Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Michigan Supreme Court

Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Michigan Supreme Court

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 23, 2025

Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Michigan Supreme Court, Michigan Court of Appeals

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointments of Judge Noah Hood to the Michigan Supreme Court; Judge Mariam Bazzi to succeed Hood on the Michigan Court of Appeals, First District; Christopher Trebilcock to the Michigan Court of Appeals, Second District; and Daniel Korobkin to the Michigan Court of Appeals, Third District.

 

“Today, I’m announcing the appointment of a new member of the Michigan Supreme Court and three members of the Michigan Court of Appeals,” said Governor Whitmer. “These Michiganders all bring years of legal experience to their roles, and I am confident they will uphold the rule of law and serve the people admirably.”

 

Michigan Supreme Court

Noah Hood currently serves as a judge on the Michigan Court of Appeals, First District. Hood was first appointed to the Third Circuit Court by Governor Whitmer in 2019 and again to the Court of Appeals in 2022. Prior to his appointments to the bench, Judge Hood served as an assistant United States attorney in the Eastern District of Michigan and the Northern District of Ohio. Hood has been a member of the Detroit Bar Association since 2011 and has served as a fellow of the association since 2023. Hood serves as a member of the Michigan Court of Appeals Rules Committee, Education Committee, and AI Working Group. Hood is also a member of the Wolverine Bar Association and of the Association of Black Judges of Michigan.

 

Judge Noah Hood earned his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology from Yale.

 

“I have had the distinct honor of serving the people of the state of Michigan for the past six years,” said Judge Hood.  “I am deeply grateful to our Governor for her decision to appoint me to serve on our Supreme Court.  I am also grateful for what it represents. For as long as I serve, the people will always be able to count on me for even-handed justice.”

 

This appointment will be made to fill a partial term following the resignation of Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement.

 

“I am honored to appoint Judge Hood to the Michigan Supreme Court,” said Governor Whitmer. “He has served the people of Michigan on the bench since 2019, when I was honored to appoint him first to the Circuit Court and later, to the Court of Appeals. A proud Detroiter, graduate of Harvard Law, and active member of the legal community with both trial and appellate court experience, he will bring important perspectives to the highest court in our state. I want to thank him for his many years of public service and look forward to many more on the Supreme Court.”

 

SC Nominee

 

Michigan Court of Appeals – First District

Mariam Bazzi currently serves as a Judge on the Third Circuit Court in Wayne County, where she has been re-elected twice since first being appointed by Governor Rick Snyder in 2017. Bazzi serves on the board of Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities and is also a member of multiple state and national legal associations including the Detroit Bar Association, the Michigan Judges Association, the National Association of Women Judges, the National Arab American Bar Association, and the National Association of Muslim Lawyers. Bazzi previously served as a member of the Michigan Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs and on the Dearborn Board of Education, where she also served as President. Bazzi is the first Arab American woman in Michigan’s history to be appointed to the Michigan Court of Appeals.

Judge Mariam Bazzi earned her Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School and holds a Bachelor of Science in political science from the University of Michigan – Dearborn.

 

“I am deeply honored and humbled to be appointed by Governor Whitmer to serve on the Michigan Court of Appeals,” said Judge Bazzi. “I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Governor and her dedicated selection team for their time, effort, and commitment throughout this process. It is a profound privilege to serve the people of this great state, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the fair and impartial administration of justice. I also extend my warmest congratulations to our new Supreme Court Justice and to my fellow appointees to the Court of Appeals.”

 

Judge Bazzi will be appointed to fill a partial term after the forthcoming resignation of Judge Noah Hood.

 

“Judge Bazzi is a trailblazer, community leader, and proud Michigander,” said Governor Whitmer. “She brings years of experience to the court of appeals, where she will be the first Arab American woman appellate judge in Michigan’s history. I’m grateful for her continued service to the people of Michigan in this new role.”

