Great Lakes Wire

Michigan House Republicans have announced via X, formerly known as Twitter, that their budget plan allocates more funding for schools than any other proposal in Lansing.

Michigan GOP said Democrats prioritize criminals over law enforcement

The Michigan Republican Party (GOP) has accused state Democrats of prioritizing a "criminals first, law enforcement last" agenda, which they have described as catastrophic.

Northern Michigan volleyball ranked fourth in GLIAC preseason coaches' poll

Northern Michigan University's volleyball team has been ranked fourth in the 2025 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Preseason Poll, according to an announcement from the conference.

Whitmer invites Hall and Brinks for first joint meeting since budget impasse

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is set to meet with House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) and Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) next Tuesday, marking the first joint discussion among the three since budget talks stalled on July 1.

Three Macomb County residents plead guilty in multi-million dollar PPP fraud case

Three Macomb County residents have pleaded guilty to participating in a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of more than $3 million, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr.

Northern Michigan men's basketball adds Bennett Basich from UW-Green Bay

Matt Majkrzak, head coach of the Northern Michigan Wildcats men's basketball team, announced that Bennett Basich has joined the program as a transfer.

NFIB launches ad campaign thanking Rep. Tom Barrett for supporting small business tax deduction

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has launched a new advertising campaign to thank Representative Tom Barrett of Michigan’s 7th District for his efforts in making the 20% Small Business Tax Deduction permanent.

U.P. man receives life sentence for murder and child abuse

Eugene Walter-George Rantanen, 37, of L’Anse, has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of murder and first-degree child abuse in the death of his 19-month-old son, Carter.

Small Business Association of Michigan reviews legislative issues impacting small businesses

Sarah Miller and Jacob Manning from the Small Business Association of Michigan provided updates on several issues affecting small businesses in a recent briefing.

Employers return to in-person interviews amid rising AI-driven candidate fraud concerns

Employers are shifting back to in-person interviews after years of relying on virtual formats, a trend that accelerated during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Detroit man receives over nine years for role in federal kidnapping case

Semaj Ayers, a 23-year-old Detroit resident, was sentenced to 110 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to kidnapping.

Foster Swift attorneys discuss helping businesses achieve diversity certifications

On the latest episode of the Small Business Association of Michigan’s weekly podcast, Michael Rogers interviewed Amanda J. Dernovshek and Lindsey M. Mead from Foster Swift’s business and tax practice group in Lansing.

Northern Michigan women's soccer ranked fourth in GLIAC preseason poll

The Northern Michigan University women's soccer team has been projected to finish fourth in the 2025 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) preseason coaches' poll.

Former Michigan Chamber of Commerce CEO on Ford’s EV strategy: 'T is for totalitarian'

Richard Kevin Studley, former CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, expressed concerns regarding Ford's partnership with Chinese battery manufacturer CATL for its electric vehicle (EV) expansion.

Ten common HR mistakes highlighted by Small Business Association of Michigan

Human resources professionals are often at risk of making mistakes that can lead to problems for their organizations.

Powerball jackpot reaches $643 million ahead of tonight’s Michigan Lottery drawing

A $643 million Powerball jackpot is available in tonight’s drawing, with a cash option of $290.6 million.

Microsoft study finds interpreters and content creators most affected by workplace AI