Briefs
Detroit resident physicians file for union recognition
Adding to the ongoing surge of unionization activity in the last few years, a group of resident physicians in Detroit announced Friday that they have filed union authorization cards with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). This marks the first step of unionization for the health care workers, who work at Detroit Medical Center hospitals […]
MPSC OKs higher compensation for residents after power outages
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) on Friday approved an increase in power outage credits for eligible customers from $25 to $35. The order also provides an additional $35 for each day customers are without power and makes the credits automatic. Previously, customers were required to apply for the credit. “The credits may not cover […]
Stop dumping toxic train-derailment waste in metro Detroit, lawsuit says
A Wayne County man is suing Norfolk Southern Corp. for exposing communities to “potential significant harm” when it transported and disposed hazardous waste from the Ohio train derailment to Wayne County facilities last month. The lawsuit in Wayne County Circuit Court alleges the company endangered the community by not properly monitoring the toxic waste before […]
On this day in 1980: Recording artist, activist Prince performs in Detroit for the first time
On March 23, 1980, the late recording artist Prince performed for the first time in Detroit. The concert stop was during Rick James’ “Fire It Up” tour at Cobo Arena. Janis Hazel, then a Detroit Cass Tech High School student, begged her parents to attend and they reluctantly approved. Prince, to some music critics, was […]
New Michigan COVID cases drop to under 6,000 in last week
Michigan is reporting 5,989 new COVID-19 cases, according to a weekly report the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released Tuesday. That’s a decrease from the last report issued March 14, when the state said there were 7,438 new cases for the week. A total of 3,077,552 Michiganders have tested positive for COVID-19 since […]
U of M graduate instructors to hold strike authorization vote
Updated, 7:59 a.m., 3/22/23 Members of the Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO) AFT Local 3550 are a step closer to striking following a general membership meeting on Monday in which they voted to initiate the strike authorization process. The union, which is an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), represents Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) […]
Biden signs bill declassifying information on the origin of COVID-19
WASHINGTON — The U.S. director of national intelligence has three months to declassify information on potential links between China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology and the origin of COVID-19, after President Joe Biden signed legislation Monday. The bill was one of the first Biden has signed since a 118th Congress split between the two parties began […]
On this day in 1847: Legislature creates Holland Twp. where Ottawa tribe members lived
On March 16, 1847, the Michigan Legislature created Holland Township. The action occurred only 10 years after the state was admitted in the United States. The general area had traditionally been inhabited by Indigenous people of the Ottawa tribe. The township was named Holland at the request of the Rev. Albertus Van Raalte. Earlier in […]
Wisconsin man pleads guilty in Whitmer kidnapping plot
A man from Wisconsin pleaded guilty to a five-year felony for his role in a plot to kidnap and likely assassinate Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2020, Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Wednesday. Brian Higgins, 54, of Wisconsin Dells, Wisc., pled guilty to one count of attempting to provide material support for terrorism. His sentencing date […]
Detroit’s Wayne State University announces free tuition for families earning less than $70K
Michigan families with annual incomes of $70,000 or less are now eligible for the “Wayne State Guarantee,” a new program that offers a tuition-free degree from Detroit’s Wayne State University with zero out-of-pocket expenses. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined WSU officials on Monday to announce the program, set to begin in fall 2023. “Students in Michigan […]
Michigan COVID cases rise, deaths drop in last week
Michigan is reporting 7,438 new COVID-19 cases, according to a weekly report the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released Tuesday. That’s an increase from the last report issued March 7, when the state said there were 6,903 new cases for the week. A total of 3,071,563 Michiganders have tested positive for COVID-19 since […]
On this day in 1994: President Clinton hosts world leaders at Detroit jobs summit
On March 14, 1994, President Bill Clinton hosted leaders of the world’s industrial nations at Detroit’s Fox Theatre. There, they met about job creation in a sluggish economy. Called the “Group of 7” or commonly known as G7, was a set of meetings included Great Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan and the United […]