News & Fun in Michigan
Jonathan Leeaveret Williams, 31, has been charged with second-degree murder following the fatal shooting of his coworker, Harmond Ulmer, on October 6, 2024, in Detroit. The shooting occurred after a verbal altercation escalated. Williams is currently held without bond, with legal proceedings scheduled for later this month.
Jason Ross, 50, was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the 2021 murder of his girlfriend, Kathleen Hales, 47, in Sterling Heights. He was found guilty after a 10-day trial, having brutally attacked her with a hammer and stabbing her. Prosecutors highlighted the case’s significance in addressing domestic violence.
Marriott International has agreed to pay $52 million following a multi-state investigation into a significant data breach affecting 131.5 million records, including sensitive customer information. The breach, undetected for nearly four years, prompted demands for improvements in cybersecurity measures. Michigan will receive $1.2 million from the settlement to enhance consumer data protection.
Michigan lawmakers are considering legislation to implement mobile panic alert systems in schools to enhance security amid rising student safety concerns. State Sen. Michael Webber’s proposal includes mandatory adoption by the 2025-2026 school year and allocates $6.7 million for initial funding. The initiative reflects a national trend towards improving school emergency responses.
State Sen. Thomas Albert proposes legislation for Michigan school districts to create their own cellphone policies to combat distractions impacting students’ learning and mental health. He advocates local solutions over statewide mandates and emphasizes the importance of addressing cellphone usage for improved academic performance and student well-being in schools.
Michigan’s $175 million “Grow Your Own” initiative supports over 160 school districts in addressing the teacher shortage by funding the certification of existing staff. This program allows current employees to gain teaching credentials through partnerships, benefiting students and enhancing staffing in critical areas, particularly in rural and special education sectors.
Michigan lawmakers are advancing legislation to enhance consumer protections against data breaches and price gouging during emergencies. Proposed bills would require timely reporting of data breaches and define price gouging, enabling legal actions against violators. Attorney General Dana Nessel supports these reforms to address rising cyberattacks and protect vulnerable consumers.
Michigan’s Northern Michigan Passenger Rail project is advancing with federal support, particularly a 2022 RAISE grant. This initiative aims to connect Southeast and Northwestern Michigan through a 240-mile rail corridor, enhancing transportation equity, boosting economic development, and facilitating access to Amtrak’s network, all while supporting sustainable infrastructure and clean mobility.
