A logistics supplier for Stellantis intends to lay off 70 workers in Warren after the automaker’s “sudden and unexpected” termination of its services, according to state officials and published reports.

Workers will be let go from DP World Contract Logistics effective Oct. 5, the company said in a WARN notice. The layoffs will take place at its warehouse near Hoover and Nine Mile roads.

According to the notice, DP World recently received word its sole customer in Warren — Stellantis — that its services will no longer will be needed after Oct. 5.

“DP World will not have any ongoing work at the Warren Facility after October 5th and, thus, no need for employees to work at that facility thereafter,” Lauren Bennett, human resources manager for the company, said in the Aug. 5 letter. “Accordingly, closure of the Warren Facility is expected to be permanent.”

A Stellantis spokesperson said the work is being insourced to Warren Truck Assembly Plant but declined to provide details, Crain’s Detroit Business reported.

The automaker is expected to absorb the work with existing resources instead of making new hires.

Automakers are trying struggling to accommodate new tariffs and regulatory changes, including rolled-back carbon emissions rules initiated by President Donald Trump. The administration believes tariffs will boost U.S. manufacturing, but industry experts are concerned the moves will lead to escalating costs and weaker sales and production.

Hundreds of workers represented by the UAW have been laid off the Detroit area, including at Warren Truck, where the discontinuation of the Ram 1500 Classic forced 1,100 job cuts late in 2024.

Teamsters Local 299, the union which represents those impacted by DP World’s cuts, is hoping to match up workers with employment opportunities for workers, Kevin Moore, president of Local 299, told Crain’s.

“They’re losing work left and right over there,” Moore said. “They’re losing it because of all these changes in auto. A lot of it is because they’re not producing. They’re not ramped up, not at full production.”

According to the WARN letter, DP World’s management will communicate in the coming weeks with its employees and their union representatives regarding progress on the closure and bumping rights and transfers, as applicable.

Copies of the letter were also sent to Warren Mayor Lori Stone and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel.

The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, also known as the WARN Act, requires companies going through mass layoffs or site closures to issue advance public notice to the state’s labor department. DP World said “based on the expected employment loss totals it does not appear any notice under the Federal WARN Act is required.”

The company’s filing did not provide the number of unionized employees and affected job titles were not provided in the company’s filing.

The Dubai, United Arab Emirates-based company has 100,000 employees at over 120 locations, its website says.

Macomb County plastic mold shop to shut down, taking 45 jobs

Trump saying 600,000 Chinese students could come to the US draws MAGA backlash

No coffee for you! Warren officials shoot down mayor’s atrium proposal

Macomb road official: South Mound project in near future

Clinton Township police say a drone proved to be an “invaluable tool” in helping officers arrest an accused armed arsonist earlier this week.

Officers Thursday released some of the drone’s video footage shot from above the suspect’s car, which showed he was in the vehicle before police swooped in to arrest the surprised defendant.

“The drone was an invaluable tool during this incident,” police said in a statement.

Cody Krantz, 23, of Clinton Township, was arraigned Tuesday, Aug. 19 in 41B District Court after he was charged with first-degree arson, home invasion, and malicious destruction of property.

Magistrate Ryan Zemke set bond at $500,000, court records show. Krantz is being held at the Macomb County Jail.

According to police, the incident happened shortly after midnight on Aug. 18 when officers responded to a call of an armed man setting objects on fire in an apartment complex near Joy Boulevard and Gratiot Avenue.

Police said during the investigation, an officer noticed the suspect’s vehicle was still in the parking lot.

That’s when officers deployed one the department drones. The drone pilot positioned the device one in front of the vehicle in order to see see potential occupants.

Officers observed the suspect sitting inside the vehicle “via the off-site in-car viewing monitor.”

With the drone still hovering over the vehicle, officers converged on the suspect and were able to make the arrest without resistance.

Investigators later determined multiple objects inside the apartment had been set on fire, including a portion of the structure itself.

Authorities also recovered a pistol from the car.

If convicted of the most serious charge, the arson allegation, Krantz could face up to life in prison.

The department again thanked the community for providing officers with funding for up-to-date training and equipment.

Earlier this month, voters approved a 10-year millage renewal on a 62.7% to 373% tally, according to the Clinton Township Clerk’s Office. Township Supervisor Paul Gieleghem said the renewal is expected to generate $9.6 million a year, or about one-third of the total police budget.

“With the continued millage support from our township residents, your officers have the proper tools and training to safely apprehend these dangerous and violent suspects,” the department said Thursday.

Macomb County’s first cannabis consumption lounge will open Friday, Aug. 8 alongside a new dispensary.

Bowdega, a “culturally inspired” cannabis retail shop, and Burn1, its adjacent consumption site, will celebrate their official grand opening at 45411 Park Avenue, just north of Hall Road (M-59) near Dave & Buster’s in Utica.

