Great Lakes Wire

As President Biden revealed new rules regarding Title IX protections in April of 2024, which redefined “sex” to include “gender-identity,” an analysis by Great Lakes Wire shows that Michigan is one of 25 states that allow boys to play in girls’ high school sports.

Director pleads guilty to unauthorized practice as health professional

LANSING – On Tuesday, Kimberly Coden, 38, of Berkley, pled guilty in the 44th Circuit Court in Livingston County before Judge Suzanne Geddis to multiple felonies related to impersonating a health care professional and witness intimidation, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Coden pled to six counts of the Unauthorized Practice of a Health Profession, a felony punishable by up to four years’ imprisonment and/or $5,000; two counts of Identity Theft, a felony punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment and/or $25,000; and one count of Intimidation or Interfering...

Michigan AG files notice following SCOTUS ruling on mifepristone access

Today, in response to a lawsuit filed by Right to Life of Michigan and other anti-choice organizations and advocates, the Michigan Department of Attorney General filed a Notice of Supplemental Authority alerting the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan to a recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court rejecting certain plaintiffs’ standing to challenge regulations on mifepristone. The notice was filed after the briefing on the Defendants’ motion to dismiss concluded in April. The Right to Life lawsuit seeks to strike down the right to reproductive freedom.

Unmarried partners face challenges accessing fmla benefits for childbirth

An unmarried partner of a mother giving birth is increasingly common. While state or local laws may provide specific time off for such partners, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) operates differently. Employers must ensure their policies align with FMLA guidelines to avoid potential issues related to paid time off (PTO), FMLA, and wage and hour regulations.

Northern Michigan men's basketball team set for exhibition game against Michigan State

The Northern Michigan men's basketball team will host the Michigan State Spartans for a preseason exhibition game on Sunday, Oct. 13 in Marquette. The game is scheduled to tip off at 1 p.m. (ET) in the Superior Dome.

MDHHS outlines nearly $300 million budget plan for substance use disorder

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Director Elizabeth Hertel joined other health and community leaders today at the Detroit Recovery Project (DRP) to discuss how key budget investments are addressing substance use disorder (SUD) and the opioid crisis in Michigan. The roundtable discussion focused on the FY 2025 Budget, which includes nearly $300 million in SUD funding comprised of $190 million of federal funding, $58 million in general funding, and $48.2 million in appropriated settlement funding.

Poll: Presidential race a dead heat in battleground states, including Michigan, with voters favoring Trump on economy

By Great Lakes Wire reports | Aug 7, 2024

The 2024 presidential race is a dead heat in seven battleground states, including Michigan, with voters favoring former President Donald Trump on economic issues giving Vice President Kamala Harris low marks on border security and her support for reparations.

MPHI employees celebrate new legislation at Vice President's office

MPHI employees Abby Collier, Director, and Susanna Joy, Project Coordinator, of the National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention (National Center) participated in a celebration of the passage of the Maternal Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act at the Office of the Vice President on July 7, 2024.

NMU women's soccer team announces new coaching staff updates ahead of the 2024 season

The NMU women's soccer team has announced updates to its coaching staff for the 2024 season. Haley Viitala and Vince Rodkey will continue as volunteer assistant coach and soccer data analyst, respectively, while Bryce Beckley is being added as a Graduate Assistant Goalkeeper coach. They will support head coach Jon Sandoval and assistant coach Natalie Stampfly.

Ecorse man charged for selling stolen Home Depot rental equipment

Jonathan Allen, 33, of Ecorse, was arraigned yesterday before Magistrate Steven R. Worpell in the 80th District Court in Harrison on four felony charges for allegedly stealing and subsequently selling Home Depot rental equipment, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. He was charged with one count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a 20-year felony, and three counts of False Pretenses - $20,000 or more but less than $50,000.

Corrections officer charged with drug smuggling at Parnall Correctional Facility

LANSING – Michigan Department of Corrections Officer Joshua Evans, 48, of Jackson, was arraigned yesterday in the 12th District Court in Jackson for allegedly smuggling narcotics into the Parnall Correctional Facility. The announcement was made by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

AG Nessel urges municipalities' participation in Kroger Settlement ahead of August deadline

LANSING – The deadline for local governments and counties to register to receive funds from the $1.2 billion National Kroger Settlement is August 12. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is encouraging municipalities that have not yet joined the settlement to complete and submit their participation forms by Monday. The settlement will bring nearly $42 million to Michigan governments over 11 years to help address the opioid crisis.

Entrepreneurship score card shows slow recovery for michigan's economy post-pandemic

Michigan’s entrepreneurial economy has seen improvements since the 2020 COVID recession, but it has not fully rebounded, according to the SBAM Foundation’s recently released 2024 Entrepreneurship Score Card.

Russel Sprecher finishes in top-30 at GAM Championship

Russel Sprecher of the Northern Michigan University (NMU) men's golf team concluded his participation in the 103rd Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) Championship, securing the 29th position after three rounds of play.

SBAM introduces pooled employer plan as solution for small business retirement needs

Finding the right retirement plan to attract and retain employees is challenging for small business owners. To compete with larger companies, small businesses must offer a robust employee benefit package.

Michigan health officials urge vaccinations amid National Immunization Awareness Month

Vaccines are critical to maintaining public health, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) urges Michigan residents and families to get caught up and stay up-to-date on vaccines as part of National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This annual observance highlights efforts to protect individuals of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases and ensure residents receive vaccinations on time. Global immunization efforts have saved an estimated 154 million lives, with the majority being infants (101 million). MDHHS encourages residents to consult...

Theresa J. Cypher appointed as Van Buren County public administrator

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the appointment of Theresa J. Cypher as Van Buren County Public Administrator.

Michigan Supreme Court rules gradual hike towards $15 minimum wage by 2030

Michigan’s $10.33-an-hour minimum wage will increase to around $12.25 to $12.30 an hour, and tipped workers will see their base wage rise from $3.93 an hour to approximately $5.90 an hour by February 21, 2025, under a Supreme Court ruling issued Wednesday.

Coalition urges court to reconsider ruling against Minnesota's under-21 concealed carry ban