 

Judicial appointment

 

Michigan Court of Appeals – Second District

Christopher Trebilcock is a senior principal at Clark Hill, PLC working in the areas of employment litigation, administrative litigation, traditional labor law, and election law. Prior to joining Clark Hill in 2018, Trebilcock practiced law at Miller Canfield for over 10 years. Trebilcock is a member of the American Bar Association’s Developing Labor Law Committee and the Federal Labor Standards Legislation Committee. Trebilcock is the first court of appeals appointee born and raised in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Trebilcock earned his Juris Doctor from Wake Forest University School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and business administration from Alma College.

 

“As a proud Yooper, I am deeply honored to accept this appointment. The values I learned from my upbringing and education—service, integrity, and critical thinking—have guided me throughout my career,” said Christopher Trebilcock. “I am humbled by this opportunity and the trust placed by Governor Whitmer in my ability to serve the people of Michigan. I also want to thank my colleagues at Clark Hill for their unwavering support, mentorship, and friendship. I look forward to getting to work and serving the state that raised me and shaped my values.”

 

This appointment will be made to fill a partial term following the resignation of Judge Mark Cavanagh.

 

“Chris is a skilled attorney who will serve the people admirably,” said Governor Whitmer. “He brings decades of experience in many areas of law to the bench and is making history as the first born-and-raised Yooper on the court of appeals.”

 

Judicial

 

Michigan Court of Appeals – Third District

Daniel Korobkin currently serves as legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, where he has worked since 2008. Korobkin also serves as a co-chair of the Michigan State Bar’s Access to Justice Policy Committee and is a member of the State Bar of Michigan’s representative assembly. Korobkin is also a member of the Detroit Bar Association, the Jewish Bar Association of Michigan, the American Constitution Society, and the National Lawyers Guild, among others, teaches part-time at the University of Michigan Law School, and volunteers as a judge for moot court competitions and first-year legal practice classes at the University of Michigan Law School and Wayne State University Law School.

Daniel Korobkin earned his Juris Doctor from Yale Law School, where he worked as a research assistant and teaching assistant through the law school’s Coker Fellowship. Korobkin also holds a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Swarthmore College.

 

“I am truly humbled and honored by this incredible opportunity for public service,” said Korobkin. “I am immensely grateful to Governor Whitmer for this appointment, and I look forward to serving the people of the State of Michigan on the Court of Appeals.”

 

This appointment will be made to fill a partial term following the resignation of Judge Jane Markey.

 

“Dan brings years of legal experience to the court of appeals,” said Governor Whitmer. “In addition to his leadership at the ACLU, he is an involved member of the community, serving in several organizations and associations. I am confident he will uphold the rule of law and serve the people of Michigan well.”

 

Judicial

 

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Oakland County to Host VTM Michigan 2025 Global Forum

Oakland County to Host VTM Michigan 2025 Global Forum

Oakland County to Host VTM Michigan 2025 Global Forum on Mobility Innovation

Post Date:04/22/2025 2:31 PM

• VTM Michigan 2025, hosted by Oakland County in partnership with MEDC and advanced business events (abe), will bring global automotive and mobility leaders to Pontiac on April 23–24 for two days of B2B meetings, expert panels and exhibitions on future transportation technologies.
• Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter will open the event, highlighting the region’s leadership in mobility innovation, alongside a keynote from Michigan Chief Mobility Officer Justine Johnson and panels on electrification, hydrogen, AI, cybersecurity and more.
• With participation from international companies and organizations, VTM Michigan offers unparalleled networking and collaboration opportunities for startups, Tier 1 suppliers, OEMs and researchers shaping the future of mobility.

Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County, in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and international organizer advanced business events (abe), is set to welcome the world’s automotive and mobility leaders to the second edition of VTM Michigan, an international business-to-business (B2B) mobility technology forum taking place April 23 – 24 at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac.

This two-day event will bring together key decision-makers, engineers, innovators and visionaries from across the globe to collaborate on the technologies shaping the future of transportation – from electric and hydrogen propulsion to AI, autonomous systems, vehicle connectivity and mobility infrastructure.

