Many Believe AI Bubble Will Burst, Affecting Electric Utilities
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Coulter Unveils Sweeping Ethics Reform for Oakland County
Coulter Unveils Sweeping Ethics Reform for Oakland County
Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter announced a sweeping new ethics and conflict of interest reform package for Oakland County elected officials and senior appointed employees. The proposal goes further than the state law by closing loopholes, eliminating spousal exemptions and establishing an Ethics Ombudsperson.
“We are living through extraordinary challenges in our nation and our state. Washington is shut down, Lansing barely avoided one, and the American people overwhelmingly believe government is too divided to solve problems,” Coulter said.
“Oakland County is better than this. I will not allow recent political discord and lack of transparency to undermine the trust our residents place in us and the progress we are making. We have too much important work to do. Just last month we approved a historic budget unanimously — proof that we can rise above partisanship. Now I am calling for that same unity so that we may cast questions aside and put in place commonsense transparency and ethics reforms.”
Coulter’s proposal uses Michigan’s “Public Officers Financial Disclosure Act” (P.A. 281 of 2023) as its base. He proposes the following requirements that go beyond what is required under P.A. 281 for Oakland County to include:
- Spouse/domestic partner reporting
- Household adult dependent reporting
- Assets/interests held by certain trusts related to a person required to report
- Requirement to amend financial disclosure midyear with any new outside income source greater than $10,000
Under Coulter’s proposal, disclosure forms would be maintained online by the Oakland County Clerk and accessible for all residents.
Coulter is also calling for the appointment of an independent ombudsperson to receive ethics-related referrals from the public and internal government sources.
“Ethics and transparency are not about playing ‘gotcha’—they are about building trust with the public,” Coulter said. “An independent ombudsperson will guarantee ethical concerns are handled fairly, above politics and beyond personalities.”
Coulter directed his staff to immediately finalize language with the Board of Commissioners so that they may introduce a resolution at their next board meeting and vote on it by the end of the year.
“Let me be very clear: this reform must happen,” Coulter said. “Oakland County leads by example, and we will continue to lead by showing that government can be open, accountable, and beyond question.”
Michigan Works and General Motors to Host Skilled Trades Job Fair
Oakland County Michigan Works! Partnering with General Motors to Host Skilled Trades Job Fair for GM Orion Assembly
- The job fair takes place Thursday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct. 4 at the MSU Management Education Center in Troy.
- GM will hire skilled tradesperson positions, including electrical journeypersons and mechanical journeypersons with a minimum of six years of experience.
Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County Michigan Works! and General Motors Corporation are partnering to host a skilled trades job fair for positions at the GM Orion Assembly facility, scheduled to restart production next year.
The job fair takes place 7 a.m. – noon and 3-6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2 and 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the MSU Management Education Center, 811 W. Square Lake Road in Troy
GM will hire to fill skilled tradesperson positions, including electrical journeypersons and mechanical journeypersons (pipefitters, millwrights and toolmakers), with a minimum of six years of experience.
“The GM Orion Assembly plant is playing a key role in the automaker’s future and Oakland County’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing in North America,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “Oakland County is excited to assist GM to attract talent to fill these good paying jobs.”
On-site interviews for the GM Orion Assembly skilled trades positions will take place at the job fair. For more information on the event, visit OakGov.com/GMJobs.
Qualified skilled tradespeople also can apply for these jobs by visiting their local Michigan Works! office. Individuals can find their local Michigan Works! office at michiganworks.org or call 1-800-285-WORK.
A list of all open positions at General Motors can be found at www.careers.gm.com.
About Oakland County Michigan Works!
Oakland County Michigan Works! operates centers in Novi, Oak Park, Pontiac, Southfield, Troy, and Waterford, where they assist more than 105,000 job seekers annually. Services include career coaching, interviewing and job search workshops, placement assistance, training courses and job trend information. The centers also assist more than 3,000 employers seeking help with talent recruitment, apprenticeship programs, job fairs, candidate pre-screening, hiring and training support, layoff support and labor market data.