Bowdega owner Marvin Kiezi said the opening marks the end of the construction and stocking phase of his $5 million business, which he began working on in December 2024.

“It’s a new market, so I’m excited about that,” Kiezi said. “Let’s face it, this is an evolving business and market, so we had to bring something fresh to the table. I think we’ve accomplished that.”

For Friday’s grand opening, customers will have a variety of special activities including food trucks, live DJs, giveaways and more.

The grand opening introduces one of the region’s first cannabis destinations to combine high-quality retail with a legal onsite consumption space, according to a news release. There only a limited number of licensed cannabis lounges operating in Michigan, organizers said.

Located in the former Red Ox Tavern off M-53, Burn1 is a 3,000-square-foot consumption lounge where guests can enjoy what they purchase in a safe setting. With five hotels nearby, Burn1 is also a practical option for visitors who cannot smoke in their hotel rooms and for locals looking for a social place to consume.

The lounge will contain curated music, cozy seating and an open-air patio to live art and community events. Future plans call for adding live bands, puff-n-paint artwork and a dab bar.

“You’ve got to be different in this business,” Kiezi  said. “We are going to do things that are attractive for this side of town. There are a lot of attractions here in Utica and we want to add one more.”

Burn1 has also been approved for a Farmer’s Fridge to be installed mid-month. The vending-style machines often found in airports, hospitals and large workspaces offer guests healthy, fresh food, from sandwiches to salads to parfaits.

Kiezi also plans to erect jumbo 9-foot-tall letters spelling out Utica on his property near M-53. The illuminated gateway sign will be similar to ones placed on the freeway during the 2024 NFL draft in Detroit.

The 5,500-square-foot retail store features top-tier Michigan- grown brands such as Big League Brands, Peninsula Gardens, LocalGrove, and more.

Bowdega will offer a variety of flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates, CBD products, topicals, accessories, and branded apparel.

Visitors must be 21 or older with a valid ID to enter either location.

Store hours are 8 a.m.-midnight daily. For more information, call 586-788-7778 or visit burn1.com or bowdega.com

Another consumption lounge, the Joint Cannabis Lounge, is expected to open this year in Mount Clemens.

Lake St. Clair lures top North American anglers for Bassmaster tourney

Accused shoplifter racks up 30th arrest in Clinton Twp.

Dearborn firm sues Ypsilanti Township, alleges bias in favor of Sheetz

Fitz and the Tantrums at the Majestic Theatre, 5 Things to Know

Ken Morris: How did Covid change your spending habits? Or did it?

A St. Clair County man was arraigned on homicide charges Tuesday afternoon in connection with the death of a Madison Heights woman whose body was discovered in a Shelby Township apartment.

Terrance Lamar Bowie, 29, of Casco Township, was charged in 41-A District Court in Shelby Township with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence at the scene related to the death of a woman identified by Prosecutor Peter Lucido as Brittany Harris-Beauchamp, a 27-year-old Madison Heights woman. The murder charge is punishable by up to life in prison while the tampering charges carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Judge Stephen Sierawski set bond at $2 million cash after Assistant Macomb Prosecutor Sian Hengeveld sought to hold Bowie without bond based on the severity of the charges and because, “This case appears to be both a violent and unprovoked one (attack).”

Lexus Real, Bowie’s attorney for the arraignment, requested “a reasonable bond,” indicating that while he has resided in Casco the past “couple of months,” he had been living with and taking care of his grandmother in Shelby Township.

Bowie told Real he has no pending criminal charges and only minor past skirmishes with the law, she said.

Sierawski said Bowie would be appointed an attorney through the county Public Defender’s Office.

Bowie, Hengeveld, Real and a township police detective attended the court hearing appeared remotely by video.

According to Shelby Township police, officers received a 911 call about 6:45 a.m. July 19 from an apartment on the 46000 block of Boardman Drive. A man requested help on a 911 call and then hung up.

Officers arrived at the apartment to check the welfare of the occupants and were met at the door by Bowie, according to a news release.

“Bowie made statements to officers indicating that there was a dead body located inside of the apartment,” investigators said in the release.

Police located a deceased 27-year-old female in a bedroom. Evidence taken from the scene indicates the cause of death as a homicide.

Bowie was placed under arrest at the scene, police said.

“This was not a random act of violence, as the victim and Bowie were both known to each other,” police said.

Authorities did not state in the releases how she was killed.

Bowie, who is being held in the Macomb County Jail, faces an Aug. 5 probable-cause conference and an Aug. 12 preliminary examination in 41A.

“Think twice before committing a crime in Shelby Township. Our team is committed to the safety and security of our residents and business owners,” Police Chief Robert Shelide said in the release. “However, if you commit a violent crime in Shelby Township, we will leave no stone unturned and pursue you until you are brought to justice.”

