The Michigan House of Representatives has voted to lower the state income tax rate from 4.25% to 4.05%.

The bill now moves to the Michigan Senate for further debate.

The measure, approved as House Bill 4170, would take effect on Jan. 1, 2025, and is expected to provide more than $700 million in annual tax relief statewide. For the median Michigan household, the reduction translates to about $131 in annual savings.

Supporters argue the tax cut will help residents manage the rising costs of groceries, fuel, housing and child care, while maintaining adequate state revenue for essential services. Critics, however, warn that the cut disproportionately benefits higher-income individuals and could reduce state funding for infrastructure and public programs.

DNR confirms first cougar cubs in a century

Michigan wildlife officials have confirmed the state’s first documented cougar cubs in more than 100 years, signaling a potential breeding population in the Upper Peninsula.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources verified the discovery through trail camera footage and genetic testing. While cougars have been spotted in the U.P. in recent years, they were believed to be transient males from western states. The presence of cubs suggests at least one female is residing in the region.

Hemlock pest spreads in state

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed new infestations of hemlock woolly adelgid, or HWA, in Manistee and Van Buren counties.

HWA, an invasive insect that feeds on eastern hemlock trees, causes needle loss, slowed growth and eventual tree death if left untreated. No confirmed cases have been reported in the U.P.

Officials urge Alger County residents to inspect hemlocks for signs of infestation, including small, white, cotton-like masses on the underside of branches. Suspected infestations should be reported to MDARD or through the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network app.