Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Former State Senator Joel Gougeon

Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Former State Senator Joel Gougeon

by | Jan 12, 2026 | Regional News

Office of the Governor (no photo)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 12, 2026

Contact: press@michigan.gov

 

Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Former State Senator Joel Gougeon

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex to be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, to honor and remember former state Senator Joel Gougeon.

 

“Senator Gougeon was a dedicated public servant who served his community admirably in the U.S. Air Force and the state Senate,” said Governor Whitmer. “My thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who worked with and served alongside him.”

 

Former state Senator Joel Gougeon graduated from T.L. Handy High School and then earned a degree in mechanical engineering from General Motors Institute. After graduating, Gougeon served in the United States Air Force as an F-4 Phantom pilot. When he returned home, he founded Gougeon Brothers, Inc. with his brothers, Meade and Jan.

 

Gougeon served in the Michigan State Senate from 1993-2002 and also served on the Bay County Commissioners from 1984-1990. During his time in the Senate, he helped rewrite the Mental Health Code to reduce stigma and expand support for mental health research. After retiring from the Senate, Gougeon founded his own consulting company and continued to participate in community service.

 

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and service of former state Senator Joel Gougeon by lowering flags to half-staff within the State Capitol Complex. To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.

 

Flags should be returned to full staff on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

 
Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Nominations Now Open

Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Nominations Now Open

by | Jan 12, 2026 | Regional News

Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2026 Nominations Now Open

Post Date:01/12/2026 1:00 PM
  • The Oakland Together 40 Under 40 program, now in its 14th year, recognizes individuals younger than 40 who live or work in Oakland County and are driving positive change in their communities.
  • Forty individuals will be selected by a committee and invited to special events throughout the year.
  • Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. Feb. 2. For more information, visit oakgov.com/40under40.

Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County is now accepting applications for the Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2026. This annual program recognizes dynamic leaders younger than 40 who live or work in Oakland County – and who are making a meaningful impact through innovation, community service, and professional achievement.

“We’re proud to continue spotlighting the exceptional young leaders who help move Oakland County forward,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “Through Oakland Together 40 Under 40, we celebrate individuals who embody our vision of All Ways, Moving Forward and who are making a real difference in our communities.”

A selection committee composed of community members and county leadership will choose 40 individuals for the Class of 2026. The class will be announced publicly in April.

Those selected will be invited to participate in special events throughout the year, offering opportunities to connect, collaborate and engage with fellow leaders and county officials.

Applicants must self-nominate, live or work in Oakland County, and be at least 18 years old. Eligible applicants must be born after Dec. 31, 1985. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. Feb. 2, 2026.

Previous winners included public servants, educators, business owners and community leaders.

For more information or to apply, visit oakgov.com/40under40. For questions, contact 40under40@oakgov.com or 248-858-5400.

Rehearing on DTE Data Center Special Contracts

Rehearing on DTE Data Center Special Contracts

by | Jan 9, 2026 | Regional News

Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 9, 2026

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

Attorney General Petitions MPSC for Rehearing on DTE Data Center Special Contracts

LANSING – Yesterday, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a Petition for Rehearing with the Michigan Public Service Commission concerning Case U-21990, wherein DTE applied for and received ex parte approval of two special contracts to service a 1.4 gigawatt hyperscale AI data center in Washtenaw County. The Commission conditionally approved those contracts on December 18th while granting DTE a timeline of 30 days to convey their acceptance of those conditions and denying the Attorney General’s request to hold a formal contested case.

Within her petition the Attorney General challenges the statutory authority of the Commission to approve these special contracts without a contested case hearing and requests a rehearing in this matter. The Attorney General additionally seeks clarification regarding the extent of the conditions ordered by the Commission and their enforceability, as many of the conditions purportedly put in place by the Commission appear to require only repeated assurances from DTE with no further evidentiary support or commitment, rather than enforceable conditions imposing meaningful requirements on the utility or its customer. Attorney General Nessel also expresses concerns regarding DTE’s ability to serve as the financial ‘backstop’ in lieu of sufficient collateral requirements, as dictated by the Commission.

The Attorney General continues to seek a contested case hearing in order to review the heavily redacted special contracts, verify DTE’s claims of affordability benefits to its ratepayers and that servicing this customer will cause no increase in electric rates for their existing customers, as well as verify adequate ratepayer protections such as collateral and exit fees in place to protect DTE and its customers if the data center fails to purchase the full projected amount of electricity, leaves the State before the full length of the contracts run, or goes bankrupt.

“I remain extremely disappointed with the Commission’s decision to fast-track DTE’s secret data center contracts without holding a contested case hearing,” said Nessel. “This was an irresponsible approach that cut corners and shut out the public and their advocates. Granting approval of these contracts ex parte serves only the interests of DTE and the billion-dollar businesses involved, like Oracle, OpenAI, and Related Companies, not the Michigan public the Commission is meant to protect.

“The Commission imposed some conditions on DTE to supposedly hold ratepayers harmless, but these conditions and how they’ll be enforced remain unclear,” Nessel continued. “As Michigan’s chief consumer advocate, it is my responsibility to ensure utility customers in this state are adequately protected, especially on a project so massive, so expensive, and so unprecedented. As my office continues to review all potential options to defend energy customers in our state, we must demand further clarity on what protections the Commission has put in place and continue to demand a full contested case concerning these still-secret contracts.”

The Commission ordered DTE to formally accept its conditions within 30 days of its December 18th order. This timeline creates a difficulty for the Attorney General or any other party deciding whether further challenge is necessary to protect DTE’s more than two million electric customers and Michigan energy customers broadly within the applicable timeframe in which parties may seek relief through further challenges to the Commission’s order. Accordingly, the Attorney General files her Petition for Rehearing this week in-part to preserve her arguments concerning the issues surrounding the Commission’s unclear conditions and legal justification for granting review and approval of these special contracts on an ex parte basis.
Michigan Lottery Contributes More Than $1 Billion to Schools

Michigan Lottery Contributes More Than $1 Billion to Schools

by | Jan 7, 2026 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 7, 2026

Contact: press@michigan.gov

 

Governor Whitmer Announces Michigan Lottery Contributes More Than $1 Billion to Schools for Seventh Consecutive Year

Tops $30 Billion in Contribution Since 1972

 

LANSING, Mich.  – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the Michigan Lottery contributed more than $1 billion to the School Aid Fund for the seventh consecutive year in FY25. The contribution of $1.16 billion brings the Lottery’s total contribution to Michigan’s public schools to more than $30 billion since it began in 1972.

 

“Here in Michigan, we’re connecting our kids with the tools they need to learn, grow, and thrive whether they’re in pre-K or their senior year,” said Governor Whitmer. “That includes record per-pupil funding of more than $10,000 for every child in every school, free breakfast and lunch for all to save parents almost $1,000 a year per kid, and record investments to help kids read. This year’s lottery contributions will help build on that progress and make a difference for students, educators, and schools across Michigan. Let’s keep working together to make a difference for our kids.”

 

“The Lottery team is extremely dedicated to our mission of providing funds to support public education in Michigan. We are especially proud of our record-breaking seventh consecutive yearly contribution of more than $1 billion to the School Aid Fund,” said Acting Lottery Commissioner Joe Froehlich. “I am also very proud of the support we provide to local businesses across Michigan. In FY25, Lottery retailers earned more than $300 million in commissions for the sixth straight year. The support the Lottery provides to public education and to businesses throughout the state is critical and far-reaching.”

 

Since the Lottery began in 1972, it has contributed more than $30 billion to the School Aid Fund which supports public education programs in Michigan. In each of the last seven fiscal years, the Lottery has contributed more than $1 billion to the School Aid Fund, totaling nearly $8.7 billion in contributions over that seven-year span.

 

Lottery retailers in Michigan earned more than $330 million in commissions in FY25. Since FY19, when the Lottery’s streak of billion-dollar contributions to the School Aid Fund began, retailers have earned more than $2.3 billion in commissions. Lottery products are sold at more than 10,000 locations across Michigan, including both independently owned businesses and large chains. In FY25, more than 700 retailers sold $1 million or more in Lottery games.

 

Michiganders won big playing Lottery games in FY25, taking home more than $2.8 billion in prizes. Since the Lottery began in 1972, players have collected more than $58 billion in prizes.

 

For each dollar spent on a Michigan Lottery ticket in FY25, approximately:

  • 63 cents went to players as prizes
  • 25 cents went to the School Aid Fund to support public education
  • 9 cents went to commissions for retailers and vendors
  • 3 cents funded the Lottery’s operations and administrative costs

 

Under state law, all profits from the Lottery go to the School Aid Fund. Financial results reported in this release are unaudited and pending final review. Audited financial results and the Lottery’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report are expected to be available early next year.

 

The Lottery is also committed to promoting responsible gaming. Responsible gaming information and resources are available on the Lottery’s website at: www.michiganlottery.com/responsible-gaming.

Gov. Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench

Gov. Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench

by | Jan 6, 2026 | Regional News

 

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 6, 2026

Contact: press@michigan.gov

 

Gov. Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench

 

LANSING, Mich. —Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointments of Tanya Grillo to the 16th Circuit Court in Macomb County and Magistrate Tamara Garwood to the 15th District Court in the City of Ann Arbor.

