A few months back, we shared news of a study that found Michigan’s once-famous bottle and can deposit redemption rates had declined sharply since the coronavirus pandemic.

And it became one of the most talked-about topics we’ve ever had in this newsletter. When we asked for your thoughts on the matter, we received more than a hundred emails and thousands of comments on social media.

So, today’s news is likely to excite a lot of you: A company that develops beverage-return machines is trialing a new system at Meijer, where you dump all your cans at once and watch the dimes rack up. We have the details on how they work and where you can try them.

Plus: For a silly escape from the world, if only for just a moment, we have an update on 10 famous reality stars from Michigan, and what they’re up to now.

P.S. Because so many readers have expressed interest in ways to take action in light of the state of America, we’re happy to announce the launch of a new weekly roundup of Michigan political events, protests, and advocacy opportunities. You can take a look here.

Amid fears following Ypsi arrests, ICE claims it doesn’t target schools (MLive): Families and school leaders in Ypsilanti expressed concerns this week following four arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents near two area high schools, which included parents of local students and an 18-year-old. ICE says agents were conducting an intelligence-based operation near Ypsilanti schools Tuesday and were not targeting schools or bus stops. But advocates say families are living in fear amid what they see as increasingly visible enforcement. ICE confirmed one detainee had a final removal order and three women are being held in a Baldwin facility.

Michigan-based Dow to cut 4,500 jobs as it focuses on AI (ABC News): Midland-based Dow plans to cut about 4,500 jobs as it shifts toward greater use of AI and automation, with up to $800 million in severance costs as part of a broader cost-cutting and streamlining push. The move comes amid wider layoffs at major companies and a sluggish hiring climate, as businesses cite rising costs and economic uncertainty while redirecting spending toward artificial intelligence.

Michigan visits MSU in highly anticipated basketball matchup (AP News): No. 7 Michigan State welcomes No. 3 Michigan tonight for a heavyweight rivalry showdown, with the Spartans riding momentum from a gritty overtime win and the Wolverines surging in conference play. It’s the first meeting between the rivals this season. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. on Fox.

The TOMRA R1 reverse vending machine, being tried out at Meijer stores in Wyoming, Michigan, and Waterford, allows customers to empty all of their 10-cent deposit plastic bottles and aluminum cans into the machine at once, rather than feeding them one by one. (USA Today Network)

By USA Today via Reuters Connect

Michigan’s 10-cent beverage bottle and can deposit program was once the envy of the recycling nation, boasting a return rate above 95%.

But in recent years it has slumped badly. The state shut down bottle return centers during COVID-19, and deposit redeemers’ behavior seems to have changed. Bottle and can deposit redemption rates fell to just 70.4% in 2024, down 18.3% since 2019.

There are multiple factors in that slump: those dimes back just don’t go as far as they did decades ago, and there is ease in just putting bottles and cans in curbside recycling. But the process of deposit redemption at local grocery stores probably doesn’t help—feeding those cans and bottles into a reverse vending machine one by one.

The company behind those supermarket machines, TOMRA, is trying something new in Michigan to end the bottle and can return slump: a machine where all the bottles and cans can be dumped in at once.

“The idea is to get everybody their money back and to make it as easy as possible to recycle and return your cans and bottles,” said Michael Noel, public affairs director for TOMRA, an international recycling and reuse technology and services provider based in Michigan in Wixom.

From the “Real World” to “Real Housewives,” here are 10 reality stars from Michigan and what they’re up to now. (Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock)

By Chaunie Brusie

As a lifelong Michigander, I love learning about famous figures from Michigan. While I will probably never get close to any of the famous people who own mansions in Michigan, I can still learn about them and marvel at how I kinda sorta know someone famous because we happen to be from the same state.

Along with more well-known famous figures from Michigan like Tim Allen and Jeff Daniels, several more recent Michigan stars got their start in reality TV. For instance, recognizable figures from MTV’s “16 and Pregnant” or the still-running popular show “Mathis Court” are all Michigan-born and bred. In this list of 10 renowned reality TV stars from the Mitten, learn how each one found fame on reality TV and what they are up to now.

Because of the barrage of snow and cold we’ve gotten this winter, there’s been a lot of conversation online about this season in particular being one of the worst in recent memory, and a lot of newer transplants are having trouble adjusting.

That’s why earlier this week, we asked:

What’s one winter tip people should definitely do (or not do)?

A big thank you to everyone who wrote in. I’m definitely going to incorporate some of these myself:

“Having grown up in Ludington my first bit of advice to new transplants would be to find a way to enjoy the outdoors in winter as much as summer. Maybe a hike or snowshoeing in a park, or skating? Or even a walk outside when it’s so peaceful following a big snow.” — Eric Carlson

“In frigid weather when temperature is getting towards single digits run your faucets with a thin stream or fast drip to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting” — Georgia Makowicki

“Dress for the weather. This means a big coat, hat, scarf, and mittens. Don’t drive if you do not have winter driving skills.“ — Suanne Wierenga

“DO: keep the cupboard doors open under sinks on outside walls and if you don’t have a basement. DON’T: leave your cars on the street after a snowfall if the plows need to go out.” — N. Barbour

“Find a sauna!” — Ellen Waara

“Slow down when driving! Be patient and kind to all you interact with!” — Ruthann Broderick

“Do: Consider using a regular broom or even a push broom to quickly clear uneven surfaces such as brick pavers. It won’t stick on the raised edges as snow shovels tend to do. Don’t: Walk on walkways before you’ve cleared them. This just packs the snow into ice, which is harder to remove and more dangerous. “ — Braden House 

“Even if you’re working from home or otherwise homebound, start your car every day or so and let it run for ten minutes to get oil through it. If it’s garaged, make sure the door is open to avoid carbon monoxide buildup. And here in Mighty Cold Michigan, rechargeable electric vests and hand warmers are good to have on standby.” — Judith Matlock

“My tip is to stay calm. It is what it is. I remember plenty of winters that had more snow than this. It started in November and went to March. Just do what you have to do, just maybe slower.” — Mary Kirkbride

“People should slow down and be considerate of other drivers & people on the roads. If someone is having obvious problems with steering or sliding, give them as much room as you can. Help yourself by helping others.” — Carol Cornish

“Stock up on things you may need but you should already have everything you need. You shouldn’t be running low on anything that’s number 1. Number 2 don’t panic sit back relax stay indoors play a game watch TV listener radio it’s whatever you wanna do is not gonna change the fact that it’s gonna snow or it’s gonna drop in a temperature.” — Connie Hummer

“I’d say get outside & enjoy it! Find something outside you enjoy, whether active (hike, snowshoe, ski, etc.) or just enjoying the season’s beauty, so you can view snow as a positive and look forward to it.” — Seth Stein

And if you have a question you’d like me to ask our community, send it my way. I might feature it in a future newsletter.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with stories from Chaunie Brusie and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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