Our roundup of the latest news from metro Detroit and Michigan businesses as well as announcements from government agencies. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message.
Chevrolet Blazer EV Earns Honors for its Interior Design
The Chevrolet Blazer EV from General Motors Co. in Detroit secured one of 10 spots on the 2024 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX list, an honor for vehicles delivering excellent design and a “great” user experience.
The annual Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX competition evaluates new or heavily redesigned vehicle interiors and user-experience technology, with scoring based on a variety of metrics including design and aesthetics, comfort, materials, fit-and-finish, connectivity, infotainment, and more.
“The Blazer EV’s main display screen rivals those in luxury brand models with its great resolution and clarity,” says Christie Schweinsberg, a Wards judge. “Its cabin is packed with lots of unique trim and design elements, surrounded by stunning color schemes.”
Another judge, Bob Gritzinger, says: “Eye-popping red accents and oh-so-sporty radial air vents are just the starting points for the Blazer EV, which features lightning-quick Google-based voice controls backed by a bevy of proper knobs and switches to manage the most-used functions.”
The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV features a 17.7-inch-diagonal color touchscreen, paired with an 11-inch-diagonal color Driver Information Center.
“We are honored to see the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV recognized for this award,” says Phil Zak, executive design director at Chevrolet. “Our designers worked hard to elevate the exterior and interior design of the Blazer EV but maintain its true functionality. This award shows we are offering a great experience to our customers.”
Operation Ghost Rider Goal is to Reduce Distracted Driving Deaths and Injuries
Law enforcement officers from state, county, and local agencies will begin conducting Operation Ghost Rider throughout Michigan today. The goal is to reduce distracted driving deaths and injuries. This initiative is coordinated by the Transportation Improvement Association (TIA).
“Despite knowing the risks, distracted drivers continue to put themselves and the innocent people around them in danger,” says Jim Santilli, CEO of TIA and chairman of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commissions’ Distracted Driving Action Team. “Sadly, many people have lost a loved one to a completely preventable behavior. We can all do our part by keeping our eyes on the road and hands on the wheel at all times.”
Operation Ghost Rider uses unmarked spotter vehicles, which contain a law enforcement passenger. When the spotters observe a distracted driver, they radio a fully marked law enforcement unit to initiate a traffic stop.
Last year, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law a bill making it illegal to manually use a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle on Michigan roads. Under the law, a driver cannot hold or support a phone or other device with any part of their hands, arms, or shoulders. Even if a cell phone or other device is mounted on a dashboard or connected to a vehicle’s built-in system, a driver cannot use their hands to operate it beyond a single touch.
Violations include: First violation, $100 fine and/or 16 hours of community service; second or subsequent violations, $250 fine and/or 24 hours of community service; three violations within a three-year period, complete a driving-improvement course.
Fines are doubled if a traffic crash occurs and the at-fault driver was holding or manually using a mobile device while operating the vehicle.
Violators also can be cited for careless driving, which is a three-point offense and a civil infraction punishable by a fine.
Drivers who use a hand-held device are four times more likely to get into a crash serious enough to cause injury according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Texting drivers are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash.
Through a $40,000 grant provided by State Farm earlier this year, TIA challenged Michigan high school students to design a distracted driving awareness billboard to remind the public of the hands-free law.
The selection committee chose a design created by Johnathon Putrus Jr., a student at Dakota High School, and Brandy Cavanaugh, a student at Mercy High School.
Putrus’ and Cavanaugh’s designs were seen on billboards throughout Michigan during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, which is designated as April. More than 10 million impressions were made.
DTE Energy’s Chief Nuclear Officer to Discuss Future of Industry in Monroe
Monroe County Community College will host an open house for its Nuclear Engineering Technology program on May 15 that will feature a keynote presentation by DTE Energy’s senior vice president and chief nuclear officer, Peter Dietrich, who will speak about the future of the nuclear energy industry.
The Nuclear Engineering Technology Program Open House will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the student concourse of the Career Technology Center, which is home to both the Nuclear Engineering Technology program and the Enrico Fermi Atomic Power Plant (Fermi I) Historical Exhibit.
The Career Technology Center is located on MCCC’s Main Campus (1555 S. Raisinville Road) in Monroe.
Dietrich oversees nuclear operations at the DTE Energy’s Fermi 2 nuclear power plant. His career in the commercial energy industry spans nearly three decades, including more than 25 years in the nuclear industry serving in high-level leadership roles. As the chief nuclear officer, Dietrich is responsible for overall operations at Fermi 2, with a strong commitment to safe and reliable operation.
At the open house, prospective students and visitors will be able to learn about Nuclear Engineering Technology program, careers in nuclear engineering technology and nuclear energy’s role — now and in the future — in electricity production in the U.S. and the region. A question-and-answer session and tours of MCCC’s facility will be provided.
The open house is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register, visit here.
Marginalized Voices Get the Mic at the Detroit Women of Comedy Festival
The Detroit Women of Comedy Festival (DWCF) is back for a sixth year, May 17-18, at the Planet Ant Theatre complex in Hamtramck.
Since 2018, DWCF has committed to honoring and elevating marginalized voices across a spectrum of genders and identities. The festival features a variety of comedic forms, including improv, stand-up, sketch, podcasts, alt-comedy, and workshops. More than 50 acts across three stages will be involved.
“I am so excited that The Detroit Women of Comedy Festival is back for its 6th year,” says Kate Holmes, founder and producer and Founder of the festival. “DWCF always aims to entertain while supporting our community and lifting up marginalized voices. There are some extraordinarily funny folks in this year’s schedule, and I can’t wait until people see how hard our team has worked to put together a really special weekend.”
Headlining this year’s festival are stand-up comedian and Detroit native Melanie Hearn, improv duo Moyer & Messing, and Kayla Engeman performing her acclaimed solo show “I Need A Hero.” They will be joined by more than 80 performers from Detroit and across North America.
The Detroit Women of Comedy Festival also is dedicated to supporting the local community. All proceeds directly support Detroit-based nonprofits providing arts education and services for at-risk populations. This year’s beneficiaries are the Rhonda Walker Foundation, the Detroit Creativity Project, and Planet Ant.
For tickets and more information, visit detroitwomenofcomedy.com.
High Schoolers Can Earn College Credit Through New LTU Summer Program
Lawrence Technological University in Southfield will offer high school students the chance to earn college credit through three new dual enrollment courses for students in Michigan.
LTU will offer the courses in the Summer 2024 semester in three different delivery methods: fully online, hybrid, and in-person at LTU’s Southfield campus.
The cost of each course is $250. They begin the week of June 17 and end the week of Aug. 19. All courses will operate online the week of July 1 and resume as regularly scheduled the week of July 8.
To see the full schedule of courses and to enroll, visit here.
Enter all information requested on the application, including selecting the course of interest. Applications must be submitted by 8 a.m. June 14.