Staff also work one-on-one with job seekers to build their resumes, prepare for job interviews and help address other needs. To schedule an appointment, call 248-858-5520 and select the office nearest to you. The centers host several virtual workshops for job seekers. A schedule can be found at OaklandCountyMIWorks.com.
School Districts urged to Continue Free School Meals for all
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2025 Contact: press@michigan.gov
Governor Whitmer, State Superintendent Rice Urge Michigan School Districts to Continue Free School Meals for All
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice sent a letter to Michigan superintendents, calling on them to continue feeding kids free school meals. The letter comes after some Michigan school districts notified parents their kids will not receive free school breakfasts or lunches due to uncertainty about funding in the state budget. As the Michigan Legislature finalizes the full fiscal-year state budget in the coming days, Governor Whitmer and Dr. Rice implored superintendents to do what it takes to feed all their students.
“Two summers ago, I was proud to deliver free school meals to all 1.4 million public-school students, saving parents around $1,000 a year per kid and time each morning,” said Governor Whitmer. “Since then, we have consistently funded free school meals, saving Michigan families time, money, and worry. As we continue pushing the Michigan Legislature to finalize a balanced budget that feeds our kids, as they’ve said they would, I am calling on our school districts to do what it takes to feed every student today, tomorrow, and every single school day after that too.”
“Over the last two years, with lessons drawn from the pandemic, school staff across the state have expanded substantially the numbers of children eating breakfast and lunch at school and who are healthier as a result,” said Michael F. Rice, Ph.D., Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State of Michigan. “The Michigan Department of Education is appreciative of the support of the state legislature and Governor Whitmer for the Michigan School Meals Program and of the opportunity to partner with local food service staff, directors, and educators to ensure that all children can eat free at school. Let’s keep feeding our kids.”
Free School Meals for All In 2023, Governor Whitmer signed a balanced, bipartisan budget delivering free school breakfast and lunch to all 1.4 million public school students in Michigan. Free school meals save parents valuable time every morning, around $1,000 a year per kid, and ensure no child goes hungry while they learn.
Since 2023, the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration has continued to negotiate and deliver free school meals for all students across Michigan. The FY26 budget will be no different. In the days ahead, the Michigan Legislature will pass a balanced, bipartisan budget. Republicans and Democrats have already reached a deal on key elements of the school aid bill, including continued funding for free school meals for all.
To view the full letter, click here.
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Boys Soccer District Preview
Boys Soccer District Preview
Written Sunday September 28th at 12:45 PM
These are the MHSAA district matchups. Also History Now host Anthony Taormina will break down these districts and locations in future updates.
District 6 at Lapeer
- Flint Carman Ainsworth vs 1. CLARKSTON
- Flushing vs 4. Grand Blanc
- Lapeer vs 3. OXFORD
- Davison vs 2. LAKE ORION
TRAIN INSIGHT: This district (probably my favorite one because of the teams involved) looks like Clarkston will be the overwhelming favorite having only one loss but that one loss was to Oxford (2-1) who is on the other side of the bracket. Clarkston is on pace to win the OAA Red and will be a tough out for anyone who plays them especially with the experience they have back from last year’s team. Grand Blanc and Flushing tied each other but whoever wins that game will have no easy task in the second round. It looks like we are heading to an LO/Oxford second round matchup. LO won the first matchup 3-1 and if any indication of their past soccer battles have been, it will be another physical and emotional classic. Right now Clarkston is overwhelming favorite but look for either Grand Blanc or Flushing to give them a battle in the second round and either LO or Oxford to give them a battle in the district final.
District 7 at Hartland
- Milford vs 4. Walled Lake Central
- Milford/4. Walled Lake Central vs 1. Hartland
- WEST BLOOMFIELD vs 3. Walled Lake Northern
- NORTH FARMINGTON vs 2. Lakeland
TRAIN INSIGHT: In this district, Hartland stands out as the overwhelming favorite having only one loss also they play in the usually competitive KLAA West. West Bloomfield has been in the middle of the pack of the OAA White while North Farmington won the OAA Blue in their final year in the OAA. WB and WLN played each other in the first game of the regular season in which WLN won. North Farmington is going to have a tough task with Lakeland but at the same time the OAA has always been more competitive than the Lakes Valley so there is a potential upset. Hartland is the favorite in this district and for good reason.
