Great Lakes Wire

Paid Time Off (PTO) is intended to give employees a break from work, but many workers are not fully disconnecting during their time away.

Livingston County man wins $100,000 on first try with Jumanji Rush online

A Livingston County resident has won a $100,000 prize after playing the Michigan Lottery’s Jumanji Rush online instant game for the first time.

Speaker Hall outlines priorities for historic low-output Michigan legislative session

The Michigan Legislature is on track to send the fewest bills to the Governor in a regular session since 1837, but House Speaker Hall indicated he is not concerned by this.

Three Democrats file committees as race heats up for vacant Michigan Senate seat

Two Democratic candidates have formed campaign finance committees to run for the vacant 35th Senate District seat in Michigan.

Sen. Nesbitt: If Gov. Whitmer cared about lowering costs, she 'wouldn’t have fought in court to raise taxes'

Aric Nesbitt, a Michigan Senator, has urged Governor Gretchen Whitmer to refrain from increasing taxes, instead of claiming to reduce costs for families.

Former Grandville orthodontist charged with multiple counts related to child exploitation

Thomas Shannon, a 43-year-old orthodontist who previously practiced in Grandville, Michigan, was arrested in Frankfort on charges related to child exploitation.

Michigan House Republicans launch education initiatives after state ranks 41st nationally

Michigan House Republicans have announced a series of new education initiatives aimed at empowering schools and informing parents.

NFIB urges restoration of premises liability protections for Michigan property owners

NFIB Michigan State Director Amanda Fisher appeared before the Michigan House Committee on Judiciary to discuss House Bill 4582, which seeks to partially reinstate liability protections for property owners when a hazard is considered “open and...

Chinese researcher pleads no contest in Michigan lab biomaterial smuggling case

By Great Lakes Wire | Aug 19, 2025

Chengxuan Han, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China, pleaded no contest to three smuggling charges and making false statements to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Jerome F....

NFIB voices support for Great Lakes Tunnel project at permit hearing

By Great Lakes Wire | Aug 19, 2025

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has submitted public comment in support of the Line 5 pipeline and the Great Lakes Tunnel project to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

Detroit investment fund owner sentenced for $39 million wire fraud scheme

Andrew H. Middlebrooks, the former majority owner and chief executive officer of EIA All Weather Alpha Fund 1 Partners (EIA), has been sentenced to 100 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud charges.

Speaker Matt Hall says legislative gridlock eases as Senate advances more House-sponsored bills

House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) stated Wednesday that the legislative impasse with Senate Democrats has been resolved after the Senate passed five House bills.

Wyoming man indicted for fentanyl trafficking and firearm possession

A federal grand jury has indicted Ramico Jovon Earvin, also known as “Pooh,” 43, of Wyoming, Michigan, on charges related to drug trafficking and firearm possession.

Founder of League of American Workers on marijuana: 'Weed is a scourge'

By Great Lakes Wire reports | Aug 18, 2025

Steve Cortes, founder of the League of American Workers, has voiced concerns about marijuana's impact on productivity and quality of life, particularly among young men.

Northern Michigan lawmakers split over pace of $100M ice storm relief bill

Northern Michigan lawmakers are divided over the speed at which financial relief should be delivered to communities impacted by ice storms in March.

Small Business Association of Michigan reviews state economic trends in latest briefing

Brian Calley and Sarah Miller from the Small Business Association of Michigan led a discussion on Michigan’s economic outlook, focusing on unemployment trends, labor force participation, and how national economic indicators affect local businesses.

Powerball jackpot reaches $605 million; largest prize so far this year