Lab-grown diamonds are gaining popularity among newlyweds who are seeking a more ecologically responsible alternative to traditionally mined gems.

According to some jewelers, there has been an astounding surge of over 2,000 percent in interest over the course of five years, with individuals discovering the attractiveness of this more cost-effective choice.

In terms of physical and chemical attributes, lab-grown diamonds are indistinguishable from their naturally sourced counterparts, while being priced at a remarkable 85 percent lower.

A recent survey conducted among 1,500 engaged couples and spouses unveiled that 70 percent of them would be open to selecting a lab-grown option. Their rationale primarily revolves around value for money (55%) and sustainability (43%) as the pivotal factors driving this shift.

However, a notable 69 percent confessed that they would struggle to differentiate between the two gem varieties. This prompted the diamond retailer Queensmith to conduct an experiment with passers-by, who were both taken aback by the price differential and found it challenging to distinguish between the two types of gems.

Based in London’s historical Hatton Garden district, Queensmith revealed an astounding surge of 2,860 percent in the market for lab-grown diamonds within a mere five years. In 2019, lab-grown sales constituted just a solitary percent of total diamond sales; however, the ongoing year has witnessed a meteoric rise to 81 percent of the overall sales, and the jeweler is en route to achieving sales of 1,900 lab-grown diamonds in 2023.

A representative from the brand, which initiated the survey, disclosed that a significant 46 percent of individuals were not even cognizant of the existence of lab-grown diamonds.

“It’s no surprise to see people willing to move away from mined diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds provide a great alternative that is less impactful on the environment, which is a big concern for most people.”

Fifty-three percent of individuals intending to get married would opt for a more affordable engagement ring if it allowed them to allocate more funds towards their wedding day. The primary focuses include the venue (53 percent) and the wedding attire (34 percent), followed by the rings (31 percent) in third place.

For a portion of these individuals, this prospective scenario has already materialized. More than twenty-five percent of those surveyed by OnePoll revealed that they either possessed jewelry featuring a lab-grown diamond or were acquainted with someone who did.

The Creation Process

While not as uncommon as their natural diamond counterparts, these gems are perceived as equally stunning by individuals. They are available in various hues such as yellow, pink, green, orange, blue, and transparent. These man-made diamonds are produced using methods that replicate the natural creation process and are primarily generated through two techniques: chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or high pressure high temperature (HPHT).

In the HPHT process, pure carbon is compressed within a metal cube and subjected to intense heat and pressure via electric pulses. This leads to the breakdown of carbon, resulting in its crystallization into diamond form. Any minute traces of metals within an HPHT diamond are usually inconspicuous to the naked eye, and many experts consider HPHT diamonds to possess higher quality compared to CVD diamonds. These diamonds are reported to share the same atomic structure as mined diamonds, thereby maintaining optical, chemical, and physical identicalness.

“As people become more knowledgeable about lab diamonds, I’m sure we’ll see increased demand and clients looking to learn more for themselves.”

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A man with a passion for tracking down fragments of comets that have touched Earth’s surface has transformed this unusual hobby into a thriving jewelry business.

Emil Davidsson is a 31-year-old adventurer hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, who has gained recognition for his unique skill in meteorite hunting.

Emil’s captivating expeditions are meticulously documented in online videos, showcasing his remarkable journey to collect meteorites from various locations. He then channels his creativity by crafting these space relics into exquisite pieces of jewelry that are actually available on the internet to purchase on his very own website.

Among his prized creations are pendants, modestly priced at around $100, carefully crafted from small fragments of meteorites estimated to be priced anywhere from one million to a staggering 4.5 billion years old. More than just pendants, Emil also designs and sells watches that he adorned with meteorites for around $395, as well as rings for $130.

Emil has been meteorite hunting for at least a decade and says they are “extremely rare and difficult to find.”

Moreover, he’s even been on more serious expeditions on both the driest place on Earth, which is the Atacama Desert, as well as the coldest place on Earth, the Artic Circle, all on a hunt for his treasured space debris.

Emil said, “Every year, I would go on expeditions lasting four to five months above the Arctic Circle.”

To aid in his meteorite hunts, Emil uses a specialized metal detector equipped with pulse indicators that put out high-amperage signals, helping to generate electromagnetic fields around the detector. This innovative device was created to react when it encounters a metal object, causing this electromagnetic “to collapse,” resulting in a voltage spike that is represented as sound.

