Michigan in Focus

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation to support the victims of crime by expanding access to support services for domestic and sexual violence survivors and adding privacy protections. Whitmer said the bills will "protect people's privacy and safety while ensuring swift prosecutions for those who commit these crimes.” Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

At 2 p.m. Wednesday, all new faces will be sworn into the Green Township Board after voters recalled five board members for supporting the Gotion electric vehicle battery plant that’s acted as a flashpoint to locals. The $2.4 billion EV plant has divided locals. Some welcomed the estimated 2,350 jobs created over 10 years in a county fighting population and job loss, while others questioned the $715 million taxpayer funding to Gotion Inc., a North American company in California that is a subsidiary of Gotion High-Tech in Shanghai. Funding includes a $125 million grant for job creation, a 30-year Renaissance Zone to Mecosta County valued at $540 million, and a $50 million performance-based grant. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

While the United Auto Worker union auto strike might soon end, Detroit's casino strikes are ongoing. The three casinos remain open but 3,700 members from five unions have been on strike since Oct. 17 seeking better pay and benefits affecting MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown. In 2020, workers agreed to a three-year contract extension with minimal wage increases to help the industry reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. Striking members say they need raises to compensate for high inflation in Detroit and that the gaming industry is reaping record benefits but aren’t passing them down to workers. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The United Auto Workers Union and General Motors have reached a tentative agreement to end the auto strike, a report says, marking the possible end of a 45-day historic strike against the Big Three Automakers. Bloomberg News first reported the deal. The UAW hasn’t publicly released contract details yet. The deal follows days after the UAW and Stellantis reached a tentative deal after six weeks of the Stand Up Strike, a strategy in which the union strikes select factories against the Big Three - Stellantis, Ford, and GM. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Michigan Court of Claims ruled Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s office must either rescind or revise a May 2022 Manual for election poll challengers. The 15-page ruling analyzed four restrictions on poll challengers, including the credential form requirement, the requirement that communication only is with the “Challenger Liaison”, the prohibition on recording “impermissible challenges,” and the prohibition on electronic devices in the Absent Voter Counting Board. The court found the rules should have been promulgated through the Administrative Procedures Act. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A new bill aims to help Michigan students with dyslexia learn to read and write. Rep. Kathy Schmaltz, R-Jackson, introduced the plan. House Bill 5135 aims to ensure all Michigan school districts have at least one teacher trained in the Orton-Gillingham method, a well-established and effective approach to teaching students with dyslexia that breaks reading and spelling down into smaller skills involving letters and sounds, according to supporters. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the 41st day on strike, the United Auto Workers Union reached a tentative deal with Ford Motor Co. About 20,000 Ford workers at the Kentucky Truck Plant, Chicago Assembly Plant and Fort Wayne Assembly Plant will return to work while the agreement goes through the ratification process, with the UAW National Ford Council convening in Detroit to review the agreement. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Farmington Hills man was sentenced to 128 days in jail and two years probation for organized retail fraud by Judge Cheryl Matthews in the 6th Circuit Court in Oakland. In September, Brian Roussey, 31, pled guilty to three counts for operating a theft and resale scheme of KitchenAid brand stand mixers from metro Detroit Target stores. He was ordered to pay $20,108 in restitution to Target. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Michigan Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday about whether the government can use drones to surveil private property without a warrant and use that evidence in court for zoning disputes. For two years, Long Lake Township zoning officials flew a drone over Todd and Heather Maxon’s property in northern Michigan near Traverse City, taking photographs and videos as part of a zoning dispute that he was running an illegal junkyard. The Institute for Justice, a public interest law firm, is defending the Maxons. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

