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.
The University of Michigan will no longer require diversity statements for faculty hiring, following a working group’s concerns about academic freedom and ideological conformity. While some faculty criticized this decision as undermining DEI efforts, others supported it, highlighting a national debate on balancing diversity and free expression in higher education.
Michigan is currently facing severe winter storms, resulting in heavy snow, strong winds, and hazardous travel conditions. Southeast Michigan will experience light snow and frigid temperatures, while the Upper Peninsula is under heavy snow bands with low visibility, prompting travel warnings and advisories from the National Weather Service.
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) Michigan Winter Energy Report forecasts increased electricity demand and reduced natural gas prices this winter. Energy Demand on the Rise for Residential and Commercial Customers The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) released its Winter Energy …
The Michigan Department of State has suspended LaFontaine Hyundai of Livonia’s license due to fraud allegations, including leasing used vehicles as new and falsifying documents. The dealership faces several regulatory violations, prompting concerns for consumer safety and possible legal actions against it.
Michigan workers facing wrongful repayment of pandemic unemployment benefits can join a $55 million class action settlement until December 20, 2024. The lawsuit addresses issues stemming from the UIA’s overwhelmed system during COVID-19, offering financial relief and improved services moving forward.
In 2025, Social Security offices will shift to appointment-based services to enhance efficiency and customer experience, while still allowing walk-ins for urgent cases. The two-phase rollout aims to reduce wait times and improve online transaction usage, ensuring accessibility for all, especially vulnerable populations.
The Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies and Michigan State University have partnered to modernize the MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education, enhancing its facilities and economic impact. This collaboration aims to elevate agricultural education and support Michigan’s farming community through improved resources and events.
The Brandon Road Project, initiated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in collaboration with Illinois and Michigan, aims to prevent invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes. This critical effort seeks to protect the region’s ecological and economic health through advanced engineering solutions and regional cooperation.