“Oakland County and the State of Michigan are on the front lines of mobility innovation,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter, who will open the event with welcome remarks. “VTM Michigan is a platform to showcase our deep automotive legacy and growing leadership in next-gen transportation technologies to a global audience.”

Following the success of its 2023 debut, which attracted 320 attendees from more than 10 countries, VTM Michigan 2025 promises an even more robust experience with:
• Expert-led technical presentations
• Targeted B2B matchmaking
• Exhibitions of cutting-edge mobility solutions
• Global participants representing Austria, Germany, South Korea, Sweden, the UK, the U.S. and more

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with startups, Tier 1 suppliers, major OEMs, academic experts and government leaders on the most pressing challenges and exciting innovations in the mobility space.

Agenda highlights include welcome remarks by County Executive Coulter, a keynote from Michigan Chief Mobility Officer Justine Johnson, and panel discussions on Building a Robust Regional Mobility Ecosystem, Vehicle Electrification Market Outlook, IoT & Vehicle Connectivity, AI in Intelligent Mobility, Cybersecurity in Automotive Innovation and the Future of Automotive Jobs & Skills featuring representatives from GM, UAW and Oakland County Michigan Works!

“VTM Michigan provides an unmatched opportunity to collaborate, explore solutions and drive real change,” said Dom Holmes, director of Oakland County Economic Development. “The road to the future of mobility begins in Oakland County.”

Home Energy Rebates Program to help families save

Home Energy Rebates Program to help families save

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2025
Jeff Johnston, EGLE Public Information Officer, [email protected], 517-231-9304

Governor Whitmer announces statewide Michigan Home Energy Rebates Program to help families save thousands on energy costs

Up to 15,000 Michiganders could lower home energy costs under rebate program

DETROIT — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the statewide launch of the Michigan Home Energy Rebates Program (MiHER), a program that will help households across the state save thousands of dollars on energy expenses through home energy improvements and new, efficient appliances.

The program, administered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), can make a big difference in lowering costs for families, as 86% of the energy used in a home comes from heating and cooling spaces, boiling water, cooking, and refrigeration.

“With the statewide launch of the MiHER program, we’re helping Michigan families save money while upgrading their homes to make them more efficient and cut energy costs,” Governor Whitmer said. “Michigan families should not have to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table. These upgrades aren’t just about savings – they’re about comfort and quality of life. Through these programs, households can qualify for up to $34,000 in rebates, helping to make critical home improvements more affordable.”

Up to 15,000 households across the state will benefit from the statewide rollout of MiHER. These rebate options support energy efficiency and electrification upgrades for single and multifamily homes. While all Michigan households – homeowners or renters – can pursue energy efficiency upgrades, MiHER will prioritize households with incomes at or below 80% of their county’s Area Median Income (AMI). Across the two programs, households are eligible for up to $34,000 in rebates.

MiHER includes two programs:

  • Home Efficiency Rebates (HER) will provide funding to lower the up-front cost of whole-home energy efficiency upgrades, including insulation, air sealing, and heating and cooling. HER covers rebates for energy efficiency upgrades that save 15%-20% of the home’s energy use. Households are eligible for up to $20,000.
  • Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) will help reduce the up-front cost of efficient electric technologies, with rebates for high-efficiency home appliances and equipment. Among the maximum rebates available are $840 for an electric stove or dryer; $1,750 for a heat pump water heater; $1,600 for insulation, air sealing and ventilation; $2,500 for electric wiring upgrades; and $8,000 for a heat pump for heating or cooling. Households are eligible for up to $14,000.

Michigan renters and homeowners interested in the programs can learn more at Michigan.gov/HomeEnergyRebates and can submit a MiHER application. Once the application is approved, households will be directed to select an approved MiHER contractor to conduct a home assessment. Eligible rebate work will be completed by MiHER contractors. Once the project is complete, the rebate payment will go directly to the MiHER contractor. For low-income households, 100% of the work is covered.

