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Local Death Notices for the Novi, Michigan area
Residents rallying outside for energy rate justice

Detroit Residents Rally Against DTE Energy’s Rate Hike Proposal

May 31, 2025

News Summary

On May 29, Detroit residents, advocacy groups, and state lawmakers protested DTE Energy’s $574 million rate hike proposal outside the Michigan Public Service Commission. This request marks DTE’s fourth increase attempt in five years, with an average monthly customer bill expected to rise by $13.50. Activists argue that the hikes are unjustified, especially amid local socioeconomic challenges. Calls for greater transparency and legislative action have emerged as concerns grow over corporate responsibility and consumer protection in Michigan.

Detroit – Residents, advocacy groups, and a state lawmaker rallied against DTE Energy’s proposal for a $574 million rate hike outside the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) meeting on Thursday, May 29. This marks DTE’s fourth request for a rate increase in five years, with the current proposal being more than double previous amounts granted. If approved, the average customer’s monthly bill would see an increase of approximately $13.50.

The rally commenced at 5 p.m. outside Cadillac Place on West Grand Boulevard, preceding a town hall-style MPSC meeting that lasted from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Various organizations, including the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Clean Water Action, and Detroit Action, organized the protest. Participants expressed their discontent by carrying signs with messages such as “Rate hikes? For what?” and “Our energy bills are too damn high,” while chanting slogans like “Enough is enough!” and “We will take back our power.”

During the meeting, some attending residents voiced frustrations regarding DTE’s rate increases, which many feel are unjustified, given the socioeconomic challenges facing local households. For instance, state Rep. Donavan McKinney highlighted that his constituents are already struggling to pay existing utility bills, noting that the median income in his district is only $14,000. Activists argue that rising electricity costs are forcing families to make difficult choices between essential needs, such as food, medication, and utility payments.

Public discussions during the rally included calls for greater transparency from DTE and improved complaint handling by the commission. Suggestions for improvement involved monthly public reporting and clearer summaries of decisions made regarding electric rates. Public concern over increasing electricity rates has attracted the attention of state lawmakers, leading to legislative initiatives to address the political influence of major utility companies.

In February 2024, state Rep. Dylan Wegela introduced bills designed to mitigate the political clout of Michigan’s largest utilities. This legislative response indicates a growing frustration that has permeated the public and political spectrum in Michigan, as repeated requests for rate hikes raise questions about corporate responsibility and consumer protection.

Historically, recent rate increase requests by DTE have not been wholly approved. In early 2025, the MPSC sanctioned a substantially lower rate hike than requested. DTE Energy had sought $456.4 million but received only $217.4 million. Rate increase requests can be made annually by utilities, which DTE has strategically utilized over the last four years, further igniting concerns among the public and advocacy groups.

DTE asserts that these increased rates are essential to meet investment goals and enhance reliability. However, skepticism persists, especially after a third-party audit revealed that DTE and Consumers Energy had been sluggish in restoring power after outages and appeared to focus more on capital investments than on maintenance and customer service improvements. DTE claims a 70% improvement in customer outage time in 2024 compared to the previous year, but this assertion is met with doubt from consumers.

The MPSC operates within a legal timeline of 10 months to process rate increase requests. This timeframe will see significant scrutiny as community and advocacy groups continue to voice their opposition to DTE’s latest proposal. DTE indicated that the intent behind the proposed rate increase is to secure funding aimed at enhancing grid reliability and supporting the transition to cleaner energy sources.

This proposed rate increase, if granted, signifies one of the largest hikes requested by DTE in recent decades, with some households facing bill increases from $104.80 to $115.83 based on typical usage. As discussions unfold and community protests continue, the future of DTE Energy’s rate hike remains uncertain amidst rising public outcry.

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An urban view of Michigan depicting economic challenges with 'Help Wanted' signs.

Michigan Unemployment Claims Surge Amid Economic Challenges

May 31, 2025

News Summary

Recent data from the U.S. Department of Labor indicates a significant rise in unemployment claims in Michigan, with new jobless claims reaching 8,560 last week. This marks a notable increase from previous weeks, reflecting ongoing economic difficulties. Unemployment claims rose both in Michigan and nationally, with trends showcasing rising unemployment rates and significant job losses in various sectors. Legislative changes regarding unemployment benefits have been implemented to provide additional support as the state navigates these economic challenges.