 

“Today, I am proud to appoint Tanya and Tamara to the bench,” said Governor Whitmer. “These skilled legal professionals bring years of experience and dedication to their communities to their new roles. I am confident they will serve the people of Michigan admirably and uphold the rule of law.”

 

16th Circuit Court – Macomb County

Tanya Grillo, of Saint Clair Shores, is managed assigned counsel coordinator at the City of Southfield, an administrative hearing officer at the City of Mount Clemens, and the founding and managing partner at Grillo Law, P.L.L.C.  She also previously served as regional manager at the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission for Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, and St. Clair Counties. Grillo is the president of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan’s Executive Board and is a board member of the National Conference of Women’s Bar Association.

 

Tanya Grillo holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Central Florida and a Juris Doctor from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

 

“I am deeply honored by Governor Whitmer’s appointment and grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Macomb County and the State of Michigan,” said Grillo. “I take this responsibility seriously and am committed to serving with integrity, fairness, and respect for the rule of law. I will work every day to uphold the trust placed in me and to serve with the dignity this office deserves.”

 

This appointment will be made to fill a partial term following the upcoming resignation of Judge Diane Druzinski. Judge Grillo’s term will expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2027.

 

Bench 1

 

15th District Court – City of Ann Arbor

 

Tamara Garwood, of Ann Arbor, is magistrate at the 15th District Court. Garwood previously served as attorney and partner at Baker, Stringer & Garwood, LLP. Garwood is co-chair of the State Bar of Michigan UPL Committee and an instructor for the Michigan Judicial Institute. In 2025, Garwood was awarded the A. Thomas Truesdell Distinguished Service Award by the Michigan Association of District Court Magistrates for Outstanding Dedication and Service.

 

Tamara Garwood holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University.

 

“I would like to thank Governor Whitmer for providing me with the opportunity to serve as the next judge of the 15th District Court,” said Garwood. I’m deeply honored and humbled by the appointment. It will be my privilege to continue to serve my community.”

 

This appointment will be made to fill a partial term following the resignation of Judge Karen Valvo. Judge Garwood’s term will expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2027.

 

Bench 2

 
AG Wraps Up Holiday Consumer Protection Campaign

AG Wraps Up Holiday Consumer Protection Campaign

by | Jan 2, 2026 | Regional News
Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 2, 2026

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Wraps Up Holiday Consumer Protection Campaign

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is wrapping up her holiday consumer protection campaign by reminding residents that alerts shared during the campaign are relevant all year long. Each entry in this year’s campaign can be found in the list below:

November 28: Credit Card Safety – Keep Your Accounts Safe
November 29: Credit and Debit Card Surcharges
December 1: Website Spoofing – Scammers Disguised as Trusted Brand
December 2: Wise Charitable Giving
December 3: Prevent Identity Theft: Protect Your Mail and Packages from Porch Pirates
December 4: Computer Ransomware – What Is It?
December 5: Travel Tips
December 8: Phishing Scams
December 9: Michigan’s Scanner Law – The Shopping Reform and Modernization Act
December 10: Puppy Scams
December 11: Artificial Intelligence and Scams
December 12: Credit Cards – Did I Charge That?
December 15: Payment Apps and Scams
December 16: Online Shopping – Be Smart, Stay Safe
December 17: Grandparents Scam
December 18: Facebook Marketplace Scam
December 19: Drop-Shipping: What you Need to Know Before You Buy or Sell Online
December 22: Business Sudden Closure – Protect Yourself
December 23: Don’t Fall Victim to Gift Card Scams
December 24: Gifting Circles Good, Gifting Schemes Bad: How to Spot an Illegal Pyramid Scheme
December 26: Avoiding Unhappy Returns – Returning Merchandise Bought Online or In the Store
December 29: Data Breaches: What to do Next
December 30: File a Complaint
December 31: Free Credit Reports: What Consumers Should Know

“These consumer alerts are available year round to help you avoid scams and protect your personal information, and I want to thank my talented team for their creativity and dedication to keeping residents informed,” Nessel said. “My office will continue to provide resources throughout the year to help Michiganders stay ahead of fraudsters.”

To help Michigan residents stay safe from scams, identity theft, and other deceptive schemes, Attorney General Nessel recently launched a new consumer protection social media account, Michigan Consumer Protection (@MIConsumerWatch). The new account will serve as a trusted source for scam alerts, consumer protection tips, education resources, and updates from the Department of Attorney General and hosted the Attorney General’s 2025 holiday campaign. Residents can follow @MIConsumerWatch on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

To file a complaint with the Department of Attorney General, residents are encouraged to contact:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form