“Every Michigander deserves a comfortable, affordable, and energy-efficient home,” said EGLE Director Phil Roos. “We’re grateful for Governor Whitmer’s leadership and the continued support of our Legislature for policies that prioritize clean energy, economic equity, and affordability. By improving home efficiency and accelerating cleaner technology, we’re advancing Michigan’s sustainable and resilient future, all while aligning with EGLE’s mission to protect and enhance the places where we live, work, and play – today and for future generations.”

In addition to saving families thousands of dollars, MiHER is helping to create and sustain good-paying jobs in construction, HVAC, energy efficiency and appliance installation—boosting our workforce and supporting local communities. Contractors are an integral part of the success of MiHER by enrolling families, assessing homes, conducting energy upgrades and capturing energy savings. Contractors are also eligible to receive bonuses for qualified projects in eligible communities. Contractors are encouraged to sign up to become a MiHER contractor.

Michigan received $211 million for MiHER through the federal Inflation Reduction Act, which authorized the U.S. Department of Energy to establish Home Energy Rebates nationally, saving households up to $1 billion annually on energy bills and supporting more than 50,000 U.S. jobs.

In November, Michigan launched its program on a pilot basis in Marquette County and Holland, in collaboration with the Upper Peninsula Power Company, SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company, and the Holland Board of Public Works. This initial phase helped refine the program, making Michigan the first state in the Midwest to implement both components of the federal Home Energy Rebates program.

Among the beneficiaries of the pilot program was Upper Peninsula resident Laura Maze, who received home weatherproofing and electrical upgrades.

“There are no words to express my gratitude for thinking of me and my house for the pilot project,” Maze said. “My house is warmer, I don’t feel drafts, the floors are warmer, and I don’t hear a lot of road noise. I am just amazed.”

For more information on the MiHER program, visit Michigan.gov/homeenergyrebates or contact the CLEAResult Call Center at 855-510-7080.

DNR News: Get ready to go fishing!

DNR News: Get ready to go fishing!

 
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DNR News

April 23, 2025
Contact: Christian LeSage, 517-449-7073 or Lucas Nathan, 517-599-9323

Get ready to go fishing!

Trout and other seasons open Saturday

It’s time to dust off your fishing gear and get ready to put that new fishing license to good use: trout and the Lower Peninsula inland walleye and northern pike seasons open Saturday, April 26.

Make plans with your fishing buddies or bring someone new this year to share in the fun!

An angler waits for a bite in a fast-moving trout stream in Marquette County.Anglers should note that in Upper Peninsula waters, the walleye and northern pike possession seasons open Thursday, May 15.

Michigan’s muskellunge possession season on all Great Lakes, inland waters, the St. Marys River, Lake St. Clair, and the St. Clair and Detroit rivers opens Saturday, June 7 (catch-and-immediate-release fishing for muskellunge is open all year).

And don’t forget the catch-and-immediate-release season for largemouth and smallmouth bass is open all year on nearly all waters, unless otherwise closed to fishing. Check the current Michigan Fishing Regulations summary for specifics.

The possession season for bass opens statewide Saturday, May 24 — except for on Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River and the Detroit River, which open Saturday, June 21.

Storm damage

Anglers should be aware of potential road and waterway obstructions, including downed trees and branches, due to recent ice storm damage in Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle counties. Find up-to-date information about closures and conditions on the DNR storm recovery page.

An angler in a float tube nets a brook trout on a lake in Luce County.

Protect our waters

Michigan’s trout streams are under increasing threat from harmful species that affect habitat and food sources for trout and other fish. Both didymo (rock snot) and New Zealand mudsnail can be moved to new locations on waders, nets and gear. To protect Michigan waters, be prepared and take the time to decontaminate before moving to a new river or stream.

Learn about more actions anglers and boaters can take to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Fishing licenses

The new license season began April 1, so anglers should make sure they purchase a new fishing license for this fishing season. The 2025 annual fishing licenses are valid through March 31, 2026. If you need any assistance with your fishing license, contact DNR licensing staff at [email protected] or call 517-284-6057.

