Kalamazoo River Oil Spill Sickened Residents
The Enbridge Energy oil spill that leaked more than 800,000 gallons of crude into the Kalamazoo River in mid-Michigan sickened many, but the long term effects of exposure to the oil remain unclear, according to a new report. The Michigan Department of Community Health worked with local health departments in Calhoun and Kalamazoo Counties to compile data on people who were affected by the spill, Steve Carmody reports. Hospitals, doctors and other health care providers reported 145 patients after the July spill.
Local Governments Consider Sunday Alcohol Sales
Communities across Michigan are deciding whether or not they’ll allow alcohol sales on Sunday mornings and Christmas Day. A state law allowing the sales was signed by Governor Granholm last month. Local governments, however, can opt out. Zeeland’s city council has voted unanimously to ask the state Liquor Control Commission not to issue special licenses that would allow the sales, Lindsey Smith reports. Owosso, Bay City and Flint Township have, like Zeeland, decided to opt out.
MI Congressman to Chair Powerful House Committee
Republican Congressman Fred Upton of St. Joseph has been chosen by the GOP to lead the influential House Energy and Commerce Committee in the new legislative session. The appointment will be confirmed today. Upton has sat on the committee since 1991.
Granholm Says President Obama Got ‘Good Deal’
Governor Granholm said she supports President Obama’s compromise with Congressional Republicans on tax cuts. Granholm said Obama got a ‘good deal’ by extending benefits for the long-term unemployed in exchange for the extension of Bush-era tax cuts. The Associated Press reports Granholm said residents in Michigan would have been hurt more without the compromise.
