Overview:
- Mayor Sheffield calls on corporate employers to match Detroit's $21.45 per hour living wage during her first State of the City address.
- A federal judge authorizes partial payments to more than 12,000 adults injured in the Flint water crisis.
- A processing error over the weekend of March 6 caused some DTE Energy customers to receive erroneous late fees on their bills.
🏙️ Sheffield’s first State of the City targets wages, housing, property taxes Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield used her first State of the City address Tuesday to call on corporate employers to match the city’s new living wage of $21.45 per hour. The speech at Mumford High School highlighted a homeownership initiative with Dan Gilbert; plans to cut Detroit’s nation-leading property taxes; a goal of 1,000 new single-family homes; and the return of a $50 million affordable housing fund. Sheffield’s predecessor Mike Duggan praised the address. 📌 Source: Crain’s Detroit Business
🚰 Flint water crisis settlement inches toward finish line with new payment order A federal judge has authorized partial payments to more than 12,000 adults injured in the Flint water crisis, potentially signaling the final chapter of a lengthy settlement process. The split payment approach from the $626-million fund allows some disbursements while remaining appeals are resolved. Minors who are now adults may also opt for cash installments. Property damage payments began in December, with roughly 8,251 award letters issued as of late March. 📌 Source: The Detroit News
🔌 DTE Energy credits customers hit with erroneous late fees after March processing error A processing error over the weekend of March 6 caused some DTE Energy customers to receive erroneous late fees on their bills. DTE said the issue has been resolved and affected customers have been credited for any incorrect charges. The Michigan Public Service Commission said customers who didn’t take action may see a higher bill next month because their original payment didn’t process. Customers with questions can contact DTE through its website. 📌 Source: Detroit Free Press
🌳 Federal restructuring strips Michigan of Forest Service research as invasive threats mount The USDA is closing all four U.S. Forest Service research and development facilities in Michigan — in Houghton, East Lansing, Wellston, and L’Anse — as part of a sweeping reorganization that will relocate Forest Service headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Salt Lake City. An MSU forestry professor warned the closures could harm Michigan’s nearly 3 million acres of national forestland, which already faces threats from invasive pests and disease. The DNR is still assessing the impact. 📌 Source: The Detroit News
🦠 New COVID variant BA.3.2 raises concern over vaccine evasion, Michigan health officials say Public health officials are monitoring a new COVID variant called BA.3.2, nicknamed “cicada,” after a steady rise in U.S. cases. The variant has been detected in 25 states, including Michigan, where it represents less than 1% of circulating COVID. Its high number of mutations raise concerns it could evade immunity from prior infection or vaccination. Michigan health officials note COVID infection rates are declining, but so are vaccination rates, underscoring the importance of preventive measures. 📌 Source: Michigan Public
⛽ Whitmer signs executive order allowing cheaper gas blends Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared an energy emergency Thursday, signing an executive order waiving gas vapor pressure requirements in eight of Michigan’s most populous counties from May 1 through July 1. The move allows fuel stations to sell cheaper gasoline blends, offering drivers some relief as the Iran war drives up prices globally. Michigan’s average gas price hit $3.88 per gallon on April 2 — nearly a dollar more than a month ago, per AAA. 📌 Source: Detroit Free Press