Lansing – Initial unemployment benefit claims in Michigan surged last week, as recent data from the U.S. Department of Labor highlighted ongoing economic difficulties throughout the state. The number of new jobless claims rose to 8,560 for the week ending May 24, a significant increase from the 5,231 claims filed the previous week.

Nationally, unemployment claims also saw an upswing, reaching 240,000 last week, which was an increase of 14,000 from the 226,000 claims reported the week before, indicating a broader trend of rising unemployment across the country.

Recent Trends in Michigan’s Unemployment Claims

The upward trend in unemployment claims is concerning, particularly given that for the week ending May 3, Michigan recorded 12,287 new claims, which was a nearly 130% increase from 5,381 the week prior. This spike was notable, as the average number of new claims in the preceding months hovered around 6,000.

The manufacturing sector, along with accommodation, food services, and administrative support services, bore the brunt of these job losses and initial claims during the week ending May 3. Unemployment claims in states like North Dakota and Wyoming varied significantly, with North Dakota experiencing a whopping 187.7% increase, while Wyoming saw the highest decrease at 24.6%.

Michigan’s Unemployment Rate and Mass Layoff Notices

Michigan’s unemployment rate stood at 5.5% for March, marking an increase from 4.2% in March of the previous year, continuing a trend of rising unemployment rates for the third consecutive month. In March alone, the state lost 5,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector and 4,000 in the professional and business services sector.

Several companies have filed WARN Act notices announcing potential mass layoffs that could further increase future unemployment claims. Notable layoffs included Akasol, which closed production in Michigan and laid off 188 workers, while Flagstar Bank announced plans to lay off around 400 employees.

Unemployment Benefits Adjustment and Legislative Changes

Effective April 2, Michiganders receiving unemployment benefits saw an increase in their payouts. The weekly maximum unemployment benefit rose from $362 to $446, and the duration for claiming benefits was extended to 26 weeks. This increase in benefits marks the first adjustment in over ten years and was made possible due to recent legislation signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

This law aims to provide retroactive benefits where applicable, projecting maximum benefits to further increase to $530 by 2026 and $614 by 2027. Additionally, the per-dependent amount for unemployment benefits is set to rise from $6 to $12.66 this year, with further increases planned for future years, helping to support families in need.

Reform After Lawsuit Settlement

A recent lawsuit against the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) concluded with a $55 million settlement. This settlement was related to improperly collected overpayments during the pandemic, affecting over 23,000 workers who were incorrectly asked to repay benefits before they had exhausted their rights to appeal. The UIA has since implemented reforms to provide clearer guidance for claimants regarding their rights and improve access to unemployment benefits.

As Michigan navigates these ongoing economic challenges, the need for effective unemployment support and job growth remains critical, underscoring the importance of responsive government policies and community resources.

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A community impacted by severe weather, showcasing dark storm clouds and lightning.

ZestyAI’s Severe Convective Storm Suite Approved in Michigan

May 31, 2025

News Summary

ZestyAI has received approval from the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services for its Severe Convective Storm suite. This advancement comes as Michigan faces soaring weather-related insurance losses, exceeding $5 billion since 2019. The suite aims to provide insurers with enhanced predictive analytics for property-level storm damage, improving risk management and supporting more effective underwriting processes. With severe weather events on the rise, this innovative solution is pivotal for the industry’s adaptation to evolving weather challenges.

Michigan – ZestyAI has received approval from the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services for its Severe Convective Storm suite. This development comes at a critical time as Michigan is grappling with a significant increase in weather-related insurance losses. The approval marks a pivotal point in enhancing the capabilities of insurance carriers in the state to better manage risks associated with severe weather conditions.

Since 2019, Michigan has recorded over $5 billion in insured storm damage, primarily driven by instances of hail and straight-line winds. Just last summer, intense storms in 2024 caused more than $1.2 billion in insured losses, highlighting the urgent need for more effective tools to assess and predict such weather-related damages. With the increasing intensity and frequency of severe weather events, insurers are under pressure to refine their approach to risk management.