About 3,700 casino workers in Detroit walked out on strike at noon Tuesday after failing to reach a new contract. The strike affects operations at the MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown and workers including dealers, cleaning staff, food and beverage workers, valets, engineers, and more. Workers represented by the Detroit Casino Council are seeking higher pay and better benefits. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Despite receiving federal COVID funds, Michigan's financial condition worsened in 2022. A new report found every Michigander must pay $12,100 to bail the state out of debt. Financial watchdog Truth in Accounting released its 14th annual Financial State of the States report, which provides a comprehensive analysis of the fiscal health of all 50 states based on the latest available data. The report found Michigan ranked 38 out of 50 for finances because it has $47.4 billion but $88 billion worth of bills – a $40.7 billion deficit. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. unveiled “You Can in Michigan” — a new talent attraction marketing campaign launching nationally. The campaign follows reports of population loss and an estimated more than 270,000 more people will leave the state by 2050. Michigan has lost more than 40,000 residents since 2020. The $20 million campaign showcases Michigan via new television commercials, radio spots, print placements, social channels and themichiganlife.org, a new website for job seekers to explore the state. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A federal judge has found the owner of the Edenville Dam responsible for widespread flooding in May 2020, that together with heavy rain, forced the evacuation of more than 10,000 people from 3,500 homes in mid-Michigan. U.S. District Court Judge Paul Maloney granted Attorney General Dana Nessel a summary judgment against Boyce Hydro. Nessel had filed the motion on behalf of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and the Department of Natural Resources. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan House Republicans want an investigation into potential conflicts of interests for House Appropriations Committee Chair Angela Witwer, who was instrumental in forming the state’s record $82 billion budget. On Sept. 5, a Detroit News report disclosed Witwer’s business connections involving a company she co-founded in 2007, Lansing-based public relations firm Edge Partnerships. Witwer was mentioned as an owner of the firm in a social media post in 2021. Company clientele include the Michigan Department of Education, Farm Bureau Insurance and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel moved to dismiss an August lawsuit arguing the state's income tax drop from 4.25% to 4.05% should be permanent. The Mackinac Center for Public Policy sued State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks over an interpretation of a 2015 law requiring the individual income tax rate to decrease automatically if year-over-year state general fund revenues increase at a greater rate than inflation. The group represents the Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan, National Federation of Independent Business, Inc., Sen. Ed McBroom, Rep. Dale Zorn and six individual taxpayers. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Eleven Michigan Republican lawmakers filed a federal lawsuit challenging election changes voters approved in 2018 and 2022. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, the plaintiffs say election officials violated state legislators’ rights because the U.S. Constitution and the Michigan Constitution require state legislatures to regulate the times, places, and manner of federal elections. The lawsuit says Proposal 2 of 2022 and Proposal 3 of 2018, constitutional amendments regulating the times, places, and manner of federal elections, are legally null and void. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A day after Ford Motor Co. said it would pause construction on its $3.5 billion Marshall electric vehicle battery plant subsidized by $1.7 billion, the state of Michigan allocated the site another $65 million. The Michigan Strategic Fund approved a $65 million Strategic Site Readiness Program Grant to the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance for land acquisition, site studies and water and wastewater upgrades. On top of that, lawmakers approved $750 million for site readiness. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A group called on the Democrat-dominated Michigan Legislature to boost electric vehicle incentives so the state can reach 2 million registered statewide by 2030. Illinois leads the Midwest race to register EVs with nearly 80,000 EVs, while Minnesota has 41,417 and Michigan has 34,380. For Michigan to reach its EV goal, it must register 280,803 EVs each year until mid-2030, which would require registering 23,400 EVs every month for seven years. The Clean Cars 2030 coalition called for Michigan to offer more EV incentives, citing a study from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy that ranked Michigan 26th nationwide for EV incentives. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Office of The Inspector General will receive $749,987 to reduce food stamp fraud. The grant funds innovative concepts and best practices over the next three years to detect, investigate and prevent the misuse of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program program Benefits, which security experts say is a “national problem.” The award will support program integrity efforts including computer forensic examiner software and hardware to assist in cybercrimes associated with SNAP. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

More than $553 million in funding to underinvested pensions will flow to 120 Michigan communities. The Protect MI Pension grant program, a $750 million appropriation included in the fiscal year 2022-23 budget, allows local municipal units with pension plans funded below 60% as of December 2021 to receive state funds. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan lawmakers are frustrated after the Federal Emergency Management Agency rejected a request for financial aid to fix damages from flooding in the Upper Peninsula between April and May. State Reps. Greg Markkanen, R-Hancock, and Dave Prestin, R-Cedar River said the flooding caused millions in damages to the UP. The request for a major disaster declaration would have brought public assistance and hazard mitigation to the Upper Peninsula to assist people who were directly impacted by the flooding – whether that be health, home, business, a broken road or more. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

