Mayor Introduces James Craig as New Police Chief

(DETROIT) -- James Craig has been confirmed by City officials as Detroit's new police chief.

Mayor Dave Bing and Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr introduced Craig as the new top cop on Wednesday.

Craig, originally from Detroit, is currently the Chief of the Cincinnati Police Department in Ohio. On Tuesday, he announced his resignation from that position, with his resignation set to take effect on June 22.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Veterans Designation Added to Mich. Driver’s Licenses and IDs

(LANSING, Mich.) -- Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation on Tuesday that authorized the Secretary of State to add a veterans designation on Michigan driver’s licenses and other state IDs.

"The veterans designation is great way for Michigan to honor those who have served and makes it easier for veterans to access discounts and offers from retailers, restaurants and hotels who offer special opportunities to veterans," explained Maj. Gen. Gregory Vadnais, director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

The bills, one for driver’s licenses and one for state issued ID cards, were sponsored by state Rep. Nancy Jenkins and state Sen. Darwin Booher, respectively.

The new licenses and ID cars will be available in May of next year.

The veterans designations will not serve as legal proof of military service or replace the DD214, but will simply make it easier for veterans to identify themselves in a day-to-day setting.

"This is a small way to say thank you to veterans who have done so much for us, for this country," said Secretary of State Ruth Johnson. "They'll have easy-to-carry, clear-cut proof of their service to help them more easily access the benefits they have earned and deserve.”  

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

18 Charged in Detroit in Medicare Fraud Crackdown

(WASHINGTON) -- Eighteen people in Detroit have been charged as part of a nationwide crackdown on Medicare fraud.

The Department of Justice says a total of 89 people in eight cities across of the U.S. have been charged, stemming from their alleged involvement in Medicare fraud schemes involving approximately $223 million in false billings.

The Department says in Detroit, two doctors, a physician’s assistant and two therapists, were among those charged for their roles in fraud schemes involving approximately $49 million in false claims for medically unnecessary services.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Mayor Bing Will Not Seek Re-Election

(DETROIT) -- Mayor Dave Bing has announced that he won't be seeking another term in office as Detroit's mayor.

Mayor Bing made the announcement that he won't be seeking re-election as Mayor on Tuesday during a press conference.

The city is currently troubled financially.

However, Bing did express interest in other political roles, including that of Wayne County Executive.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Officials: Michigan Teens to Face Competitive Summer Job Market

(LANSING, Mich.) -- Michigan teens looking for work this summer face a competitive job market, according to a new forecast from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget released Monday.

The release explains that the teen summer labor market is traditionally very competitive, and 2013 is no exception. When school ends, the number of teens looking for work skyrockets, and these usually inexperienced would-be workers face stiff competition from each other and older, more experienced job seekers.

The forecast predicts a summer unemployment rate of 25.5 percent, saying that approximately 242,800 teens are projected to be in the Michigan workforce, and approximately 180,900 are expected to find employment.

According to the department, the summer teen jobless statistics rose sharply during the recession. Still, it declined last year to 26.7 percent, down from 35 percent in 2010. It’s still much higher than the pre-recession levels, which were consistently in the high-teens.

The department attributes this increase in part to older job seekers who are forced to look for jobs that typically employ teens due to lack of employment elsewhere. These industries include food and drinking places, and clothing and clothing accessory stores.

Michigan's Department of Technology, Management & Budget closes its forecast by offering teens summer job search tips:

• Start looking early
• Keep looking
• Visit local businesses
• Let friends/neighbors know you are looking for work
• Talk with school guidance counselors
• Utilize on-line job boards and newspaper want-ads
• Think about self-employment: lawn service, pet sitting, etc.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio