State employees will get a one percent raise and a 1.5 percent lump sum payment under new contracts, approved by the Michigan Civil Service Commission last Wednesday.

DTE Electric Co. has received approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission to raise its overall electric rates by 5.3 percent, or $238.2 million annually, but 36 percent below the $370 million it had requested earlier this year.

Michigan’s unemployment rate moved up slightly in November to 5.1 percent. The seasonally adjusted rate was 5 percent in October and 6.5 percent a year ago. The national rate in November was 5 percent.

Much more is highlighted in Michigan News.