United Auto Worker Union President Shawn Fain gave the Big Three Detroit Automakers a noon deadline on Friday to strike a deal or more workers will walk out of factories. It’s the first UAW strike in history hitting Ford, Stellantis and General Motors simultaneously. But this time, the strikes target specific plants, dubbed the “stand-up strike,” in which they’re striking about 12,700 of their workers. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Michigan lawmaker wants Auditor General Doug Ringler to investigate state prison staffing practices. Rep. Sarah Lightner, R-Springport, sent a letter to Ringler requesting a review of staffing shortages and alleged violations of federal and state labor regulations within the Michigan Department of Corrections. The MDOC has more than 13,000-full time positions as of fiscal year 2023. Lightner represents Jackson County, home to several state prisons and a large population of corrections employees. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some Republicans and Democrats agree Michigan's Freedom of Information Act should be reformed and will propose legislation later this year. Sen. Jeremy Moss, a Southfield Democrat, called FOIA reform a “good government” issue. A 2015 report gave Michigan an ‘F’ grade for government transparency and accountability. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel sued the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority over alleged PFAS contamination. The lawsuit claims the airport authority is liable for previous releases of PFAS-containing firefighting material known as aqueous film-forming foams, under Part 201 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, as well as for violations of its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, PFAS are man-made chemicals often used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1940s, including in nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets and some cosmetics. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When Michigan voters passed Proposal 1 in November 2022, they required the governor, the lieutenant governor, the attorney general, the secretary of state and each lawmaker to file an annual financial disclosure report with the Department of State. The report must disclose assets, income sources, liabilities, positions held, gifts received, and more, a House Fiscal analysis says. But the Legislature must enact the provisions. If not enacted by Dec. 31, a Michigan resident could sue the Legislature and the governor in the Michigan Supreme Court to enforce the provisions. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a coalition of 19 states and the District of Columbia by filing an amicus brief with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, arguing Title IX exemptions established by the Trump Administration hurt gay and transgender students. The brief is part of Hunter v. U.S. Department of Education. The case began in response to Trump Administration exemptions to Title IX, Other groups, such as Christian universities, argue the legal exemption is necessary under the First Amendment. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A new bill aims to protect public access to government communications under the Freedom of Information Act by preventing the government from speaking in code to thwart records requests. State Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township, introduced the legislation after a lawsuit claimed Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's administration used encrypted Greek letters to discuss the Benton Harbor water lead crisis to avoid public scrutiny. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposed enacting a paid family leave program, a 100% clean energy standard and codifying the Affordable Care Act in her "What's Next" speech that outlined the fall agenda Wednesday. The second-term Democratic governor outlined her priorities as state Democrats control the governor's office, House and Senate in Michigan for the first time in 40 years. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan will spend $5 million to survey replacing the state’s waning gas tax revenue with a miles-traveled tax as more electric vehicles drive on roads but pay less to fix them relative to gas- and diesel-fueled vehicles. The newly signed $82 billion 2024 budget directs state officials to apply for grant funding “under the national motor vehicle per-mile user fee pilot program” under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Upon awarded grant funding, Michigan must establish a pilot program to determine the feasibility of road usage charges to replace motor fuel taxes for transportation funding. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has said it’s too early to determine whether Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s new education agency is legal or not.On Aug. 8, the State Department of Education requested an attorney general legal opinion regarding the constitutionality of Whitmer’s executive order creating the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential. Nessel responded in a letter, saying: “At this point, the EO is not yet effective and therefore has not been implemented by MiLEAP. And the Board acknowledges that, at this point, there is only the potential for overlap in the future, and no specific set of facts was provided for review.” Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Three different Michigan Department of Transportation projects began this week with funding coming from the Rebuilding Michigan $3.5 billion endowment, as well as the $5 billion Building Michigan Together Plan. Construction will be completed along I-75, M-55 and M-96. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan lawmakers and the State Board of Education are questioning if the creation of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s second education department is legal. Rep. Angela Rigas, R-Caledonia, called on Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to block the department's creation. Last week, the board voted unanimously to ask Nessel for her opinion on whether Whitmer's recently unveiled Michigan Department of Lifelong, Education, Advancement and Potential is legal. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan plans to spend $17 million funding drone aerial infrastructure projects via the 2024 $82 billion budget. About $10 million will fund advanced aerial mobility projects including vertiports, drone hubs and ports and last-mile delivery. Another $7 million will fund a drone park at Battle Creek Unlimited called MICH-AIR, an advanced air mobility park at the Battle Creek Executive Airport that includes about 200 acres of land available for development. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The way vehicles look has changed drastically since the early 1900s, but roads haven’t changed as much in regard to safety features. Vehicle technology now includes blind-spot motion-sensors, automatic braking and better airbags, but for the most part, roads don’t include safety features. One company says they can make roads with sensors that give real-time updates to first responders, the Michigan Department of Transportation and other drivers with advanced cars, which would make the state’s highways more safe and less congested. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan taxpayers will pay $506,000 to five private boating companies and one university to demonstrate electric boating potential on the Great Lakes, including shore-side charging stations. The funds support six entities: Arc Boat Company, Aqua superPower,Hercules Electric Mobility, Lilypad Labs, Michigan Technological University, and Voltaic Marine, Inc. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Multiple times in 2021, Michigan’s utilities left more than 100,000 people in the dark after powerful storms uprooted trees and left inches of ice coating power lines – more than its Midwest neighbors, according to federal data. The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s annual 2021 electric power report says Michiganders faced more than 800 minutes of electric interruptions in 2021 that lasted longer than five minutes – nearly double the national total and more than its Midwest neighbors. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The city of Flint has repeatedly made media lists for being among the most dangerous cities in America, and its been under a gun violence emergency since June 2021. The federal government and a non-profit have pitched in with millions of dollars to boost funding for the city’s police department. Flint’s police have been one of the most-funded operations in the city, costing almost twice as much as any other department. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan's charter school association is citing a national study that showed it was one of 10 states or regions in the country that performed better than its peer students in traditional public schools. The Michigan Association of Public School Academies cited the 2023 CREDO study that stated Michigan had learning gains in reading and math that were statistically larger than traditional public schools. The study used data from 2014 to 2019 as measured by state achievement tests. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill funding 45 outdoor recreation projects with $23.3 million in Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants. House Bill 4437 approves funding for the 45 development projects and land purchases recommended by the board. The Trust Fund board recommends funding to state and local agencies for development projects and land acquisitions that it believes will increase the quality and quantity of public outdoor recreation opportunities. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Plymouth Township trustees have yet to say if Michigan taxpayers will shell out $25 million to move a horse racetrack 4.5 miles. When the Northville Downs horse racetrack closes at this year's end, it might move to Plymouth Township. Established in 1944, Northville Downs is Michigan’s oldest and only nighttime harness racing track. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Detroit sibling pair along with two others are accused of stealing $3.5 million from taxpayers via an unemployment fraud scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison. Charged are Kenny Lee Howard III, 30, Keila Lanae Howard, 34, David Christopher Davis, 25, and Stevenvan Eugene Ware, 30. Court records say the Howards and the two other defendants filed over 700 unemployment insurance claims in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona, California, New York, Kansas, Maryland, Tennessee, Hawaii, and Guam. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A federal indictment unsealed this week accused seven people of stealing $11 million from 50 victims in West Michigan and nationwide, most of whom were elderly people. U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten welcomed the charges targeting an international crime ring. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

