Energy Utilities in Michigan have unchecked Monopolies
DTE Energy has what appears to be an unchecked monopoly in the state of Michigan. Modeling from groups like the Mackinac Center suggests that if Michigan continues its current “Net-Zero” trajectory alongside massive grid upgrades, monthly bills could rise by as much as 146% by 2035. DTE has sought a $574 million rate increase for 2026. This follows a $217 million hike approved in January 2025. If fully approved, residential customers could see their monthly bills jump by an average of $13.50. << reference >>
| State | 2026 Avg. Rate (¢/kWh) | Trend/Outlook |
| Michigan | 20.74 | High & Rising (Data center & grid focus) |
| Illinois | 18.09 | Moderate (Nuclear & renewables transition) |
| Wisconsin | 18.37 | Moderate (Stable industrial base) |
| Ohio | 17.61 | Low-to-Moderate (High gas/coal mix) |
| Indiana | 16.59 | Low (Historical coal reliance) |
| Iowa/Nebraska | ~13.15 | Lowest (High wind generation) |
Detroit Leland House a Model of Gentrification
The Leland House in Detroit is currently vacant and closed to the public. Detroit officials filed a lawsuit against the owners, describing the historic 20-story building as a “death trap.” The ownership group, Leland House LLC, argued but the courts found their efforts insufficient. The building remains in a state of legal and physical limbo. Tenants were forced out by the city. This is how Gentrification works, government pushes out residents saving the legal effort and expense of the property owners. Then a different set of tenants is sought for the property once renovations are complete. Long term residents are not invited back. ( Story )
Younger Generations Don’t Know Their History and It’s Hurting the Movement
Angela Rye has a message for young people: the Montgomery bus boycotts did not happen in a day; political movements are more than a weekend’s worth of protest. Guest host Roland Martin echoes her sentiment: older generations made deposits into the Black Bank of Justice that younger generations have been withdrawing from. If they don’t start depositing it is GOING to get even uglier. FAFO. Watch Video
Detroit council nixes study on making the RenCen a historic district
General Motors Co. says the Renaissance Center must evolve to survive. The Detroit City Council agreed, even if it means losing part of the iconic but underused riverside complex.
The City Council voted 8-1 on Tuesday to reject studying whether the Renaissance Center should become a historic district. (Full Story)
No More Female 4-Stars: Franchetti Firing Leaves Top Ranks Filled by Men
Franchetti’s firing has left the military without a single woman in a four-star general or admiral leadership position, as women in top positions are already a rarity across the services, and many female officers say that they’re concerned that the ouster will have far-reaching consequences. (Full Story)
Alabama Republicans refuse to draw a second Black congressional district in defiance of Supreme Court
The GOP-controlled Legislature had called a special session to redraw an earlier map after the Supreme Court reaffirmed a federal court order to include two districts where Black voters make up voting-age majorities, “or something quite close to it.” But on Friday, state Republicans approved a new map with just one majority-Black seat and a second district that is approximately 40% Black. (Story)
30 LA County detention officers face charges over ‘gladiator fights’ among youth at juvenile hall
LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Thirty Los Angeles County detention officers have been charged for their alleged role in facilitating “gladiator fights” between youth detainees at a juvenile hall in Downey, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Monday. (Full Story)
234 people have died in Kentucky jails since 2020. Critics call it a ‘systemic failure’
When Terri Beth Mays was arrested in October 2021 for drug possession and trafficking, she told Whitley County Detention Center staff she had a seizure disorder. She had been at the jail several times before, with a documented history of seizures that required hospitalization. (Full Story)
Restaurant disaster or worker boon? Tipped minimum wage debate has dominated Lansing
For Erin Vilella, her job as a server at the Peppermill Cafe where she has worked for more than 10 years on the west side of Grand Rapids has its perks. She’s part of a tight-knit staff of servers, and working at a restaurant known for its breakfast allows her to take shifts bartending at night. (Full Story)