District 8 at Novi Detroit Catholic Central
- FARMINGTON vs 4. South Lyon
- FARMINGTON/4. South Lyon vs 1. Livonia Stevenson
- Novi vs 3. Northville
- South Lyon East vs 2. Novi Detroit Catholic Central
TRAIN INSIGHT: This is a two team district with Livonia Stevenson and Novi Detroit Catholic Central. Farmington who finished last in the OAA White and is leaving for the Lakes Valley matches up fairly well against a decent South Lyon team. The winner however, will play Livonia Stevenson for in Farmington’s case a future Lakes Valley rivalry game. Despite Livonia Stevenson being the number one seed, Detroit Catholic Central is the favorite here. They have played a much tougher schedule and is a traditional power in playoff soccer, not to mention it is on their home field which always helps.
District 12 at Grosse Pointe South
- Detroit Renaissance vs 1. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
- Detroit Cass Tech vs 4. Dearborn Fordson
- Grosse Pointe South vs 3. Dearborn
- FERNDALE vs 2. Detroit Western
TRAIN INSIGHT: Ferndale is in the middle of the pack of the OAA Blue having competitive games with North Farmington, Avondale, and Pontiac while crushing the other three Blue schools. Ferndale should get by Detroit Western. I’m saying that because the OAA is a more competitive league in soccer than the PSL but Detroit Western did tie Troy Athens 4-4 and is one of the best teams in the PSL which could be very interesting. The second round matchup will be much tougher with having to play either the MAC’s Grosse Pointe South or the KLAA’s Dearborn. Both of whom are quality teams. U-D Jesuit is the favorite in this district with their path a little bit easier.
District 13 at Seaholm
- SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs 1. TROY
- ROYAL OAK vs 4. BERKLEY
- GROVES vs 3. SEAHOLM
- Birmingham Brother Rice vs 2. BLOOMFIELD HILLS
TRAIN INSIGHT: This district maybe the most challenging district in the state, potentially having five quality teams having a chance to win the district. Bloomfield Hills and Royal Oak are 1-2 respectively in the OAA White with both teams entertaining the state rankings. Seaholm has more than held their own in the OAA Red. Obviously playing the rival, Groves anything can happen. Troy and Berkley have both held their own in the OAA Red this season as well. Troy will get by Southfield A&T who had a big OAA Blue win recently over Harper Woods. Royal Oak and Berkley is a rivalry game that can go either way. Seaholm/Bloomfield Hills has a chance to be interesting should they both meet in the second round but don’t count out Groves on being a spoiler. Whomever Troy gets between Berkley and Royal Oak, it will be a great game. It’s hard to pick a winner in this district but when in doubt, go with the home team, in case Seaholm.
District 14 at Troy Athens
- Sterling Heights vs 4. Warren Mott
- Sterling Heights/4. Warren Mott vs 1. TROY ATHENS
- Fraser vs 3. Warren Cousino
- Roseville vs 2. Sterling Heights Stevenson
TRAIN INSIGHT: The Red Hawks should be the overwhelming favorite here, they host the district. Only Sterling Heights Stevenson can really give them a game being competitive with Utica Eisenhower (only losing 3-2) and beating Dakota by forfeit. Athens does struggle at times but in this primarily Macomb County District. Athens should get by this district pretty convincingly.
District 15 at Rochester
- ADAMS vs 4. STONEY CREEK
- ADAMS/4. STONEY CREEK vs 1. Utica Eisenhower
- Utica vs 3. ROCHESTER
- Utica Henry Ford II vs 2. Romeo
TRAIN INSIGHT: Traditionally this district is one of the toughest districts in the state however, with the recent struggles of the Rochester schools. This looks like it will be a Ike/Romeo district final. Rochester is more than capable of competing with anyone. Rochester has had a lot of ties lately but they do have home field and should get by Utica heading into the second round with Romeo. Adams and Stoney Creek is also an interesting matchup. The state champs lost a lot from last year and has had a tough year in the OAA Red but it is still Adams, one of the best coached teams in the state of Michigan. Stoney has also been near the top of the OAA White competing against Bloomfield Hills and Royal Oak. In their only matchup, Adams beat Stoney 2-0 but it’s challenging to beat a team twice. Whoever wins that game will get to play Utica Eisenhower, a team that seemingly reloads year after year. The district is at Rochester but going with Utica Eisenhower to win the district.
