Latest News from Great Lakes Wire

Attorney General Nessel challenges DTE Electric's proposed 10% rate hike

By Great Lakes Wire | Jul 30, 2024

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed testimony last Friday in DTE Electric’s rate hike case, aiming to limit the proposed increase. DTE Electric had requested an annual revenue increase of $456.4 million from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) in March, which would result in a 10% rate hike for residential customers. This request follows a recent approval by the MPSC of a $368 million annual rate increase.

Updates from today's Small Business Briefing

By Great Lakes Wire | Jul 29, 2024

Thank you for tuning in to today’s Small Business Briefing. We’re bringing you news and updates on:

Empowering managers to foster authentic dialogue crucial for DEI strategy

By Great Lakes Wire | Jul 29, 2024

In today’s dynamic work environment, where teamwork and honesty are paramount, the role of managers has never been more critical. Managers who cultivate authentic dialogue and demonstrate vulnerability are laying the foundation for a healthy and productive workplace culture, which is essential for advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

AG Nessel emphasizes combating disinformation at journalism fellowship

By Great Lakes Wire | Jul 29, 2024

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel addressed the National Press Foundation’s Election Journalism Fellowship in Detroit today, focusing on securing elections in an age of disinformation. She underscored her Department’s dedication to election integrity and the collaboration needed between public officials and journalists to ensure accurate, timely, and insightful information for Michigan voters.

Flint mobile pantries continue through August with MDHHS support

By Great Lakes Wire | Jul 29, 2024

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will continue its initiative to deliver nutritious food to Flint residents throughout August. This effort is in collaboration with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, which has been ongoing since February 2016.

Detroit Medical Center first in state seeking Maternal Levels of Care verification

By Great Lakes Wire | Jul 29, 2024

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Detroit Medical Center (DMC) announced today that DMC is the first hospital system in Michigan to complete applications for Maternal Levels of Care (MLoC) verification through The Joint Commission.

AG Nessel reminds Michigan residents impacted by flight delays about new USDOT rights

By Great Lakes Wire | Jul 29, 2024

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reminding residents of the rights afforded to airline passengers due to new U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rules that went into effect on June 25th. A video highlighting the new rules can be found on the Michigan Attorney General’s YouTube page. Attorney General Nessel chairs the USDOT Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee, which evaluates existing aviation consumer protection programs and recommended these changes to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in January of last year.

Seven Michigan communities receive national awards for fluoridated drinking water

By Great Lakes Wire | Jul 29, 2024

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has announced that seven Michigan water systems have been awarded the 2023 Community Water Fluoridation 50 Year Award. The award is presented by the American Dental Association, the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The recognized water systems are Allegan, Bangor, Blissfield, Boyne City, Manchester, New Buffalo, and Portage.

AG Nessel announces $1.2 billion Kroger settlement over opioid crisis

By Great Lakes Wire | Jul 29, 2024

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging municipalities to join a $1.2 billion national settlement with Kroger to address allegations that the company contributed to the opioid epidemic. Michigan governments are set to receive nearly $42 million from the settlement over 11 years to combat the crisis.

CDC 2024 Measles Update: Michigan's case count rises as of week ending July 27

By A. N. Hart | Jul 28, 2024

Latest CDC data shows measles cases in Michigan for 2024 are now estimated within the range of 1-9, marking no change compared to the previous figures updated as of week ending July 20.

Gen Z's reliance on AI reshapes workplace dynamics

By Great Lakes Wire | Jul 28, 2024

A new TalentLMS report sheds light on the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workplace skills and interactions of Generation Z. This generation, born roughly between 1997 and 2012, is quickly becoming a dominant force in the workforce. The report reveals that nearly half (47%) of Gen Z workers prefer AI guidance over traditional managerial advice. This preference underscores a significant shift in how this cohort values technology and its role in their professional development.

How businesses can attract engage retain Generation Z workers

By Great Lakes Wire | Jul 27, 2024

Gen Z is a generation like no other, and in order to maintain your business, you’ll need to think about how you can accommodate the up-and-coming workforce.

West Michigan business leader takes helm of SBAM's volunteer board

By Great Lakes Wire | Jul 26, 2024

Michael Rogers recently spoke with Erick Stewart, owner of LAGNIAPPE Strategic Consulting in Battle Creek, on the SBAM Weekly Podcast. Stewart is serving as the Small Business Association of Michigan’s (SBAM) Board Chair for 2024-2025.

Guidelines for managing employee requests for unpaid leave after PTO exhaustion

By Great Lakes Wire | Jul 26, 2024

If an employee runs out of paid time off (PTO), the employer's obligation to allow unpaid time off depends on various factors, including legal requirements and past practices.

Court approves new State Senate districts map in Michigan

By Great Lakes Wire | Jul 26, 2024

In response to the court approving a new State Senate districts map, ending the redistricting process and court case, Common Cause Michigan Executive Director Quentin Turner released the following statement:

Advance Peace expands Peacemaker Fellowship® program into East Lansing

By Great Lakes Wire | Jul 26, 2024

MPHI’s Advance Peace Initiative recently announced its expansion into East Lansing. Previously, the initiative focused on the city of Lansing; however, their efforts revealed that individuals in East Lansing might be at risk of gun violence involvement.

Ben Russell named assistant hockey coach for Northern Michigan

By Great Lakes Wire | Jul 26, 2024

Northern Michigan head hockey coach Dave Shyiak has announced the hiring of Ben Russell as an assistant coach for the 2024-25 season.

Former Kent County advisor sentenced after paying restitution for embezzling from clients

By Great Lakes Wire | Jul 26, 2024

Earlier this week, former Kent County investment advisor Jaime Westenbarger, 46, now residing in Nashville, TN, was sentenced to 30 to 240 months of incarceration by Judge Scott A. Noto in the 17th Circuit Court in Kent County. This sentencing follows one count of Embezzlement $100,000 or More. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that Westenbarger received a concurrent sentence of 30 to 180 months for one count of Embezzlement $50,000 or More But Less Than $100,000.

Michigan AG Nessel signs bill banning predatory right-to-list agreements

By Great Lakes Wire | Jul 25, 2024

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel signed Senate Bill 602 into law today while serving as acting governor. Nessel was accompanied by members of the Michigan Realtors, representatives of the Department of Attorney General, and her son.