When a meteorite isn’t readily visible on the surface, Emil must resort to manually excavating the soil, sometimes digging as deep as ten feet – or 3 meters. The thrill of unearthing these celestial treasures could be described as completely out of this world, figuratively and literally!

Making the Jewelry

According to Emil, “Each type of meteorite requires a different process since all meteorites are unique,” explained the craftsman who resides in Bali, Indonesia. “For example, iron meteorites, are composed of 92-99% iron.”

“After we cut them into slices, we need to stabilize them using various methods because if we don’t do that they tend to rust,” he adds.

In addition, he uses nitric acid to bring out the meteorite’s distinctive structure, better known as the Widmanstätten pattern, which also happens to be one of the most amazing features of particular meteorites, as seen in the photo above and to the left.

He explains, “It forms through the slow cooling of molten metal over millions of years resulting in the formation of exquisite crystalline 3D patterns. This unique crystallization process cannot be replicated on Earth as it requires extreme outer space conditions over millions of years.”

“These meteorites originated as remnants from the formation of our solar system, making them older than our planet itself. By holding a meteorite in your hand, you are touching the oldest material you could ever come into contact with,” he adds.

He also shares, “Some meteorites come from the Asteroid Belt located between Mars and Jupiter (so) they have also traveled millions of miles through space.”

However, mostly due to either luck or chance, and really, the gravitational pull of the Earth as these meteorites fall randomly across the planet in mostly remote locations – and thousands of years later – Emil has managed to find some of their remnants using his lucky metal detector in order to create truly one-of-a-kind jewelry that’s seriously otherworldly.

Get ready to be blown away by the video of Emil doing what he does best below:

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Tennessee has decided to embark on an ambitious initiative to counteract the potential learning regression that tends to happen during the summer break. And they plan to do this by supplying surprise books to nearly a quarter million young readers to keep their passion for reading alive.

The Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF) has taken a commendable stride by extending its K-3 Home Library program. Now, this initiative encompasses all students transitioning to 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd grades within the public school system. Collaborating closely with Scholastic Publishing, the program is set to distribute a staggering 1.2 million books to over 200,000 students, teachers, and librarians over the summer months.

In an effort to ensure accessibility and inclusivity, six specially curated sets of grade-appropriate books will be delivered directly to the doorsteps of participating families. The best part? This endeavor incurs no financial burden for families or the 152 school districts involved.

Enrollment in this program was automatic for students in school districts and charter schools, accompanied by an option for families to opt-out if desired. This streamlined approach has facilitated participation for all K-3 students, resulting in a 40,000-student increase compared to the previous year.

One parent from Warren County, who joined the program last summer, said, “My son struggles to read but is making improvements by the week. These couldn’t have come at a more perfect time!”

Moreover, a Morgan County educator also pointed out that when schools are closed for the summer, the access to get books to read lessens. “Many of our students do not have access to books at home so this is a great program to get books into students’ hands.”

GELF President, James Pond, says, “If we don’t get reading right, everything else can go wrong. Our goal is to promote a culture of reading in Tennessee by meeting students where they are with the books and resources they need to become lifelong learners—and we hope other states look to us as a leader in collaborative early literacy efforts.”

Research underscores the significance of summer reading: students who abstain from reading during this break can experience a setback of two to three months in their reading proficiency. However, engaging with four to six books has the potential to counteract, mitigate, or even reverse this “summer side.”

Notably, this marks GELF’s fourth consecutive summer of collaboration with Scholastic to disseminate books. Since 2020, the K-3 Home Library program has witnessed an impressive expansion of 528%, placing more than 3.1 million books within the households of over 509,000 elementary school students and educators.

Feedback gathered by GELF sheds light on the profound impact of this endeavor. A remarkable 97% of parents reported their children’s excitement upon receiving these books, deeming them invaluable additions to their family’s literary resources.

The selection of these books, which includes titles like “Three Hens and a Peacock” – a story of newcomers grabbing attention while the hardworking hens remain unnoticed, and “The Squirrels Who Squabbled” – narrating the escapades of two competitive squirrels in pursuit of pinecones, was a collaborative effort guided by GELF’s Educator Advisory Council, composed of 28 Tennessee educators who represent diverse perspectives and experiences.

