Results for “First Amendment”
51 stories
- elections
Michigan Lawmakers Propose Constitutional Amendment to Let Battle Creek Voters Pick Secretary of State and Attorney General
Republican and Democratic lawmakers introduced a constitutional amendment that would let Michigan voters choose secretary of state and attorney general nominees in primary elections instead of party conventions. The proposal faces a two-thirds vote in the legislature and a public referendum.
May 26, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - courts
Four Grand Blanc Township Firefighters Sue Over Alleged Retaliation Following Chief Support
Four Grand Blanc Township firefighters filed a federal lawsuit claiming retaliation for publicly supporting Fire Chief Jamie Jent after a deadly church attack. The plaintiffs allege their First Amendment rights were violated when Superintendent Dennis Liimatta changed hiring procedures.
April 16, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - Education
Dearborn Public Schools Names Mike Esseily First Arab-American Superintendent Amid $1.5 Billion Bond Push
Dearborn Public Schools unanimously voted to hire Mike Esseily as superintendent, making him the district's first Arab-American permanent leader. He begins July 1 as the board pushes a $1.5 billion bond proposal to the November ballot.
June 24, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - crime
Flint: Pierre Chambers Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Father's 2024 Shooting Death
Pierre Chambers, 34, was convicted of first-degree premeditated murder for shooting his father Osborn Chambers 24 times in their Flint home. He faces life without parole.
June 17, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - politics
Dexter Woman To Be First Female To Represent US At WorldSkills Welding Competition In China
Dexter woman and Washtenaw Community College student will be first female to represent US at WorldSkills welding competition in China
May 17, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - policy
Dearborn selects first-ever Arab American, Muslim educator as new superintendent
Dearborn Public Schools has selected Mike Esseily as its new superintendent, making him the first Arab American and Muslim educator to hold the position.
May 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - policy
Michigan Lawmakers Hold First Hearing on Dam Safety Reforms After Nearly Six Years
Michigan lawmakers held their first hearing on dam safety reforms nearly six years after the catastrophic Edenville Dam failure, with House Bill 5485 seeking to tighten oversight and strengthen state power to order emergency actions on unsafe structures.
April 30, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - elections
Michigan Democrats Nominated Washtenaw Prosecutor Eli Savit for Attorney General After First-Round Win Over Karen McDonald
Michigan Democrats nominated Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit as their attorney general candidate at their state endorsement convention in Detroit, where he defeated Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald in the first round of voting.
April 20, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - legislature
Michigan Legislature Stalls as Campaign Season Looms, Whitmer Signs Only 7 Bills in First Quarter
Michigan's Legislature has passed only seven bills in the first three months of 2026, marking the slowest legislative pace in an even-numbered year this century as lawmakers face campaign season and unresolved property tax reform.
April 12, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - legislature
Michigan Legislature Passes Only Seven Bills in First Three Months of 2026 as Campaign Season Looms
Michigan's divided Legislature has passed only seven bills in the first three months of 2026, the slowest pace in an even-numbered year this century, as campaign season approaches and property tax reform becomes a potential breakthrough issue.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - policy
Michigan Environmental Leaders Push for Microplastics Monitoring as Federal Agency Takes First Steps
Trump administration adds microplastics and pharmaceuticals to federal drinking water contaminant list for the first time, but Michigan environmental groups and lawmakers urge more aggressive action including state-level monitoring and regulation.
April 5, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - policy
Michigan Treasury Sets April 20 Deadline for First Wholesale Marijuana Tax Payments With Penalty Waiver Option
Michigan Treasury has set April 20, 2026 as the deadline for first quarterly payments of the new 24% Wholesale Marijuana Tax, with a penalty and interest waiver option for businesses that submit at least 75% of taxes due by the deadline and pay the full amount by January 20, 2027. The department issued Revenue Administrative Bulletin 2026-3 providing detailed guidance on tax calculations, taxable transactions, and compliance requirements.
