AG to Review, Contest Consumers Energy’s Rate Hike Request
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Tuned-In Thursday: “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going” by Shaboozey
Country and rap are two genres that, on the surface, seem antithetical to each other. However, up-and-coming country-rap artist Shaboozey begs to differ. Born Collins Chibueze, Shaboozey has been making a name for himself in the music scene for over five years now, blowing up with the song “Start a Riot” with DUCKWRTH off the “Into the Spiderverse” soundtrack.
During 2024, Shaboozey skyrocketed into mainstream success when he appeared twice on Beyonce’s newest full-length album, “Cowboy Carter.” The songs “Spaghettii” and “Sweet | Honey | Buckiin’” give a look into Shaboozey’s prowess.
Beyonce and Shaboozey’s hip-hop infused country stylings have thrown some people off, it isolates the two battling demographics in the major pop music zeitgeist. Country and Rap, at least in the past five years, gave fruitlessly battled for the throne in what ‘the culture’ needs.
To get personal for a bit, I have written in other publications about the rise of bro-country and the fall of mainstream success with hip-hop. I have also in the past been very open to epic multi-genre-spanning albums (including those under the country sphere) such as Zach Bryan’s latest album, Dolly Parton’s “Rockstar” and Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter.”
Well, my socks have been knocked-off once again by a prolific, subversive country act. Shaboozey’s “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going” is one of those ‘blow-you-away’ type albums. Spanning 12 tracks and multiple different musical sub-genres, “Where I’ve Been” carefully balances country pop, americana, country rap and a surprisingly adequate take on stomp-and-holler bro-country.
“Horses & Hellcats” starts off the album pairing twangy background guitars with a foreground acoustic guitar that gives way to the husky, deep vocals of Shaboozey. The lyrics on this track create a foreboding, epic and triumphant atmosphere – perfect for an intro.
“And there’s no way out of the life that we chose/Everyone knows where it goes/Ayy, we ride palominos like they’re SRTs/Once I pick a speed, ain’t no catchin’ me,” Shaboozey sings on the chorus.
Shaboozey paints the picture of the old American West in the modern South. A story of outlaws, steeds, and regret. This opening track gives way to Shaboozey’s breakout single, “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” it’s got everything that a great modern country song needs. Clean production, dynamic lyricism, a catchy-as-hell chorus, and a charismatic lead vocalist.
Shaboozey combines classic, southern drawl with modern bro-country aesthetics not only in his lyrics, but his delivery as well.
“One, here comes the two to the three to the four/Tell ’em ‘Bring another round,’ we need plenty more/Two-steppin’ on the table, she don’t need a dance floor/Oh my, good Lord,” Shaboozey sings on “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
This combination of great lyrics, flow, and southern delivery gives each song an authenticity that is lacking on a lot of modern country releases. You can really believe that the stories being told here are what Shaboozey has experienced in his day-to-day life, from parties to heartbreak.
This extends to a lot of the slower tracks on the album as well. Instead of a brazen bravado, Shaboozey displays a kind a soft sincerity in these ballads. “East Of The Massanutten,” “Finally Over” and “Let It Burn” are tracks you’d find playing beside the calm, embers of a recently put out fire at a friends’ campsite.
In contrast, Shaboozey really puts the ‘party’ In party tracks. “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” “Anabelle” and “Vegas” all bring a fun and enthusiastic atmosphere to the album and act as good singles.
While there are no bad tracks on this record, there are one or two tracks that do not explore one of those two pre-established atmospheres and feel lost in comparison.
“Drink Don’t Need No Mix” and “Steal Her From Me” both have that meandering quality to them, along with lyricism by Shaboozey that is not the most impressive.
“’Cause nothin’ last forever/And momma raised me better/See, these girls belong to the streets/What goes around comes around/And karma, she’ll haunt you down,” Shaboozey sings on “Steal Her From Me.”
Overall, this record from Shaboozey (not unlike a lot of subversive country records) has really impressed me and I am looking forward to see what road he will go down next.
Proposals to improve care in both Medicaid and Medicare
Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 6, 2024 CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-2412-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov MDHHS seeking proposals to improve integrated care LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is seeking proposals to transition the MI Health Link demonstration program into a permanent Highly Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan, a specific type of Medicare Advantage plan designed to meet the needs of those who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. In 2014, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it was partnering with Michigan to test a new model for providing individuals who have both Medicare and Medicaid with a more coordinated, person-centered care experience. In May 2022, CMS finalized requirements for the state to transition its model program into a permanent integrated plan. “This proposal has been developed with robust feedback from community providers and beneficiaries along with lessons learned from the MI Health Link program,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “MDHHS remains committed to an improved care experience for low-income seniors and people with disabilities who are both Medicare and Medicaid enrollees.” The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB) is managing the request for proposal (RFP) process on behalf of MDHHS. The Highly Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans RFP is posted on SIGMA Vendor-Self Service system online. To bid on proposals, all vendors must first be registered with SIGMA Vendor Self-Service. Registration is free, and information on how to register and obtain an account to bid on open solicitations is available online: DTMB – How to Register as a Vendor. Proposals should focus on the following pillars:
Interested bidders are encouraged to refer to the proposal instructions for additional information regarding questions, submittal, and deadlines. Responses from bidders are due Thursday, Aug. 1. Bidders may submit written questions about the RFP through the SIGMA system by Thursday, June 20. MDHHS will post answers to bidder questions on the system by Friday, June 28. |
Declaration to Support Communities affected by Tornadoes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 6, 2024 Contact: press@michigan.gov
Gov. Whitmer Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration to Support Communities in Southwest Michigan affected by Tornadoes
LANSING, Mich.—Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer sent a letter to President Joe Biden requesting a Major Disaster Declaration and activation of the federal individual assistance (IA) programs for Branch, Cass, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph counties following an assessment of damage to the area. The governor requested the declaration after four tornadoes and severe storms caused massive damage across the affected counties on May 7.