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When it comes to Teslas, the image of a budget-conscious individual is not the first thing that comes to mind. However, as surprising as it may sound, the total cost of ownership of the new Model 3 is comparable to that of the cheapest car available in America. Paul Fosse, an insightful writer for Clean Technica, has done the math and compared the latest offering from the popular electric vehicle brand with the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage, a gasoline-powered car known for its affordability.

At first glance, the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage is listed at a new price of $16,245, while the Model 3 costs twice as much upfront. This significant price difference is usually the only factor that matters to car buyers when making their decision. However, Fosse takes a deeper look at the total cost of ownership (TCO) over a span of five years, which includes all expenses related to owning and operating a vehicle.

To estimate the TCO, Fosse uses a baseline measurement from Edmunds.com. However, he finds that their estimates for Tesla value depreciation, taxes, financing, and trade-in value are considerably inaccurate. Through his extensive research, Fosse discovers that Tesla cars, unlike high-end luxury or performance models, depreciate at a much slower rate of about 4% per year, which amounts to only $6,066 over five years.

Additionally, Fosse predicts that the $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit will still be available in five years, and purchasing a used electric vehicle still grants a $4,000 credit. This allows retailers to sell used Teslas at a higher price than before. By adjusting the taxes and financing costs, Fosse takes into account the new upfront price, which is nearly $16,500 less than the estimate provided by Edmunds.

Although the cost of insurance for a Tesla Model 3 is approximately $3,000 higher, owners can make up for it with reduced fuel costs (which vary depending on the location) and lower maintenance expenses, considering that Teslas have only one moving engine component. Furthermore, the tax credit plays a significant role in offsetting the overall costs.

Taking all these factors into account, Fosse calculates that despite its slower speed and fewer features, the Mitsubishi Mirage still has a five-year TCO of $31,349, which is only $1,000 less than a brand-new Model 3 Tesla. Additionally, over the course of five years, the Mirage emits 200 more grams of CO2 per mile, resulting in a substantial difference in carbon emissions, amounting to several metric tons.

In conclusion, although the upfront cost of a Tesla Model 3 is higher compared to the cheapest car in America, when considering the total cost of ownership over five years, it becomes evident that the Tesla is actually an economy-class car. With slower depreciation, potential tax credits, and reduced fuel and maintenance expenses, the Model 3 offers comparable affordability to the Mitsubishi Mirage.

Furthermore, the Tesla produces significantly fewer carbon emissions, making it a more environmentally friendly choice. So, while a Tesla may not scream “budgeter” at first glance, its long-term affordability and eco-consciousness make it a smart choice for cost-conscious consumers.

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Conservationists worldwide are rejoicing over the recent birth of a precious addition to the critically endangered species of Sulawesi crested macaques at a prominent zoo in the United Kingdom. The remarkable event took place on May 16th, as proud new parents, Rumple and Mamassa, welcomed their adorable offspring into the world.

Captivating photographs captured the heartwarming moments of the newborn macaque clinging tightly to its mother during its inaugural venture into the outside world, within the secure confines of its enclosure at the renowned Chester Zoo. As the largest and most-visited zoo in the UK, this facility serves as a vital hub for wildlife conservation efforts, providing a safe haven for numerous endangered species.

The Sulawesi crested macaque, a species listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), faces an alarming decline in population, with fewer than 5,000 individuals remaining in their natural habitat on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. This recent birth represents a glimmer of hope for the survival of these magnificent primates, further emphasizing the significance of the zoo’s breeding program and the tireless dedication of conservationists.

One striking feature of these macaques is the stark contrast between the adult’s jet black faces and the newborn’s unique buckskin leather tone, which beautifully accentuates their mesmerizing eyes. This natural characteristic adds to the overall allure and charm of these captivating creatures, making them even more endearing to both zoo visitors and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

The island of Sulawesi, located to the east of Borneo, is a true gem of biodiversity and boasts the status of being the 11th largest island globally, covering approximately 70,000 square miles. It is a paradise for nature lovers and scientists alike, as an astounding 62% (79 species) of the island’s mammal population is considered endemic. This means that these species are found exclusively on Sulawesi and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Protecting these unique and irreplaceable creatures is of paramount importance to preserve the island’s ecological balance.

With the birth of this Sulawesi crested macaque, conservationists are reminded of the delicate balance between the survival of endangered species and the ongoing efforts to safeguard their habitats. Each new addition to the population brings renewed hope and motivation to protect these remarkable creatures and ensure their existence for future generations to appreciate and cherish.