ZestyAI’s platform utilizes advanced analytics to predict the likelihood and severity of insurance claims stemming from severe convective storms at an individual property level. The technology operates by analyzing local climatological data along with specific characteristics related to each property. This allows insurers to make informed decisions regarding underwriting and risk prevention strategies.

Impact on Insurance Industry

The approval of ZestyAI’s Severe Convective Storm suite equips Michigan insurers with critical insights for more accurate underwriting processes. By enhancing the ability to predict storm-related damages on a granular level, the suite facilitates more effective loss reduction strategies, addressing the evolving nature of weather risks.

According to Bryan Rehor, the Director of Regulatory Affairs at ZestyAI, the growing unpredictability of weather patterns necessitates innovative tools designed to mitigate risks for the insurance sector. As the landscape of severe weather continues to change, these tools are essential for adapting to new challenges.

Statewide Weather Challenges

Michigan’s approved suite represents the 17th state to endorse ZestyAI’s technology, indicating a broader trend within the insurance industry to adapt to the growing challenges posed by severe weather. The persistent rise in insurance claims related to climate events underscores the need for enhanced predictive capabilities.

Data from various insurance assessments reveal that the majority of claims in the state have been attributed to hail and strong winds, which have become increasingly prevalent. As the state experiences shifts in weather patterns, the implications for insurance companies become more pronounced, escalating the demand for robust risk assessment tools.

Looking Ahead

The introduction of ZestyAI’s Severe Convective Storm suite is expected to play a significant role in how insurance carriers manage future storm-related risks. With the continued threat of severe weather, this approval may help streamline recovery processes and improve the financial stability of insurers in Michigan.

The need for such innovative solutions is underscored by Michigan’s history of substantial weather-related insurance claims. As climate conditions evolve, the agility and foresight offered by technological advancements like ZestyAI’s suite could pave the way for a more resilient insurance framework in the state.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the approval of ZestyAI’s Severe Convective Storm suite by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services comes at a crucial time as the state faces increasing weather-related losses. By providing precise, property-level insights, this technology aims to revolutionize how insurers assess risk and respond to severe weather, ultimately supporting a more secure approach to dealing with climate-induced challenges.

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United Airlines plane at Newark Liberty International Airport

United Airlines Announces Unprecedented Fare Cuts

May 31, 2025

News Summary

United Airlines has announced historic fare reductions for flights out of Newark Liberty International Airport this summer. This decision, which comes amid decreased ticket bookings due to operational issues and increased competition, provides travelers with rare opportunities for incredible deals, particularly in business class. However, operational challenges, including runway closures and air traffic control shortages, could impact flight schedules. Despite these obstacles, United anticipates an increase in operations as improvements are made, including a partnership with JetBlue to enhance service offerings for passengers.

United Airlines Offers Unheard-of Fare Cuts at Newark Liberty International Airport

In a bold move that has some flyers buzzing with excitement, United Airlines has just announced that summer fares for flights out of Newark Liberty International Airport will be the lowest in the airline’s history. This significant price dip comes in response to a steep drop in ticket bookings, which the airline attributes to the ongoing operational hiccups and heightened competition in the air travel market.

What to Expect This Summer

As United fights back from a decrease in passenger numbers, CEO Scott Kirby has claimed that Newark has more available seats due to the airline losing a sizable chunk of its bookings. Travelers looking to book a trip this summer may find some incredible deals, but it’s wise to keep an eye on potential delays or cancellations. Many passengers are hoping to snag unreal business class fares, like those from Newark to Los Angeles, though it’s worth noting that other routes might not see such dramatic discounts.

Challenges Facing Newark Airport

The road to these lower fares hasn’t been smooth sailing. Newark has faced a wave of operational challenges lately, including the temporary closure of one of its two main runways for repaving and upgrades. This has led to a significant reduction in the airport’s capacity, which ultimately caused a ripple effect of cancellations and delays. To make matters worse, equipment failures in April resulted in lost radar and radio frequencies for air traffic controllers, causing additional headaches.

Adding fuel to the fire, a severe shortage of air traffic controllers at the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control center has compounded Newark’s operational difficulties. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has played a significant role in managing the situation by limiting Newark to a mere 28 arrivals and 28 departures per hour, a considerable drop from the typical 77 flights during peak times.