The 2025 Michigan Fishing Regulations and Inland Trout and Salmon Maps are available online at Michigan.gov/Fishing, along with other helpful fishing information. Buy your license online or download the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app to purchase your licenses, report harvests, access regulations, and get the latest hunting and fishing updates.


Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows. Credit: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, unless otherwise noted.

Angler: An angler catches a brook trout on an inland lake in Luce County.

Stream: An angler fishes for brook trout on a Marquette County stream.

Following severe ice storms in northern Michigan, the Department of Natural Resources is assessing damage and conducting cleanup at several state parks, state park campgrounds, state forest campgrounds, boating access sites and state-managed trails. Find up-to-date information about closures, volunteer opportunities and more on the DNR storm recovery page.

MI Healthy Climate Challenge to award millions in grants

MI Healthy Climate Challenge to award millions in grants

 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
April 22, 2025
Jeff Johnston, EGLE Public Information Officer, [email protected], 517-231-9304

Lt. Governor Gilchrist announces launch of MI Healthy Climate Challenge to award millions in grants

Program will support state climate goals, lower barriers to clean energy across Michigan

DETROIT – Today, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II announced the launch of the MI Healthy Climate Challenge (the Challenge), which will award millions of dollars in grants to projects that will help Michigan meet Mi Healthy Climate Plan goals.

The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Office of Climate and Energy’s (OCE) grant program will include multiple grant competitions through 2026 that aim to expand equitable access to solar energy, grow green lending capacity, and increase access to clean energy funding across the state.

“The MI Healthy Climate Challenge is a major step forward in reinforcing Michigan’s role as a national leader in climate action,” Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist said. “We’re committed to making sure investments in clean energy and climate solutions reach communities across Michigan by empowering people with the resources they need to build a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable future for our state.”

The State of Michigan’s MI Healthy Climate Plan maps out a strategy to achieve 100% carbon neutrality by 2050, with a 52% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from a 2005 baseline by 2030. The Challenge aims to fund projects that will empower communities to access public and private climate funding opportunities to implement real projects that will help the state reach these goals and ensure a cleaner, healthier Michigan for generations to come.

“Governor Gretchen Whitmer has laid out a bold climate vision for Michigan, and the MI Healthy Climate Challenge will play a key role in turning that vision into real, on-the-ground progress,” said Cory Connolly, chief climate officer for EGLE’s Office of Climate and Energy. “The Challenge helps communities across Michigan tap into the growing landscape of public and private funding opportunities and expand access to clean energy.”

The first competition in the series, Solar for Savings, offers $8.875 million in grants for residential and community solar pilot projects, as well as upgrades to equipment and energy storage. These pilots will reduce energy costs, improve resiliency, and lay the groundwork for the broader MI Solar for All program – a $156 million federally funded initiative to bring solar energy to low-income households and communities statewide.

“This is an important milestone in our work to ensure all Michigan families – regardless of income – can access the benefits of clean, affordable energy,” said Dr. Joy Wang, director of the MI Solar for All program. “These pilot projects will serve as a foundation for a larger, inclusive program shaped by the people it’s meant to serve.”

The Solar for Savings challenge is just the beginning. The broader MI Healthy Climate Challenge will offer multiple funding opportunities to help build momentum around clean energy initiatives statewide.

Future competitions will focus on expanding access to green lending, helping communities and partners leverage federal tax credits, and unlocking large-scale climate financing for high-impact climate projects.  While eligibility will vary by competition, the Challenge is designed to include a wide range of public and private participants – including local governments, community lenders, schools, faith organizations, nonprofits, and solar providers.

Solar for Savings applications are now open and will be accepted until 5 p.m. July 30, 2025. To learn more and apply, visit Michigan.gov/MHCChallenge.

To stay informed about future competitions launching throughout 2025, sign up for the MI Healthy Climate Bulletin.