The Chester Zoo, renowned for its commitment to wildlife conservation, continues to play a pivotal role in raising awareness about the plight of endangered species. Through educational programs, research initiatives, and dedicated breeding efforts, the zoo strives to inspire individuals to take action and contribute to the preservation of biodiversity on a global scale.

“Sulawesi crested macaques are highly sociable animals that live in large groups, and so the new baby is currently being passed around by mom Rumple to several other females, who are all sharing parenting duties, which is great to see,” Mark Brayshaw said. He’s the head of mammals at the said zoo.

“Every birth is a step forward for the international conservation breeding program that’s working to safeguard the future of this critically endangered species. It also provides an opportunity to learn more about their behavior, biology, and social structures, which all help to inform the efforts to protect the species globally,” he added.

As the world marvels at the enchanting images of the Sulawesi crested macaque newborn, let us collectively celebrate this momentous occasion and be reminded of the profound importance of our shared responsibility to protect and conserve the natural wonders that grace our planet.

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The US General Services Administration (GSA) is auctioning off six historic American lighthouses this year. This is a unique opportunity for those who love lighthouses and want to own a piece of American history.

Lighthouses are beautiful and iconic structures that have stood for centuries as beacons of hope and safety for sailors. However, with the advent of GPS technology, many lighthouses are no longer needed for their original purpose. This has led to the government selling off lighthouses to private citizens and organizations who are willing to preserve them.

The GSA has a long history of selling off lighthouses. In fact, since the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act was passed in 2000, more than 150 lighthouses have been sold or transferred to various organizations. Of these, 81 are now owned by government agencies and nonprofits, and another 70 have been sold to the public.

The six lighthouses that are being auctioned off this year are all located in the northeastern United States. They include the Penfield Reef Lighthouse in Connecticut, the Stratford Shoal Lighthouse in New York, the Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Light in Ohio, the Keweenaw Waterway Lower Entrance Light in Michigan, the Lynde Point Lighthouse in Connecticut, and the Nobska Lighthouse in Massachusetts.

The auction for these lighthouses will begin on July 11, 2023. The starting bid for each lighthouse will vary depending on the condition of the structure and its location. However, the GSA estimates that the lighthouses could sell for anywhere from $10,000 to nearly $1 million.

This is a unique opportunity to own a piece of American history and to help preserve these important landmarks. If you are interested in bidding on one of these lighthouses, you can find more information on the GSA website.

In addition to the six lighthouses that are being auctioned off, there are also several other lighthouses that are available for free to eligible organizations. These lighthouses are located in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania.

If you are interested in owning a lighthouse, but do not have the funds to bid on one of the lighthouses that are being auctioned off, you may want to consider applying for one of the lighthouses that are available for free. To learn more about how to apply for a free lighthouse, you can visit the GSA website.

“Costs for upkeep of lighthouses are relative to what the new owner plans to do,” the GSA mentioned in a notice of the May 2023 “Lighthouse season.”

“A total restoration could be thousands of dollars while a simple cleaning is much less. New owners should expect to have to paint, clean, and possibly restore broken or missing items. Most lighthouses do not have any utilities, so there would be a cost associated with making the lighthouse livable.”

“People really appreciate the heroic role of the solitary lighthouse keeper,” John Kelly said. He is of the GSA’s office of real property disposition and he spoke to AP about this. “They were really the instruments to provide safe passage into some of these perilous harbors which afforded communities great opportunities for commerce, and they’re often located in prominent locations that offer breathtaking views.”

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A group of 26 high school students used their construction skills to build a house for a local family in their community.

For one of the students, Pedro Rivera, seeing an entire house sitting on the back of a trailer as it rolled down a suburban road in Detroit, MI, was as surreal as realizing that he and his friends had built it with their very own hands.

Rivera, an Oakland Schools Technical Campus-Northeast student, told 7 Action News, “All my friends, we all looked at each other like, ‘Wow, this is what we did’.”

26 High School students from Oakland school technical campus Northeast- built this 1368 square-foot, three bedroom, two bath home. It will be moved to a location in Pontiac. @WWJ950 @WWJTraffic @FOX2News @OaklandSchools @cityofpontiacmi #school #Wednesday @OLHSACommAction pic.twitter.com/yDdk50sCdC

— Charlie Langton (@charlielangton) May 24, 2023

The school, located on Perry Street, happens to be a technical campus where students go to specialize in carpentry, electrical work, or additions. However, Aaron Swett – the school instructor who led the project – explained that building the 1,368-square-foot home from the ground up helps introduce the students to a barrage of construction trades.