More than a decade after the state of Michigan took over the city of Flint due to financial debt, the city of Flint is facing the same financial problems. The state of Michigan took over the city of Flint's finances in December 2011 when then-Gov. Rick Snyder, a Republican, appointed an emergency manager. The state took over because Flint was in a financial mess with an underfunded pension system and debt-ridden budgets. Flint experienced a consistent deficit in the general fund as well as other budget issues and unfunded liabilities in the pension system. In June 2009, the city's pension system was funded at 68%. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Detroit taxpayers forked over $56 million in police settlement payouts between 2020 and four months of 2023. Those payouts are a record amount in recent history, but public officials won’t explain why. That’s an increase of $38 million compared to the Detroit Police Department’s settlement payouts from 2018-2020, which totaled $18 million, according to documents obtained through records requests. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Despite an injection of millions of federal stimulus money, the city of Flint had a deficit in 2021-22 and is projecting more red ink for its general fund through 2024-25. The city of Flint had a $3.8 million general fund deficit in 2021-22 and estimates it will finish 2022-23 with a $14.4 million deficit, according to budget documents. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order establishing the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, or MiLEAP. MiLEAP is meant to improve education outcomes from preschool through postsecondary by establishing clear metrics, collaborating with cross-sector leaders at the local, regional, and state level, and developing a shared action plan. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michigan lawmakers have introduced bills they assert are “totally different” than Michigan’s past film incentive program, which was spiked by former Republican Gov. Rick Snyder in 2015. The recently introduced Multimedia Jobs Act aims to give a 30% tax credit to Michigan companies that hire Michiganders. The bill sets a base 25% tax credit for in-state spending with an extra 5% awarded for including the words "filmed in Michigan," "Pure Michigan," "Michigan Film & Digital Media Office," and the MiFIA logo. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Detroit’s Midtown Cultural Center will receive $12 million from Michigan taxpayers if, as anticipated, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs the 2024 budget passed last week by legislators. The money will supplement the anticipated $38 million first phase of multiple projects to renovate a number of landmarks, among them the Midtown Cultural Center that includes the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Public Library, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and the Detroit Science Center. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency report shows in fiscal year 2017-18, adjusted total appropriations equaled $55.8 billion. From fiscal year 2017-24, spending ballooned to $82 billion – a spending increase of $26 billion, or 47%. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 2024 budget alone adds 899 government workers. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michigan-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.