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New MDARD report warns of tariff impacts on food prices, agriculture industry
LANSING – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) released a new report indicating that surging federal tariffs have increased food prices, reduced agriculture exports and generated uncertainty throughout Michigan’s food and agriculture industry.
State politics updates
On Sept. 10, the U.S. House passed the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Jack Bergman voted in support of this legislation. The NDAA aligns with President Trump’s peace-through-strength agenda to build a more lethal, capable, and efficient military.
Budget proposed by the Michigan House of Representatives makes deep cuts to MSP
The FY26 state budget passed by the Michigan House of Representatives on August 26 would severely impact the services of the Michigan State Police (MSP) in multiple ways, including:
Consumers Energy reaches agreement to sell 13 Michigan hydroelectric dams
Consumers Energy announced Sept. 9 it has signed a purchase agreement to sell its 13 hydroelectric dams along five Michigan rivers to Confluence Hydro, an affiliate of Hull Street Energy, LLC. The decision will reduce long-term costs for Consumers Energy customers, ensure the dams will continue to operate safely and provide economic and recreational benefits for nearby communities.
Prescribed burn in northwest Ogemaw County
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources executed a prescribed burn in Ogemaw County’s Foster Township Sept. 10.
Rep. Hoadley honors MI first responders on 9/11
Office hours in West Branch Sept. 29
Vehicle burns at M-55 & M-33 intersection
Fire trucks were deployed from West Branch Wednesday evening a little before 5 p.m. in response to a vehicle that caught fire in the southbound lane of M-33 just north of the M-55 intersection east of West Branch.
Council green-lights events, nixes sidewalks
Residents from Fremont Street in West Branch were visibly pleased after the city council agreed not to install sidewalks on their street at the council’s regular meeting Monday. Around a dozen residents came to request that sidewalks not be installed when the road is resurfaced following infrastructure repairs that are presently ongoing.
How to build stronger rural communities
Small towns and rural communities may not always get the attention they deserve, and it’s easy for their needs to be eclipsed by larger cities. Small town needs are ever-changing and unique to their respective locations.