District 28 at Walled Lake Western
- WATERFORD MOTT vs 4. PONTIAC
- WATERFORD MOTT/4. PONTIAC vs 1. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood
- AVONDALE vs 3. Orchard Lake St. Marys
- WATERFORD KETTERING vs 2. Walled Lake Western
TRAIN INSIGHT: Both OAA Blue teams have been in the middle of the pack in the division this year. Pontiac has had a great year beating several good teams, tying Avondale, and beating Ferndale. Pontiac will play Waterford Mott who will come into the OAA next year. This has the potential to become a great soccer rivalry alongside Ferndale and could preview many battles for years to come. The winner however, will play Cranbrook Kingswood in the second round who is the number one seed. Avondale has a tough first round match up just they had last year with Orchard Lake St. Mary’s. OLSM competes in the dangerous Catholic League and often has to go against DeLaSalle and CC. OLSM also won the district last year as a three seed. WL Western should get by Kettering who has surprisingly struggled this season before coming into the OAA next year as well but they do own a win over Avondale and tied Ferndale which helps. OLSM is the favorite in this district despite being the three seed and it being at WL Western.
District 30 at Dearborn Divine Child
- Warren Fitzgerald vs 4. Madison Heights Lamphere
- Warren Fitzgerald/4. Madison Heights Lamphere vs 1. Hamtramck
- Redford Thurston vs 3. Garden City
- OAK PARK vs 2. Dearborn Divine Child
TRAIN INSIGHT: Very tough matchup for Oak Park going against a very good Dearborn Divine Child team. Will be another great learning experience for the Knights. Divine Child will be the favorite in this district despite Hamtramck being the one seed. Divine Child is at home and has played a much tougher schedule.
Whitmer Signs Bill to Protect Michigan Property Owners
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 30, 2025 Contact: press@michigan.gov Governor Whitmer Signs Bill to Protect Michigan Property Owners, Streamlining Government Efficiency LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4524, a bipartisan bill that gives Michiganders more time to protect their property rights and clarifies rules regarding land and home ownership. Including today’s legislation, Governor Whitmer has signed a record 1,513 bipartisan bills into law since taking office. “I’m proud to sign this commonsense, bipartisan bill that will protect Michigan homeowners,” said Governor Whitmer. “This bill will clarify the rules for property transfers, so when you go to sell your house or land, there are no surprises that can get in the way. It will lower costs, help keep property records up to date, and make government more efficient. Let’s keep making sure our government works for Michiganders throughout the state.” “Our top priority is making Michigan state government more efficient and effective for every family,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “This bill will keep money in Michiganders’ pockets by extending the deadline for land interest claims and help keep records up to date. Let’s keep Standing Tall so that every Michigander can achieve health, wealth, and prosperity right here.” House Bill 4524, sponsored by state Representative Douglas Wozniak (R-Shelby Township), better protects the interests of Michigan land and homeowners by making property transactions more straightforward. Specifically, the bill gives owners more time to claim a property interest, extending the deadline by two years. As such, property owners will have more time to record their land interests, including, but not limited to, rights related to minerals, driveways, and walking paths. This bill also clarifies the property interests of parties involved in real estate transactions. Under this bill, Michiganders will be protected from surprise claims based on old, forgotten, or vague documents and be encouraged to maintain the accuracy of their property records. “This legislation ensures Michigan’s land records are accurate, reliable, and easier to navigate,” said State Representative Doug Wozniak (R-Shelby Township). “Homeownership is one of the most important investments a family can make, and our laws should give people confidence in their property rights. By strengthening the Marketable Record Title Act, we’re helping to protect homeowners while making real estate transactions more straightforward.” |