Operational Adjustments and Improvements

In light of these ongoing complications, United has made the strategic decision to reduce its daily flight schedule, cutting around three dozen round-trip flights to enhance operational reliability. However, there may be a silver lining: despite the troubles, United recorded the best reliability weekend ever at Newark during the recently passed Memorial Day holiday, a promising indication of improvement.

A Bright Future Ahead

Looking down the road, there’s a high level of optimism for the summer travel season. With the runway reconstruction expected to wrap up by June 15, United anticipates an increase in flights, ramping up daily operations from about 293 to an impressive 380. Furthermore, the FAA’s recent adjustments are aimed at enhancing Newark’s on-time performance, potentially making it the best-performing airport in New York during the busy summer months.

Partnerships That Enhance Choices

JetBlue, has announced a new partnership that allows for the swapping of select flights at both Newark and JFK airports. This collaboration aims to enhance customer convenience and loyalty benefits, giving travelers the opportunity to earn and redeem points across both airlines. It’s definitely an exciting time to plan your travels!

Final Thoughts

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A collage depicting Pride events featuring rainbow flags and diverse celebration scenes.

Corporate Support for Pride Events Drops Significantly

May 31, 2025

News Summary

As Pride season approaches, corporate support for Pride events in the U.S. faces a dramatic decline, with NYC Pride reporting a 25% drop in corporate donors. This shortfall is affecting budgets across various cities, leading to event cancellations and reduced festivities. The decline is attributed to economic uncertainty and political backlash, pushing companies to reconsider their commitments. Despite these challenges, Pride events are still emphasizing resilience, with new themes encouraging community and identity. As corporate donations wane, individual and local business contributions are rising to bridge the funding gaps.

Corporate Support for Pride Events Takes a Dive

Pride season is just around the corner, but celebrations across the U.S. are facing some serious challenges this year. Recent data shows a significant drop in corporate support for Pride events, and it’s raising eyebrows—and concerns. The nonprofit managing NYC Pride has reported a staggering 25% decline in corporate donors in 2023. This decrease has led to an expected budget shortfall of about $750,000, leaving NYC Pride scrambling to cover essential costs.

Economic Uncertainty and Political Backlash

So, what’s behind this sudden decline in corporate sponsorship? Many sponsors are pointing to economic uncertainty linked to tariffs. More importantly, there are fears about backlash from the Trump administration. Companies are increasingly cautious about their public associations, especially with political climates pushing them to rethink their commitments. This trend isn’t just localized to New York; cities such as San Francisco, St. Louis, and St. Petersburg are also feeling the impacts.

Budget Gaps Ripple Nationwide

In San Francisco, Pride organizers are grappling with a $200,000 budget gap after losing a bunch of major corporate donors. Over in Kansas City, KC Pride has been hit hard too, experiencing a loss of around $200,000, which is roughly half of its annual budget. One of the hardest hits has been St. Louis, where Anheuser-Busch ended its 30-year sponsorship of PrideFest, creating a deficit of $150,000 for event organizers.

Struggles and Adjustments

As corporate donations dwindle, some Pride organizations are forced to make tough decisions. Many have had to cancel events or reduce the number of stages at their celebrations. Others are hiring cheaper headliners or even cutting out free food for volunteers. Celebrations that typically overflow with joy and excitement are now facing the financial music.

Resistance Amidst Challenges

Despite all these challenges, Pride events are continuing with themes reflecting the climate of resilience. This year, San Francisco’s theme is “Queer Joy is Resistance”, while NYC’s theme is “Rise Up: Pride in Protest.” These themes highlight the importance of community and identity, even as financial hurdles loom large.

Corporate Actions in a Shifting Environment

Interestingly, there’s been a shift in how companies are approaching their support. Many businesses that have faced political pressure have started donating anonymously to avoid the scrutiny that comes with public associations. This has left some wondering how genuine corporate love for Pride really is, especially when more consumers are leaning toward companies that remain neutral on social and political matters.