Sweet also shared in an interview with Upworthy.com, “They usually have an idea of what they want to do. ‘I want to flip houses’ or ‘I want to be a carpenter’ or ‘I want to build decks.’ And then we get in, we start building the house and they get exposed to careers they never knew existed.”

Sweet adds, “Our students leave with the opportunity to go right into the work force. They’ve got the skills of what all the employers are looking for. We get employers reaching out to us throughout the year to try hiring our students and our students leave here and they take many different paths. We’ve got students that are going to Michigan State for their construction management program. We’ve got students that are going to the Detroit Carpenter Apprenticeship School.”

The program allows the students to work alongside professional tradesmen to prepare them for their futures in construction and carpentry, highly needed professions in the United States. At the same time, the program manages to provide low and middle-income homes for the state of Michigan which sorely lacks these types of housing units. In fact, the state had announced back in September of 2022 that it aimed to increase the number of low and middle-income households by at least 13,500 units.

The cost of the home sits at $100,000 for materials but sells on the market for approximately $170,000. Notably, this is around half of the nationwide median listing price.

Rivera also shared about the project, “Just seeing it getting lifted and everything, it was kind of like ‘Wow, this is our accomplishment. It’s going to a good family. Good home, good neighborhood – it’s nice.”

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Fishermen in the state of Mississippi are now being incentivized to collect abandoned crab traps. The idea is to help safeguard wildlife from becoming ensnared in them.

The Mississippi Commercial Fisheries United, a nonprofit organization of fishermen, initiated a program that offers a bounty of $5 for each derelict trap collected. In just three years, the program has managed to retrieve over 3,000 traps. These crab traps work by allowing them to crawl in, but trapping them in such a way that they can’t crawl back out. So if the traps are abandoned, the crabs end up getting stuck inside and dying as a result.

While this is advantageous for fishermen seeking to provide the Gulf Coast with delectable seafood, these traps pose a threat when they are abandoned or misplaced. They continue to ensnare marine life indiscriminately, leading to a phenomenon called “ghost fishing.”

This so-called ghost fishing has prompted the establishment of this program, enabling participating shrimpers and crabbers to register and contribute to the cause. They meticulously catalogue and tag each trap they collect, progressing towards the final step of turning them in at a designated redemption site.

A graduate student at Mississippi State University, Alyssa Rodolfich, spoke with Hakai Magazine, telling them about how gratifying it was to see the number of derelict traps being submitted for redemption. Initially unaware of the magnitude of the problem, she stated, “I didn’t realize how big of a problem it was until I was on the cleaning-up end of it, after a few months of removing, like, 200 crab traps at a time,” she says. “It was heavy and gross, and the amount of by-catch in the traps was a lot.”

Rodolfich’s observations and experiences contributed to the project’s success, with Mississippi State University collaborating alongside the Mississippi Commercial Fisheries United, the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Rodolfich even served as the lead author of the published paper, documenting the achievements of the groundbreaking program.

While the program’s annual cost has amounted to approximately $34,000, this investment pales in comparison to the estimated annual loss of revenue caused by ghost fishing, which stands at $15 million due to the abandonment of over 50,000 crab traps each year. With such compelling and tangible success, the program has recently secured a grant from NOAA to finance the collection of other forms of debris from the Gulf. As Hakkai Magazine reports, this expansion is already gaining momentum, as fishermen are now bringing in old tires, shopping carts, washing machines, and even toilets.

The initiative undertaken by Mississippi’s fishermen to collect abandoned crab traps has proven to be an effective and sustainable solution to the problem of ghost fishing. Through their dedicated efforts, not only have they managed to retrieve thousands of traps, but they have also raised awareness about the environmental consequences of neglecting these traps in the oceans. By extending their endeavors to collect additional debris, the fishermen are actively contributing to the preservation of marine life and the health of the Gulf ecosystem.

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Greece is making significant strides to promote inclusive tourism by retrofitting 287 beaches nationwide with self-operating wheelchair ramps. This initiative aims to provide wheelchair users with greater independence and accessibility to enjoy the stunning coastal landscapes that Greece is best known for.

With 147 beaches already outfitted with the Seatrac system, disabled individuals can already experience the pleasure of swimming in the country’s pristine and crystal blue waters that it’s famous for without having to deal with the difficulties of moving over sand.

