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.
Three individuals were sentenced for defrauding elderly victims through a large-scale international scheme that exploited over $2 million via wire and mail fraud. Principal defendant Fatai Okunola received 121 months in prison, while two accomplices received shorter sentences and ordered restitution for their roles in the conspiracy.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has denied petitions to revise the endangered status of gray wolves in the Western Great Lakes, citing insufficient scientific evidence. While the population has increased, the agency emphasized the need for robust data before potential reclassification or delisting actions.
Sen. Jim Runestad has urged Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to raise Michigan flags to full-staff on Jan. 20 for Trump’s inauguration, conflicting with a nationwide tribute to the late Jimmy Carter. This request highlights deep political divides and has sparked mixed reactions amid ongoing debates about respect and partisanship.
House Republicans in Michigan, led by Representative Bill G. Schuette, are advancing legislation to mitigate the impact of a Supreme Court ruling on wages and sick leave. The proposed bills aim to protect small businesses and workers, addressing concerns over potential economic harm.
Michigan Democrats are criticizing GOP plans to cut Affordable Care Act subsidies and Medicaid to fund tax breaks for the wealthy. They argue this will harm health care access for working families and threaten public education, prioritizing corporate interests over everyday Michiganders’ needs.
Michigan Senate Democrats and Republicans are collaborating to extend the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to include the governor and state legislators, addressing a longstanding exemption. This initiative aims to enhance government transparency, rebuild public trust, and align Michigan with national transparency standards.
Michigan Senator Sue Shink is urging House Republicans, led by Matt Hall, to expedite bipartisan legislation to enhance benefits for corrections officers. The stalled bills aim to improve recruitment and retention, addressing crucial staffing shortages and better compensation in law enforcement amidst ongoing political tensions.
The Michigan State Police has introduced its first battery electric vehicle, the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E, into service as part of a sustainability initiative. The vehicle will aid in patrolling state-owned properties, enabling real-time assessment of its performance, efficiency, and potential for cost savings.
