Rachel Mintz
News InternRachel Mintz currently works as an intern in Michigan Public’s newsroom. Mintz hails from Tampa, FL, but landed herself in the great state of Michigan when enrolling at the University of Michigan. While at the University, she studied Environmental Science and Communications in addition to working most recently as a Managing News Editor at The Michigan Daily. She also wrote for the Michiganensian, the U of M yearbook, and has experience in media monitoring, marketing, and communications.
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Researchers found some Detroit soil and street dust were high in two persistent and toxic contaminants associated with negative health effects like cancer and skin conditions.
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Since immigration agents have been given the authority to make arrests in previously protected areas, Michigan immigrant rights groups have communicated with schools about how they can respond.
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed legislation that to encourage large data centers in Michigan. Environmental groups are raising concerns over the centers’ needs for water, land, and electricity.
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Industry experts told Michigan Public that the new Trump administration tariffs on Canada and China will likely increase prices for U.S. consumers.
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Michigan Republican lawmakers introduced a resolution that could lead to a constitutional amendment requiring proof of citizenship to vote.
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The National Assessment of Educational Progress found no significant improvements in writing or reading scores for Michigan students since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed two bills that make up the Michigan Hate Crime Act. The bills expand the definition of hate crimes, include protections against crimes or threatening behavior based on characteristics such as sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity, and increase penalties for hate crimes.
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President Donald Trump pulled a Biden administration plan to set effluent limits on PFAS. Michigan currently has PFAS regulations for drinking water supplies in place, though they are currently being challenged in court.
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The Laken Riley Act would put immigrants without legal status under federal detention without the possibility of being released if they are arrested for certain crimes.
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The 2024 annual report says Michigan is on track to meet climate goals such as reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.