March 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - legislature
Michigan House Speaker Proposes Constitutional Amendment to Require Supermajority Votes During Lame Duck Sessions
Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall proposes constitutional amendment requiring two-thirds legislative vote for bills passed during lame duck sessions after elections, aiming to ensure bipartisan consensus and restore voter accountability.
March 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - accountability
Detroit Gubernatorial Candidates Face Scrutiny as Michigan’s First Financial Disclosure Law Reveals Gaps
Michigan's new gubernatorial candidate financial disclosure law reveals stark differences in transparency. Only three of nine candidates disclosed specific dollar amounts. Detroit-linked candidates Jocelyn Benson and Mike Duggan filed contrasting reports as the race heats up.
May 20, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - politics
Michigan SOAR Program Delivers First Jobs After Years of Empty Promises
Michigan SOAR program creates 1,846 jobs in 2025 after spending $1.74 billion in subsidies, but only delivers 9 percent of promised 19,599 jobs
April 8, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - courts
Supreme Court Conversion Therapy Ruling Threatens Michigan Law Protecting LGBTQ+ Youth
US Supreme Court ruling against Colorado conversion therapy ban may allow Catholic counselors to resume counseling services prohibited under Michigan law, prompting state officials to evaluate their legal options.
April 7, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - crime
Flint Man Pierre Chambers Convicted of Murdering Father With 24 Gunshots to Face
Pierre Dwayne Chambers, 34, was convicted of first-degree premeditated murder for shooting his 62-year-old father Osborn Chambers 24 times in the face at their Flint home. Chambers faces life without parole.
June 21, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - legislation
Saginaw on the Ballot: Michigan Lawmakers Push to End Elected University Boards in Bipartisan Overhaul
A bipartisan constitutional amendment would replace elected university boards at MSU, U of M, and Wayne State with gubernatorial appointments. The measure must pass the legislature by June 4 to reach the August primary ballot.
May 30, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - legislation
Marquette Senator McBroom Leads Bipartisan Push to Let Michigan Voters Pick AG and SOS in Primaries
Marquette-area Sen. Ed McBroom is a key sponsor of a bipartisan constitutional amendment that would let primary voters pick Michigan's attorney general and secretary of state nominees and overhaul governance of the state's three flagship universities.
May 27, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - elections
Dearborn Voters Could Pick Michigan Attorney General and Secretary of State in Primaries Under New Proposal
Bipartisan lawmakers propose a constitutional amendment to let Michigan voters, including those in Dearborn, pick attorney general and secretary of state nominees in primaries instead of party conventions.
May 26, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - courts
Michigan Supreme Court to Decide Whether 50-Year Sentence for Juvenile Murder Constitutes Life in Prison
The Michigan Supreme Court is weighing whether a 50-year prison term for a crime committed while the defendant was 16 constitutes a de facto life sentence. The court also decided on a separate case involving Fifth Amendment rights for juvenile resentencing.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - courts
Michigan Supreme Court Bars City of Troy From Profiting on Building Permit Fees After 15-Year Battle
The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled against the City of Troy after 15 years of litigation over building permit fees, ordering the city to pay $575,000 in fees and barring it from profiting on permit collections. The ruling sets a precedent for how Michigan municipalities may calculate and spend building department fees under the state Construction Code Act and Headlee Amendment.
April 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - legislation
Battle Creek Residents on the Line as Michigan House Passes Resolution Calling for Constitutional Convention
The Michigan House passed a resolution calling for an Article V constitutional convention to limit federal spending, congressional terms, and federal power. The measure now heads to the Senate.
June 4, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - legislation
Detroit Rep. Joe Tate Leads Bipartisan Push to End Elected University Boards After MSU Crisis
Detroit Rep. Joe Tate joins bipartisan effort to end elected university boards and move AG/secretary of state nominations to primaries, following MSU president Kevin Guskiewicz's abrupt resignation.
May 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - legislation
Kalamazoo Speaker Hall Floats Sweeping Michigan Election Reform at Mackinac Conference
House Speaker Matt Hall of Kalamazoo County is expanding Michigan's election reform proposal to include closed primaries and state Board of Education changes, delaying the vote until November. The push follows MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz's departure.