— Staff writer Jameson Cook contributed to this report.

Shelby Township police investigating homicide at Lakeside Park Apartments

Boater’s body found behind Harrison Twp. marina

Family and friends of an Oakland County restaurant food server are mourning his loss after he was killed over the weekend as a result of high-speed police chase that ended in Warren.

Relatives identified the victim as Alex Habib, 28, a married father of two from Madison Heights, who died early Saturday in a car crash involving a Roseville police officer.

Warren police Lt. John Grajewski on Sunday confirmed the fatality, which remains under investigation.

According to Warren police, Roseville police initiated a vehicle pursuit around 3 a.m. Saturday that ended in a multi-car crash in the Van Dyke Avenue/11 Mile Road area.

Further details were not immediately available.

Roseville police administrators did not respond Sunday morning to a request for comment.

Habib apparently was an innocent bystander who was struck by one of the vehicles involved in the pursuit, according to friends.

He was married to Danielle and the two have two young children, 1-year-old Eleanora and Santiago, who is 3 months old.

“His life revolved around his family — he was their strength, their protector, and their constant source of support,” relatives said in a GoFundMe request.

“Alex worked tirelessly to provide for Danielle and the kids, both emotionally and financially. He was a man of deep love, quiet strength, and unwavering dedication — someone who gave selflessly and always showed up for the people he loved. His loss is felt not just by his wife and children, but by all who knew him.”

Habib worked as a server at Jim Brady’s restaurant on Main Street in Royal Oak.

According to a social media message posted by management, the Jim Brady’s team of workers is “heartbroken” over his passing.

“We have lost a beloved member of our team,” the Facebook post said. “Alex Habib, who was loved by all those who came into contact with him, has been taken from all of those close to him far too early…The family appreciates any and all that we can do for them. Thank you from the bottom of our heart.”

As of Sunday afternoon, the GoFundMe effort has raised in excess of $55,000.

To make a donation, visit gofundme.com/f/support-for-alex-habibs-loved-ones

Come back to Macombdaily.com for further updates as they become available.

The Fraser City Council voted Thursday night to grant the region’s troubled waste hauler a contract extension that includes a 24% rate hike despite ongoing complaints from homeowners about chronic service delays.

Clinton Township-based Priority Waste received a three-year extension of its existing $1.1 million contract, with 3% annual raises each year, according to the city’s Department of Public Works.

In a memo to the council, DPW Superintendent Rob Barrett said there’s not enough time to solicit bids from other waste hauling firms before the city’s contract expires Sept. 12.

“Unfortunately, we recently discovered that most waste disposal companies require several months to prepare a bid, receive several months to prepare a bid, receive the award, and invest in trucks and personnel to provide the service,” Barrett said in recommending the extension.

Councilmembers said they were frustrated by the lack of bids given Priority Waste’s numerous complaints over various services. Mayor Michael Lesich said he “reluctantly” voted along with the rest of the council.

Fraser’s approval marked the second one this week for Priority Waste, which earlier this week gained support from Orchard Lake in Oakland County.

Daniel Venet, the company’s vice president of municipal sales, said the new agreement in Fraser follows ongoing discussions between the city and Priority Waste over improving the company’s performance.

“From where we started a year ago, we were all in a chaotic moment of stress,” he said. “We put a lot on your shoulders — the DPW staff, yourselves, and the administration. It’s not something I took lightly.”

During Thursday’s meeting in Fraser, Barrett, a former longtime Oak Park employee, apologized to the council for not addressing the matter sooner and said the city administration will request proposals for the service earlier next time the contract is nearing its end.

According to the memo, the extension includes a starting rate of $17.50 per month for residential garbage service, which includes compost and recycling, with a 3% annual increase for each of the three years.

The DPW head said the company’s price of $1.12 million a year for Fraser is “quite fair” by comparison to other bids in local communities that were received recently awarded:

• Harrison Township — $1.2 million
• Shelby Township — $1.29 million
• New Haven — $300,000

“That satisfies me that’s a fair number (in the bid),” Barrett told the council.

Fraser has approximately 5,750 trash pickups, 4,830 recycling pickups, and 3,950 compost pickups per month, according to the city’s DPW.

Priority Waste took over residential accounts from GFL Environmental on July 1, 2024. The company now handles trash services for about 700,000 residents in dozens of communities in Genesee, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties.

Prior to that, Fraser had an eight-year contract with GFL, which some questioned. While a councilmember at the time, Lesich voted against the move.

Troubled transition

But almost from the day the sale of GFL to Priority Waste was announced in July 2024, the company has been plagued with troubles related to the transition.

Over the past year, Priority Waste has been facing a barrage of complaints from numerous communities over missed pickups and other service issues.

Residents and municipal leaders have reported days-long  delays in trash and recycling collection, scattered trash, difficulty reaching the company. Company officials say they were left many “decrepit” and aging garbage trucks.

