The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights is looking for volunteers and advocates to assist unaccompanied minors during deportation proceedings in Michigan. People must be 21 and up to volunteer.

The organizations need volunteers who speak multiple languages, including Spanish, French, Haitian Creole, Arabic, Mayan and other languages from Central America. The Young Center is hosting virtual online informational sessions on March 24 and March 31. In-person training will be held on April 11 and 12.

To volunteer, fill out the application at mobilize.us/theyoungcenter.  

The Michigan Poll on Healthy Aging found 31% of Michigan residents 50 and up are providing caregiving for an adult relative with health issues or a disability. About 33% of those caregivers say that also creates financial struggles.

Caregivers may have to take time away from work or spend money on transportation to provide care without much support from insurance or government sources. The poll also found that caregivers 50 to 64 years old face higher financial challenges compared to those who are 65 and older.  

However, the poll finds that many caregivers do not know about resources available to them, such as adult day and respite programs for people 60 and up. A majority of caregivers say financial assistance would provide the most relief in their duties.  

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says there is a measles outbreak in Washtenaw County with four linked cases reported since March 12. The initial cases are linked to travel to Florida. 

Measles is a contagious disease that may cause a high fever of 104 degrees, cough, and runny nose, with tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and the roof of your mouth. It may also cause a rash with flat red spots on the hairline, legs, and other areas.

There have been over 1,300 measles cases recorded across 31 states in 2026. Health officials encourage families to get vaccinated. They say two doses of the MMR vaccine offer 97% protection against measles.  

Michigan’s chief medical executive, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian says, “measles cases are spreading like wildfire this year.” The numbers are increasing due to travel during spring break.

People who think they may have measles are encouraged to call their health care provider before seeking testing or treatment in person to prevent spreading the disease.

Visit michigan.gov/measles for more information.  

The James Beard Foundation has launched a Climate Solutions for Restaurant Survival Campaign. That includes a roundtable discussion today with Anne McBride, Vice President of Impact at the James Beard Foundation, and Senator Elissa Slotkin.

They discussed the growing climate threat to the restaurant industry, small businesses, and agriculture. The organization says extreme weather has caused supply chain disruptions, increased costs, and strained profit margins.

The event featured chefs, business owners, and farmers from the region. 

Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania introduced the bipartisan Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act. It helps communities upgrade wastewater systems to address PFAS and other contaminants. Stevens says clean water is essential for our health and the future of the Great Lakes. 

An EPA study says as of 2022, Michigan needed an estimated $181 million for improvements.  

If passed, the legislation creates a $1 billion budget for a five-year federal grant program to help water utilities treat water for contaminants. That would cover half of the project costs. It would also allocate 49% of funding to communities without financial assistance, with 1% of EPA and admin costs. Additionally, a national study to evaluate the effectiveness of the advanced technology to remove contaminants would be launched.