“Michiganders across Southwest Michigan have been devastated by four tornadoes and severe storms, with many losing their homes and businesses,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m requesting a presidential disaster declaration so we can deliver critical financial assistance to support families, businesses, and communities as they recover and rebuild. Michiganders are resilient. We will get through this together, just as we always have.”
“On May 7, communities across southwest Michigan were impacted by severe storms and tornadoes,” said U.S. Senator Gary Peters. “Our state and local first responders were quick to assist communities in need, but now the federal government should provide the emergency assistance needed to help those who are working to get back on their feet and recover from damages. I urge the President to swiftly issue a Major Disaster declaration so that our communities have the necessary resources to rebuild after these storms.”
“Southwest Michigan was significantly damaged by the tornados that struck the region in May,” said U.S. Congressman Bill Huizenga. “While our communities are resilient, and neighbors have rallied to help those impacted by these terrible storms, it is clear there is a role for the federal government to play in supporting recovery efforts. I am hopeful the Biden Administration will respond swiftly to this request.”
The severe thunderstorms and tornadoes that struck the southwest part of the state, resulted in roughly sixteen injuries, and caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and the power grid. Hail ranging from one to four inches in diameter was also reported along with dangerous straight-line winds. Debris removal and other storm related clean-up has lasted several weeks.
“I’m grateful for Governor Whitmer’s request today for a presidential declaration of disaster,” said state Senator Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo). “My community continues to remain resilient following these devastating storms and tornadoes. I am hoping this will bring swift and long-term relief to my district.”
“Recent storms and tornadoes have brought unprecedented devastation to our community, leaving many without homes, power and essential services,” said state Representative Christine Morse (D-Texas Township). “The swift and coordinated response from our local and state agencies has been remarkable, but the scale of the damage requires federal assistance. I support Gov. Whitmer’s request for a presidential emergency declaration from the Biden administration. This declaration is crucial for expediting the resources and support our community needs to rebuild and recover. Our thoughts are with those affected, and we are committed to doing everything possible to help our residents through this difficult time.”
“I wholeheartedly support Governor Whitmer’s request for a presidential emergency declaration for the devastating storms that hit Kalamazoo County in early May,” said state Representative Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo). “I appreciate the emergency declarations from both state and local governments to try to mobilize resources to the hardest hit areas in our community — however, unfortunately, there is more work to be done. The significant impact of these storms requires additional assistance from the federal government as well. Having federal funding available will ensure residents can rebuild quicker and return to their everyday lives.”
The night of the storms, Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency for the impacted counties, directing state departments and agencies to use all available state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts.
At the state’s request, a joint preliminary damage assessment was conducted by state, federal, and local officials beginning on May 15. The initial assessment estimates a need of more than $4 million in assistance.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) IA assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
FEMA will review Governor Whitmer’s request and make a recommendation to the president. The president will then decide whether to declare a major disaster and grant this federal aid.
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Mackinac Bridge repaving completion delayed
Mackinac Bridge repaving completion delayed ST. IGNACE, Mich. – Completion of the first season of a two-season repaving project on the Mackinac Bridge’s north viaduct and approach truss spans has again been delayed, with completion now expected next week.
Citing rainy weather that has prevented paving, along with projected rain in weather forecasts, project contractor Zenith Tech estimates completion of remaining paving should be completed around the middle of the week of June 10.
Crews paved a portion of the bridge this past Monday and plan to pave today, completing the portions on the north end of the bridge. An expected total of three to four more full days of paving are needed to complete the work on the south portions of the bridge.
Based on forecasts, paving could resume as early as Saturday, June 8. The contractor is making a determination for paving each day by 10 a.m.
Repaving, deck repairs and joint repairs on the two northbound lanes of the bridge began March 25. Traffic is being maintained with one lane open in each direction during construction.
Weekend traffic peaks between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., often resulting in traffic backups, even with all toll lanes open. Drivers should consider crossing at off-peak times or prepare for delays.
Wide-load restrictions are in place in both directions for any vehicles wider than 10 feet during construction. Wider loads will be allowed to cross once per day between 7 and 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with traffic stopped for brief periods to accommodate those crossings.
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