News & Fun in Michigan
Site announcements of changes that affect the Thumbwind website are highlighted.
News and events of Michigan’s Upper Thumb that are worth knowing in the region.
Here are some of the top stories.
Michigan’s unemployment rate increased to 5.0% in December, the highest since October 2021, contrasting with a national decline. Although nonfarm employment grew modestly, significant job losses in sectors like manufacturing highlight ongoing workforce challenges and recovery prospects for 2025.
Jesus Gaytan-Garcia, 45, was convicted by a federal jury for stealing $700,000 from the Pokagon Band’s Four Winds Casino in July 2023, following a scam involving a fraudulent call. His sentencing is pending, highlighting effective law enforcement collaboration.
In 2024, firearm detections at Detroit Metro Airport dropped 37.5%, with 60 firearms intercepted, reflecting a national trend. The TSA attributes this decline to public awareness campaigns, emphasizing the importance of correctly handling firearms to ensure safety at checkpoints.
Gun Lake Tribe plans to reopen the beloved fast food chain, starting with Wayland and Alpena. A Beloved Brand Returns to West Michigan Hot ‘n Now, a fast-food chain once synonymous with affordability and convenience, is making a comeback in West …
Michigan has sued President Trump over his executive order denying birthright citizenship to children of non-citizen parents, arguing it violates the Fourteenth Amendment. The lawsuit, joined by 20 states, warns of severe consequences for affected families and state resources.
President Trump’s executive order on January 20, 2025, prioritizes fossil fuel production, rolling back electric vehicle mandates. Critics argue it threatens Michigan’s auto industry jobs and undermines green energy progress, raising fears about the state’s economic future and competitiveness.
Activists at the University of Michigan, represented by the TAHRIR Coalition, criticize Attorney General Dana Nessel for pursuing charges against protesters, alleging racialized targeting and political retaliation. They demand the dismissal of charges and divestment from companies linked to human rights violations in Gaza.
Representatives Dingell and Fitzpatrick have reintroduced the Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act to include hearing aids in Medicare benefits. This bipartisan effort aims to reduce financial barriers, improve seniors’ quality of life, and address significant health risks related to untreated hearing loss.