May 28, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - legislation
Whitmer Blames MSU Board Antics for Guskiewicz Exit, Pushes Warren Voters Toward Constitutional Reform
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer blames MSU Board of Trustees dysfunction for President Kevin Guskiewicz's departure to Clemson. The exit accelerates a bipartisan push to amend the Michigan Constitution and replace elected university boards with governor appointments.
May 28, 2026·Michigan Capitol·5 sources - courts
Michigan AG Leads 32-State Coalition to Defend Geofence Warrants Before Supreme Court
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joins a 32-state coalition defending geofence warrants before the U.S. Supreme Court in a case that could shape how law enforcement uses location data from technology companies.
April 8, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
Flint Man Aaron Aydelotte Sentenced to Life in Prison for Conway Township Murder
Flint man Aaron Aydelotte sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder in Conway Township shooting death. Co-defendant Marqwevell Cummings faces separate proceedings.
2d ago·Michigan Capitol·1 source - crime
Pontiac Mother Found Competent to Stand Trial in Child Abuse Case After Welfare Fraud Sentencing
Pontiac mother Kelli Bryant was found competent to stand trial on three counts of first-degree child abuse. She was also sentenced to two years probation and ordered to pay nearly $30,000 in restitution for welfare fraud. Her trial begins August 24.
June 23, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - crime
Pontiac Mother Kelli Bryant Sentenced for Welfare Fraud, Faces August Trial in Child Abuse Case
Pontiac mother Kelli Bryant was sentenced to two years probation and ordered to pay $29,397 in restitution for welfare fraud. She faces trial August 24 on three counts of first-degree child abuse after deputies found her three children living alone in a filth-ridden home.
June 21, 2026·Michigan Capitol·5 sources - politics
Marquette County Votes to Explore Bringing Air Force Base Back to Upper Peninsula
Marquette County commissioners unanimously voted to explore reestablishing a U.S. Air Force base at the former K.I. Sawyer site. Residents raised housing concerns, but officials said the resolution is only a first step in conversations with defense officials.
June 21, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - education
Flint: Mott Foundation Commits $100 Million to New High School at Former Flint Central Site
Flint Community Schools broke ground on a $135 million high school at the former Flint Central site, funded by a $100 million commitment from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and $35.9 million in state grants. The first new high school in the district in over 50 years is expected to open in fall 2028.
June 18, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - policy
Holland Residents on the Line as Michigan Releases Lake Erie Phosphorus Plan Progress Report
Michigan released its first annual report under the updated Domestic Action Plan for Lake Erie, detailing progress toward a 40 percent phosphorus reduction target that directly affects Holland and the Western Lake Erie Basin.
June 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - policy
Flint Rx Kids Program Cuts Child Welfare Investigations by 32% as State Legislators Push to Cut Funding
A new JAMA Pediatrics study found Flint's Rx Kids cash assistance program cut child welfare investigations by 32% in its first year. House Speaker Matt Hall and Appropriations Chair Ann Bollin are pushing to eliminate $20 million in state funding for the program.
June 1, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - elections
Detroit’s Abdul El-Sayed Attacks Rivals Over Corporate Cash in Fiery Michigan Senate Debate
Detroit-area Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed attacked rivals Haley Stevens and Mallory McMorrow over corporate campaign donations during Michigan's first televised Democratic Senate debate at Mackinac.
May 29, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - policy
Warren manufactured housing residents form rare resident union to address quality of life concerns
Warren manufactured housing residents have formed what may be the first known resident union of its kind to address quality of life concerns in the community.
May 18, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - policy
John Ball Zoo Aquarium Committee Rejects Walker Site After Due Diligence Review
The John Ball Zoo Aquarium Committee has rejected a Walker landfill site after a due diligence review. The aquarium project remains in early stages with plans to open by 2031 and could draw 1 million visitors in its first year.
May 17, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - elections
Former Democratic and Republican Party Leaders Team Up to Eliminate Michigan Nominating Conventions
Former Michigan Democratic and Republican party officials are launching a joint effort to eliminate nominating conventions for statewide offices and replace them with primary elections through a constitutional amendment.
