Energy Storage & Auto Supply Chain: LG Energy Solution’s Ultium Cells (with GM) started mass production of U.S.-made LFP battery cells for energy storage at its Tennessee plant, feeding projects via LGES’ Vertech unit and positioning the company for faster ESS demand as EV growth moderates. Manufacturing Workforce & Efficiency: Monroe County Community College is set to deliver free energy audits and industrial assessments for Southeast Michigan manufacturers through a U.S. DOE Industrial Training and Assessment Center effort, with student-led on-site reviews and ROI-focused reports. Housing & Construction Tech: The Home Builders Association of Great Lakes Bay Region expanded to include Bay County, backing a new regional Skilled Trades Training Center in Auburn to tackle workforce shortages. Power & Grid Reliability: Consumers Energy and Confluence Hydro outlined a new $270M Hydro Safety Fund tied to the proposed sale of 13 dams, as regulators review the deal. Environmental Cleanup: EPA is starting community feedback sessions for the Gelman plume in Ann Arbor-area groundwater, seeking resident input before planning remediation. Skilled Trades Education: Michigan’s push to add judgeships in Kalamazoo County highlights how capacity gaps ripple through public services, while broader CTE/trades coverage underscores ongoing talent shortages. Trade & Infrastructure Politics: U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra called claims that Canada paid for the Gordie Howe Bridge “a big myth,” saying Canada effectively fronts the financing to be repaid by bridge users.