Lame-Duck: The Sequel
After already calling it quits for the year, it turns out state lawmakers will be back in Lansing today. As Laura Weber of the Michigan Public Radio Network reports, legislative leaders called back lawmakers to correct a few procedural mistakes from the earlier lame-duck session. It doesn't appear however, that either chamber will take up any controversial measures including teacher-tenure reform or insurance for autism treatments.
Law Bans Bringing Bighead Carp to U.S.
President Obama signed a bill into law yesterday that bans the importation of the bighead carp into the U.S. The bighead is one of theAsian Carp species that could damage the ecosystem of the Great Lakes. The Associated Press reports that the measure:
...adds bighead carp to a list of wildlife that cannot be imported or taken across state lines. The only exceptions would be for scientific, medical or educational purposes and would require a permit. Bighead and silver carp have infested waterways in the Chicago area. Authorities are trying to prevent them from getting into the Great Lakes, where they would compete with native fish for food.
Successful Heart Transplant in West Michigan
Doctors in west Michigan are celebrating the first successful heart transplant to take place on the west side of the state. As Lindsey Smith reports, “In February Spectrum Health was approved to perform heart transplants. Three other hospitals in Michigan are allowed to do the complicated procedure, but they’re all located in southeast Michigan.” A 50-year old man was the first patient, he left the Grand Rapids hospital yesterday, two weeks after his successful surgery.
Tugboat Spills Diesel into Saginaw River
The U.S Coast Guard is estimating that about 800 gallons of fuel spilled into the Saginaw River on Monday. The spill came from a tugboat that sank near Bay City. The Bay City Times reports that some 350 gallons have been recovered so far. It’s still unclear what caused the boat to sink.