April 23, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - courts
Michigan Suspends Driver's Licenses Without Confirming Courts Held Required Hearings
The Secretary of State's office executes thousands of license suspensions from FOC offices each year. There is no system to verify the courts followed the law first.
April 13, 2026·James Thornton·9 sources - legislature
Michigan Legislature Stalled as Property Tax Debate Dominates Capitol
Michigan Legislature has passed only seven bills in first three months of 2026, marking slowest pace in even-numbered year this century as property tax debate dominates Capitol while housing affordability crisis intensifies across state.
April 13, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - elections
Ypsilanti Sends Police Budget Ballot Initiative to Governor Whitmer for Review
Ypsilanti City Council sends Charter Amendment to Governor Whitmer requiring voter approval for police budget increases. Initiative filed in 2024 with enough signatures to qualify for November 2026 ballot.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - legislature
Michigan Legislature Moves Slowest in Decade as Campaign Season Looms
Michigan legislature has signed just seven bills into law in first three months of 2026, marking slowest pace in even-numbered year this century as property tax reform and other priorities stall amid approaching campaign season.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - policy
Michigan Lawmakers and Environmental Groups Split on Federal Move to Regulate Microplastics in Drinking Water
The EPA announced Thursday it will add microplastics and pharmaceuticals to its list of drinking water contaminants for the first time, sparking mixed reactions from Michigan officials and environmental groups who say more action is needed to protect public health.
April 4, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - policy
Michigan Measles Outbreak Spills to Monroe County as State Health Officials Recommend Earlier Vaccination for Infants
Michigan's measles outbreak has expanded to Monroe County, bringing the state total to eight confirmed cases. Health officials are recommending that infants as young as 6 months receive an accelerated first dose of the MMR vaccine in several southeast Michigan counties due to possible community transmission. The outbreak has cost health departments nearly $100,000 so far in containment efforts.
April 4, 2026·Michigan Capitol·5 sources - policy
EPA Designates Microplastics, Pharmaceuticals as Priority Drinking Water Contaminants Amid Michigan Push for Monitoring
EPA announces first-ever designation of microplastics and pharmaceuticals as priority drinking water contaminants, but Michigan officials and environmental groups say the federal action falls short of required monitoring.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - policy
EPA Adds Microplastics and Pharmaceuticals to Drinking Water Contaminant List, but Michigan Officials Call for More Action
EPA adds microplastics and pharmaceuticals to drinking water contaminant list for first time, but Michigan officials and environmental groups are calling for more aggressive monitoring and regulation of the pollutants.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - politics
Holtec Completes Critical Restart Milestone at Palisades Nuclear Plant in Southwest Michigan
Holtec International completes critical passivation milestone at Palisades Nuclear Plant, bringing reactor back to operating temperature and pressure for first time since 2022 shutdown, with restart expected in 2026.
April 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - politics
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield Delivers Historic State of the City Speech at Mumford High School
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield made history by delivering her first State of the City address at Mumford High School, unveiling plans for neighborhood investment, housing, education partnerships, public safety, and population growth.
March 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - legislature
Michigan Senate Committee Reviews Proposal to Remove Dormant Same-Sex Marriage Ban From Constitution
Michigan Senate Democrats advance resolution to remove dormant same-sex marriage ban from state Constitution. The measure would require supermajority votes in both chambers and voter approval to place the constitutional amendment on the ballot.
March 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - legislature
Michigan House Passes Bill to Ban Kratom, Synthetic Variants From Market
The Michigan House of Representatives approved House Bill 5537 on March 18, legislation that would make it illegal to manufacture, sell or distribute kratom and its synthetic variants across the state, with penalties including up to 90 days in jail for first offenses.
March 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - legislature
Former House Speaker Joe Tate Announces He Won't Seek Re-election, Ends Historic Legislative Career
Former House Speaker Joe Tate, Michigan's first Black House speaker, announced he will not seek re-election to his Detroit-based seat, ending his historic legislative career after serving as speaker from 2023 to 2025.
March 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources