ONTV March Madness Special 2026
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Rep. Steele Urges Fed to Protect Great Lakes Maritime Academy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2026
Rep. Steele urges federal action to protect Great Lakes Maritime Academy cadets during shutdown
State Rep. Donni Steele this week sent a letter to U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin urging immediate action to address the impact of the ongoing partial federal government shutdown on cadets at the Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Traverse City.
Steele said the shutdown has forced the closure of U.S. Coast Guard Regional Exam Centers that administer the licensing exams required for maritime academy cadets to graduate and begin their careers.
Under federal law, cadets at state maritime academies must pass their U.S. Coast Guard merchant marine officer license exams as a condition of graduation. The exams consist of seven modules administered over four days. While many cadets at the Great Lakes Maritime Academy completed their exams in January, roughly 20 cadets still need to begin or retake modules. If the exam centers remain closed, cadets in the academy’s Class of 2026 will be unable to receive their licenses and most will not receive their degrees.
“These cadets have completed an incredibly demanding four-year program, including 360 days of sea service and rigorous academic work,” said Steele (R-Orion Township). “Through no fault of their own, they are now at risk of losing the opportunity to graduate and begin careers that are critical to our nation’s maritime industry and national security.”
Steele noted that the maritime industry already faces a shortage of licensed mariners and that the Great Lakes Maritime Academy plays a unique role in preparing graduates to serve aboard vessels operating on the Great Lakes. In her letter, Steele urged federal leaders to restore essential Coast Guard exam functions immediately so cadets can obtain their licenses and begin contributing to the nation’s maritime workforce.
“We need these cadets,” Steele said. “They are ready to go to work, serve their country, and support industries that are vital to the Great Lakes region and the United States.”
MDHHS: Tips to Stay Safe During Severe Weather
LANSING, Mich. – In recognition of Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 15-21, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is sharing resources to help Michigan residents prepare for severe weather, including making a personal emergency plan [ https://www.michigan.gov/michiganprepares/emergency-planning-and-supplies?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ].
“As we enter severe weather season, it’s important for every Michigander to prepare,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “The importance of severe weather awareness is clearer than ever following last week’s deadly tornadoes. I encourage every Michigander to take time now to make a plan, build an emergency kit, and sign up for local emergency alerts. Preparing today can save lives when minutes matter. Let’s work together and stay safe.”
“Household emergency plans are critical to family safety, particularly because severe weather can strike without warning,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Families may not be in the same place when a severe weather event occurs, so it is important to create a plan for all of your loved ones to stay in touch and know what to do and where to go to stay safe.”
Severe weather conditions can occur during any season and pose threats to public health. A series of tornadoes in southwest Michigan Friday, March 6, caused widespread power outages, devastating property damage and at least four deaths. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Branch, Cass and St. Joseph Counties to assist with response and recovery efforts.
In late March 2025, residents living in northern Michigan and the eastern Upper Peninsula experienced a severe ice storm that left at least 90,000 homes without power. The storm, declared a major disaster by the federal government [ https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2025/07/23/whitmer-announces-michigan-receives-disaster-declaration-from-trump-for-northern-ice-storm-recovery?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ], made travel difficult and left many stranded in their homes for multiple days without electricity.
Residents were faced with many challenges, including:
* Loss of heat and running water (if relying on a well).
* Hazardous travel conditions and impassable roads.
* Loss of phone and cellular service.
* Loss of food and medicines that require refrigeration.
* Inability to keep electricity-powered medical devices running.
* Frigid temperatures and inability to heat homes.
State and local agencies have information that can help residents plan for weather-related emergencies based on their specific needs. Some resources include:
* The MDHHS Michigan Prepares website [ https://www.michigan.gov/michiganprepares?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] shares a variety of preparedness resources, including guidance on How to Create Your Emergency Plan [ https://www.michigan.gov/michiganprepares/emergency-planning-and-supplies?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ].
* MDHHS has resources that can help residents avoid carbon monoxide poisoning [ https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/safety-injury-prev/environmental-health/Topics/carbonmonoxide?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] if they use generators during power outages [ https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/-/media/Project/Websites/mdhhs/Safety-and-Injury-Prevention/Environmental-Health/Carbon-Monoxide/Documents/CO_Prevention_Fact_Sheet.pdf?rev=907097f818c44d4a910ffd0fb4ce4734&utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]
* Michigan State Police’s MIREADY webpage [ https://www.michigan.gov/miready?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] contains emergency planning information, including Pet Preparedness [ https://www.michigan.gov/miready/plan-ahead/pet-preparedness?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ].
Residents can also stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts [ https://www.michigan.gov/miready/local-alerts?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] from their county or city. Some local health departments [ https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/inside-mdhhs/county-offices/lhd?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] also have emergency planning information that may be more relevant to county-specific concerns.
Additionally, a voluntary statewide tornado drill is being held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 18.
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Statement by Oakland County Executive David Coulter RE: Active Shooter at Temple Israel
Statement by Oakland County Executive
I am at the Oakland County Emergency Operation Center and am monitoring the situation at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. Our team been activated and we’re supporting law enforcement officers in keeping the community safe. We are holding the Jewish Community close and will always reiterate that antisemitism has no place in Oakland County. We appreciate the quick action of the West Bloomfield Police Department, Oakland County Sherrif’s Office and all collaborating partners.
*David Coulter*
Oakland County Executive
County Executive David Coulter
Oakland County, Michigan [ https://www.oakgov.com.com ]
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI, 48341
Facebook [ https://www.facebook.com/OakGov.EO ] X [ https://x.com/OakGovEO ] YouTube [ https://www.youtube.com/user/oakgov ]