Political and Legislative Anti-Diversity Moves

To add salt to the wound, many Republican-led states are pushing forward with laws that restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives as well as LGBTQ+ rights. As a result, some companies have been rolling back their DEI goals and cutting ties with Pride organizations due to this growing political scrutiny.

New Avenues of Support

On a brighter note, with corporate support waning, alternative funding sources have been picking up. More individual donations and local business support are coming to the forefront. Crowdfunding efforts in various cities, notably Minneapolis, have proven successful, raising more than their intended goals and helping to alleviate some of those budget shortfalls.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, Pride is not just about the parties and parades; it’s a celebration of community, resilience, and identity. Amidst political challenges and financial shortfalls, organizers remain focused on the importance of coming together, highlighting that the spirit of Pride can endure despite the shifting landscape. Together, communities are finding ways to celebrate love, acceptance, and the ongoing fight for rights—no matter the obstacles in the way.

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Supportive steelworkers celebrating tariff announcements at a rally

Trump Doubles Steel Tariffs at Rally Celebration

May 31, 2025

News Summary

President Donald Trump announced a significant doubling of tariffs on steel imports to 50% during a rally. This announcement, made with the support of steelworkers, is aimed at revitalizing the domestic steel and aluminum sectors. Concerns were raised about the implications of a new investment deal with Nippon Steel, especially regarding job security and national interests. Trump offered reassurances to workers, emphasizing his commitment to protecting American jobs amid changing trade dynamics and the overall economic landscape.

Trump Takes Bold Step with Steel Tariffs at Rally Celebration

President Donald Trump made some big waves on May 30, 2025, by announcing that he is doubling tariffs on steel imports to a whopping 50%. This big reveal came during an energetic rally in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, where he was flanked by enthusiastic steelworkers all wearing hard hats, celebrating a new investment deal with the Japanese company Nippon Steel.

Tariff Changes and Implications

The new tariff rate, which jumps from 25% to 50%, is set to kick in on June 4, 2025. Alongside steel, Trump indicated that this tariff increase will also apply to imported aluminum. He believes this move will significantly uplift American workers in the steel and aluminum sectors. As he took the stage, it was clear he aimed to energize both workers and his supporter base.

Concerns about Nippon Steel’s Deal

As Trump celebrated the Nippon Steel investment, some eyebrows were raised regarding the partnership with US Steel. Not long ago, Trump had voiced opposition to Nippon’s ambitious $14.9 billion bid to take over US Steel. Despite this past hesitation, his latest rally marked a strong shift toward supporting the investment as a positive move for American steel. However, the United Steelworkers union expressed skepticism about the deal, raising concerns over national security and the potential risks to domestic jobs.

A Boost for Workers?

Trump confidently assured attendees that protections embedded in the agreement would safeguard every single steelworker’s job, pledging that all facilities would remain operational for the next decade. Adding to the excitement, he even promised a $5,000 bonus for each U.S. steelworker, which sent the crowd into cheers of joy and enthusiasm. Yet, not everyone seemed on board with the Nippon-US Steel deal, as some supporters questioned the specifics of the relationship, highlighting a discord amongst Trump’s base.

Trade Deficit and Economic Uncertainty

Interestingly, this announcement coincided with a significant reduction in the U.S. monthly goods trade deficit, which saw nearly a 20% decrease in imports as businesses adapted to the new tariff rules. Economists noted that while consumers haven’t yet felt a major impact from tariff-induced costs, hints of changes may surface in future inflation reports. The reality remains that the overall impact of these tariffs on business spending and confidence is still a question mark, especially with ongoing trade negotiations involving key nations like China.

The Rhetoric and Future Prospects

Throughout his speech, Trump did not shy away from revisiting familiar themes, declaring past betrayals and mistakes in Washington that, in his view, contributed to the steel industry’s decline. Additionally, he echoed previous claims about the 2020 election being stolen, showcasing his confidence about the upcoming 2024 election campaign.

Wrapping Up

As Trump prepares to roll out this new strategy, the landscape for American steel and aluminum appears poised for a shift. With $5,000 bonuses on the table for steelworkers and a firm commitment to protect domestic jobs, reactions remain mixed. The next few months will undoubtedly reveal more about the impact of these tariffs and the Nippon Steel investment on the U.S. industry and economy.

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