban political donations from major utilities and large state contractors while requiring new donor disclosures for election ads. The measure would not restrict union or most out-of-state spending
Longview pulp mill disaster exposes years of safety violations
A chemical tank collapse at Nippon Dynawave Packaging in Longview, Washington killed 11 workers in May. State and federal records show the mill had a long record of safety complaints, equipment failures and toxic chemical releases before the tragedy.
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