As for this beach accessibility project, the system used, Seatrac, is explained on the website at ‘a free service that offers unassisted sea access to people with disabilities and mobility issues. It is an innovative, technological assistant that promotes autonomy, quality, and wellness in everyday life. It encourages integration and inclusion of all members of society. It allows caretakers and families of people with disabilities to enjoy beachgoing without the physical hassle.’

Moreover, the accessibility project extends beyond the beaches, encompassing renowned landmarks such as the Acropolis of Athens, allowing wheelchair-bound visitors to fully explore and appreciate some of the country’s incredibly rich cultural heritage. At this site, there is even a wheelchair elevator, as well as other wheelchair-ready renovations that were made, to allow such visitors to easily access the bathrooms, snack bars, sidewalks and walkways, and other amenities found there.

Greece’s tourism minister, Vassilis Kikilias, announced at a press conference, “People with disabilities and people with limited mobility can engage in activities such as swimming that contribute to their physical and mental health.”

Meanwhile, Ignatios Fotiou, who helped develop the technology, told the Washington Post, “Seatrac does not provide only independent access to the sea, it provides dignity and independence to people with mobility issues that want to enjoy swimming. They can choose where to go and ask their friends to join them, not the other way around.”

In addition, the government has created a website for locals and tourists alike to find all the information they need to be able to plan a trip to the beach that includes all types of individuals. It even has a map showing which beaches are equipped with the Seatracs service to make it easier for people to find the closest beach location to where they may be staying.

See the video below to find out more about this incredible project.

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Recently, Michigan’s criminal justice reforms, which were signed into law three years ago, finally went into effect. As a result, nearly 850,000 residents who had at least one conviction benefitted from the change, and their charges were automatically set aside.

Advocates refer to this bipartisan legislation as the “Clean Slate” initiative, and it has initiated an automatic expungement process. This process will effectively clear a range of convictions from an individual’s record after a particular waiting period.

In Michigan alone, approximately 2.8 million individuals have criminal records, many of which compromise low-level, nonviolent offenses, or offenses that were committed during their juvenile years. Prior to the implementation of the new expungement laws, these convictions remained on the individual’s record, creating major barriers to their ability to avail of good housing and employment opportunities.

As for John Cooper, executive director of Safe & Just Michigan, he shared, “We’re celebrating a historic step forward as Michigan becomes just the third state to implement automatic expungement. This reform will deliver immediate and automatic impact for more than a million people, all of whom are likely to see their access to housing and jobs improve overnight.”

Since the launch of the automatic expungement program on April 11, a staggering 252,417 Michigan residents had their criminal records sealed, becoming free from the burden of past convictions. Similar relief for criminal records is also available in other states such as Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Utah, Florida, Georgia, Montana, and Maine.

According to Antoniese “Tony” Gant, Director of policy and program operations for the Lansing-based Nation Outside, “We are encouraged and hopeful that the State of Michigan will continue to advance meaningful second chances in the future,” said “We know all too well how difficult, expensive, and embarrassing the expungement petition process (used to) be.”

To identify convictions that are newly eligible for expungement, Michigan’s new program utilizes an algorithm that automatically searchers the state’s criminal record database on a daily basis. However, certain offenses are not eligible for expungement, including arson, child abuse, first-degree criminal sexual conduct, first-degree murder, felonious assault, manslaughter, stalking, and others.

For misdemeanors carrying a punishment of fewer than 93 days in jail, the responsibility of stealing those records likes with the courts rather than the state police.

Vice president of government affairs with the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, Josh Lunger, said, “This groundbreaking, nation-leading reform will be transformational for thousands of our neighbors in West Michigan, and for our member businesses who have thousands of job openings to fill,” said Josh Lunger, vice president of government affairs with the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce.

“Building sustainable talent pipelines and creating economic opportunity for more people is a critical piece of supporting a thriving and prosperous West Michigan for all,” he added.

Extensive research has demonstrated positive outcomes in terms of employment, income, and a lower recidivism rate for individuals who have had their records expunged, compared to the general public.The organization Safe & Just estimates that moving forward, the program will expunge between 100,000 and 200,000 low-level, nonviolent criminal records annually.

Convictions become eligible for permanent sealing after seven years for up to four misdemeanors. For nonviolent felonies, the waiting period is either ten years or the completion of a prison term, allowing individuals to regain a fresh start in their lives.

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