Latest News from Great Lakes Wire

Guidelines issued amid Michigan's excessive heat warnings aim at protecting outdoor workers

By Great Lakes Wire | Jun 25, 2024

With the recent excessive heat warnings in Michigan, it is critical for employers to ensure the safety and well-being of employees working outdoors. Heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, can pose serious health risks. To protect outside workers from the heat, employers must implement comprehensive strategies that address hydration, acclimatization, work schedules, protective clothing, and training.

Kincheloe woman pleads no contest to murder and arson charges

By Great Lakes Wire | Jun 25, 2024

LANSING – Today, Hope Snyder, 43, of Kincheloe, pled no contest to Second Degree Murder, First Degree Arson, and two counts of Animals – Killing/Torturing Second Degree, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Accompanying the plea is a sentencing agreement of 35 to 60 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Michigan's public pensions receive $6.9 million in contributions for 2022

By Great Lakes Wire | Jun 24, 2024

In 2022, Michigan had received $6.9 million in contributions to its public pension funds, according to data obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau's Annual Survey of Public Pensions.

The role of training in building effective succession plans

By Great Lakes Wire | Jun 24, 2024

Google defines succession planning as a business strategy companies use to pass leadership roles down to another employee or group of employees. Given that the youngest baby boomers are expected to begin retiring in 2031, companies should start preparing the next generation of leadership. A significant shift is anticipated, and companies need to be ready for seamless strategic continuity.

Michigan completes largest-ever medicaid renewal amid post-pandemic adjustments

By Great Lakes Wire | Jun 24, 2024

Nearly 142,000 beneficiaries renew coverage in May; 1.8 million renewed their coverage during the past year

Employers urged to prioritize workplace mental health

By Great Lakes Wire | Jun 23, 2024

June is Men’s Mental Health Month, emphasizing the critical importance of mental health in overall wellbeing. For employers, recognizing and prioritizing mental health in the workplace is not just an ethical obligation but a strategic one. Healthy employees are essential to a thriving business, with mental wellbeing integral to productivity, creativity, and engagement.

Podcast highlights strategies for attracting and retaining talent

By Great Lakes Wire | Jun 22, 2024

On the SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers spoke with Jim Stowe, president of FreshHR. Stowe assists small and medium-sized companies in managing various employee-related challenges. "The battle for talent, acquiring and retaining talent, is something that’s still a challenge for most folks, although we’ve seen a little bit of daylight," he stated. "But it’s still finding ways to be a unique and an attractive employer to attract and retain the best people you can so they take the best care of your clients or help drive profitability."

MPHI employees attend NNPHI Conference in New Orleans

By Great Lakes Wire | Jun 21, 2024

The National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI) recently held its annual conference, attended by multiple MPHI staff members. NNPHI is a national organization aimed at connecting public health professionals and advancing professional development in the field. This year’s event took place in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Free gun locks available for Michigan families during National Gun Violence Awareness Month

By Great Lakes Wire | Jun 21, 2024

LANSING, MICH. – As part of National Gun Violence Awareness Month, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Michigan State Police (MSP) are reminding Michigan families about the availability of free gun locks at MDHHS county offices and some local health departments.

Rogers: Biden border policies 'scoring political points' at America’s expense

By Great Lakes Wire | Jun 20, 2024

U.S. Senate Candidate Mike Rogers criticized President Biden's handling of the border crisis, claiming it is aimed at "scoring political points" rather than protecting Americans. The Rogers campaign made this statement to the Great Lakes Wire on June 17.

Analysis: Michigan among 24 states affiliated with 'hyper-partisan' voter data group

By Great Lakes Wire | Jun 20, 2024

Michigan is among 24 states that are members of a national voter data group accused of partisanship in its work to expand voter rolls and lacking in transparency, an analysis by the Great Lakes Wire found.

Former corrections officer sentenced for assaulting inmate

By Great Lakes Wire | Jun 20, 2024

LANSING – Former corrections officer Christopher Cluley, 48, of Mount Pleasant, was sentenced to one year of probation for the in-custody assault of an Isabella County inmate. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the sentencing today. Cluley pled no contest to one count each of aggravated assault and willful neglect of duty in April.

AG Nessel reaches compliance agreement with EcoShield over alleged consumer protection violations

By Great Lakes Wire | Jun 20, 2024

The Department of Attorney General filed an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance and Discontinuance in the 30th Judicial Circuit Court in Ingham County, resolving an investigation into alleged unlawful business practices by EcoShield Pest Solutions Detroit, LLC (EcoShield), Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced. The Assurance addresses the investigation and potential litigation of alleged violations of the Michigan Home Solicitation Sales Act (HSSA) and the Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCPA).

MDHHS hosting virtual baby fairs in July for new or expecting families

By Great Lakes Wire | Jun 20, 2024

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is organizing two virtual baby fairs for new or expecting parents in July. These events will provide families with information about available resources, health and safety guidelines, and an opportunity to interact directly with program experts.

Michigan AG discusses efforts against organized retail crime with top retailer executives

By Great Lakes Wire | Jun 20, 2024

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, top executives from leading Michigan retailers, and members of the FORCE Team convened today for a roundtable discussion on combatting organized retail crime. The meeting highlighted the partnership between the first-in-the-nation unit and retail businesses and discussed building on the early successes of the FORCE Team as it marks its first year of operations. Representatives from Kroger, Meijer, Ulta Beauty, and Walmart joined Attorney General Nessel in Lansing to commend the unit’s achievements.

Average VA purchase loan amount in Michigan increases from 2022 to 2023

By Great Lakes Wire | Jun 19, 2024

The average VA purchase loan amount for Michigan in the fiscal year 2023 was $270,057, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Northern Michigan University men's soccer team announces summer elite ID camp

By Great Lakes Wire | Jun 19, 2024

MARQUETTE, Mich. - Alex Fatovic and the Northern Michigan University Men's Soccer staff will host the 2024 Summer Elite ID Camp.

NMU Women’s Soccer announces residential ID camp for prospective athletes

By Great Lakes Wire | Jun 19, 2024

The NMU Women's Soccer Staff is set to host a residential ID camp in Marquette, Michigan. The camp, aimed at athletes from 8th grade and up, will provide participants with the opportunity to stay in dorms, receive coaching from NMU staff, tour athletic facilities, and engage in various soccer sessions.

Supreme Court raises bar on denying religious accommodations

By Great Lakes Wire | Jun 19, 2024

In Groff v. DeJoy, 600 U.S. 447 (2023), the U.S. Supreme Court heightened the criteria for denying religious accommodations from showing an “undue hardship” to incurring “substantial increased costs” compared to normal business expenses. Previously, employers could demonstrate that a minimal increase in costs constituted an undue hardship.