Company officials said a load of new trucks have been ordered with final delivery expected around November.

Service improving

Venet said Priority Waste is making steady improvements every month.

He talked about a former GFL official who advised him: “One thing he said to me about Fraser was that the people are understanding and forgiving, but they will hold you accountable when you fail. And things were not good for us those first three months.”

Priority Waste officials thought the problems would have leveled off over the winter. Instead, Venet said, it took three months to sell the old fleet of vehicles. At the same time, the company continued to see an increase in the volume of waste left out for disposal, which “doesn’t help,” he said.

Venet believes as the company continues to chip away, things should get “more like normal.” by January, both in Fraser and other communities.

He also acknowledged concerns about the company’s street sanitation workers.

“My stance is people do make mistakes so we can allow for some variance if a mistake occurs but if it’s an occurrence of choice or it’s habitual or a continuous issue, the employee’s going to get reprimanded and disciplined through our protocols,” Venet said.

He told the council that problems are certain to happen in “an industry with 1 million touches a year.

“But it’s how you respond, correct, and move forward,” Venet said.

The extension comes as Macomb Township’s board voted to issue a formal notice of default that could result in fines against the company as early as next month.

A spokesperson for the company has said they faced obstacles involving the number of GFL garbage trucks Priority Waste received in the sale and technology issues. Many vehicles were broken down and required immediate repairs, while a camera system the company uses to monitor work conditions had problems staying operational.

The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a body was found Thursday afternoon in the Clinton River near Shadyside Park in Mount Clemens.

Investigators were not able to provide much information as the corpse was decomposed. It was not immediately known if the remains were a male or female, or if foul play was suspected, deputies said.

Someone called 911 to report the body in the river under the Southbound Gratiot Avenue bridge around 2:25 p.m. The caller said two feet were visible in the middle of the river.

“He also stated there was a lot of debris in the water,” deputies said in a news release.

According to the release, deputies responded and confirmed a body was located underwater. The Sheriff’s Marine Division arrived to assist and remove the remains from the water.

Investigators said the body will be transported to the Macomb County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available.

Security beefed up for Center Line Independence Festival

Police: Golf cart driver who struck boy at parade had not been drinking

President Donald Trump’s campaign has released details about a rally scheduled for Tuesday in Macomb County to celebrate the 100th day of his second term.

The campaign said in an email the event will be held at 6 p.m. April 29th at the Sports & Expo Center on the South Campus of Macomb Community College on 12 Mile and Hayes roads in Warren.

Tickets for the rally, which is open to the public, are available here.

Doors are set to open at 1:45 p.m. Remarks by various elected officials will begin at 6 p.m. followed by Trump’s comments, according to the campaign.

Last week, the White House announced Trump’s visit to Michigan, his first since being elected president to a second, nonconsecutive term in office. He won the state of Michigan in both the 2016 and 2024 elections, but lost the state and the election in 2020.

Trump to hold rally in Macomb County to celebrate his first 100 days in office

The past three months have seen the president’s whirlwind approach to covering trade, international alliances and a tariffs program that has led to consumer confidence plummeting, stock markets convulsing and investors losing confidence in the credibility of Trump’s policies.

Since taking office for his second term, the president has been looking to overhaul the federal government as he attempts to cut jobs and agencies, end diversity programs, deport immigrants and launch hefty tariffs that have threatened to upend the global economic order but which he says are needed to force fairer trade deals.

In a news release, organizers said the MCC event is intended to be a “celebration of the most successful and monumental first 100 days of any administration in history.”

Macomb County was one of the southeast Michigan communities where voters favored Trump.

In November 2024, he won Michigan’s 15 electoral college votes, flipping the state again in a victory over Democrat Kamala Harris.

In Macomb, voters chose Trump over Harris, 284,660 votes to 214,977 votes, for a nearly 14-percentage point victory margin.

Trump’s favor in Michigan has wavered over the years, but his supporters have kept the vote counts close. He defeated Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton by 10,704 Michigan votes in 2016 and then lost to Democratic nominee Joe Biden by 154,188 Michigan votes four years later.

His speech is expected to touch on tariffs and an an update on Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township. He has said in recent weeks that he was working with Michigan leaders to keep the military installation  “open, strong, thriving” and hinted about the possibility of new fighter jets coming.

Earlier this month, Trump made reference to Selfridge as he was meeting with Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in the Oval Office. Whitmer and other Michigan officials have long pushed for a new fighter mission to replace the outgoing A-10 squadron at Selfridge.

Familiar faces expected to join Trump during rally next week at Macomb Community College

Most Americans expect higher prices as a result of Trump’s tariffs, new poll finds

Prevailing thoughts from Lions’ 2025 draft class, and what might come next

Macomb County All-Academic Banquet brings out the best in all