4/01/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - The Michigan Supreme Court is now considering whether state regulators did enough to protect the environment when they approved the Enbridge Energy Line 5 project under the Straits of Mackinac. Enbridge wants to replace the aging Line 5 with a new pipeline inside a tunnel beneath the lakebed they say will be safer. For years, environmental groups have pushed to shut down Line 5. They say an oil spill in the Straits of Mackinac would be devastating across the Great Lakes.  The Michigan Supreme Court’s ruling in the case is expected in the coming months. 

4/01/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - The Michigan Cannabis Industry Association filed a lawsuit last Friday claiming the 24% wholesale tax on marijuana is unconstitutional. The association, which previously filed a lawsuit against the tax, argues the wholesale tax acts as a sales tax and causes over-taxation for consumers exceeding the 6% legal limit in the state. The association said the tax is already having negative impacts on marijuana sales in 2026. Data from the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency shows that between December 2025 and January 2026, total sales dropped nearly $43 million.  The added tax was implemented to raise money to fix Michigan roads. 

3/31/2026

IRONWOOD - HOPE Animal Shelter in Ironwood Receives Grant from the Michigan Dept. Of Ag. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) awarded $150,000 in Animal Welfare Fund grants to 24 registered Michigan animal shelters. State Veterinarian Nora Wineland noted that requests for funding continue, and encouraged taxpayers to support the program via the state tax return check-off box. Funded by Michiganders, Ironwood’s own Help Orphaned Pets Everywhere is one of the organizations to receive assistance. Over 85% of projects overall focus on expanding spay/neuter services, with other funds supporting vaccinations, rabbit spay/neuter, and microchip access for pet retention.