Results for “Safe Prisons Initiative”
53 stories
- policy
Saginaw Readers: Michigan Raises Starting Pay for Upper Peninsula Prison Guards by $10,000
The Michigan Department of Corrections is raising starting pay for Upper Peninsula prison guards by about $10,000 a year. The increase is part of the state's Safe Prisons Initiative to combat chronic staffing shortages.
June 1, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - elections
Holland Voters Face November Choice as Michigan Ballot Initiative to Ban Corporate Campaign Cash Files 562,000 Signatures
A ballot initiative that would ban Consumers Energy and other major corporations from political spending in Michigan submitted 562,000 petition signatures Wednesday. The measure could reach Holland voters in November.
May 28, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - 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 - legislature
Michigan Introduces Water Safety Education Bill as Drowning Claims Lives in Great Lakes State
Michigan House Bill 4477 would require water safety education in K-8 classrooms as drowning prevention advocates push for mandatory curriculum to protect children from water-related deaths across the state.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 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 - legislation
Kalamazoo Senator Leads Michigan Senate Hearing on Dam Safety Bills After Statewide Flooding
Senate Committee on Energy and Environment, chaired by Sen. Sean McCann of Kalamazoo, heard testimony on two bipartisan bills to strengthen Michigan's aging dam infrastructure and increase oversight of hydroelectric dam sales.
May 24, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - health
Michigan Senate Bans Mandatory Nurse Overtime in Bipartisan Push for Patient Safety
Michigan Senate passes bipartisan bills banning mandatory nurse overtime, establishing limits on working hours and penalties for violations while allowing exceptions during emergencies
April 16, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - politics
Michigan Lawmakers Ignored Dam Safety Recommendations as State Prepares for Flooding
Michigan lawmakers ignored recommendations from a 2021 dam safety task force as severe flooding now threatens the state. The task force recommended 86 improvements including increased funding and stricter regulations, but the Legislature did little to act on those suggestions.
April 21, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - politics
Michigan Dam Safety Failures Endanger Cheboygan as Federal Regulators Ignore Years of Warnings
Michigan dam safety failures endanger Cheboygan as federal regulators ignore years of warnings, with taxpayers now funding emergency repairs at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam complex
April 18, 2026·Michigan Capitol·5 sources - courts
Enbridge Line 5 Tunnel Project Raises Safety Concerns After New Geologic Report Released
A new geotechnical report on Enbridge's Line 5 tunnel project has raised safety concerns among opponents, highlighting potential risks including weak bedrock, high water pressure and dangerous gases beneath the Straits of Mackinac.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - policy
University of Michigan Research Center Faces Fierce Local Opposition Over Safety Concerns and Site Location
Ypsilanti Township unanimously opposes University of Michigan's proposed $1.2 billion research center, citing terrorism risks, misleading communications, and concerns over site selection in a marginalized community.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - policy
Pontiac Voters in Line as Michigan Ballot Proposal to Ban Corporate Campaign Cash Files 562,000 Signatures
A Michigan ballot initiative to ban campaign contributions from utilities and major state contractors filed over 562,000 signatures on Wednesday, easily clearing the threshold for the November ballot. The proposal targets DTE Energy, Consumers Energy, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
May 28, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - policy
Pontiac Voters in Line as Michigan Ballot Proposal to Ban Corporate Campaign Cash Files 562,000 Signatures
A Michigan ballot initiative to ban campaign contributions from utilities and major state contractors filed over 562,000 signatures on Wednesday, easily clearing the threshold for the November ballot. The proposal targets DTE Energy, Consumers Energy, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
May 28, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - policy
Pontiac reconfigures Auburn Avenue, adds lighted crosswalks after pedestrian deaths
Pontiac officials announce safety upgrades on Auburn Avenue and other corridors following a string of pedestrian fatalities, including reconfiguring traffic lanes and adding lighted crosswalks.
May 16, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - policy
Governor Whitmer Calls for Federal Social Media Crackdown After Hosting Michigan Internet Summit
Governor Gretchen Whitmer called for federal legislation to protect children from social media addiction after hosting a summit with youth advocates and activists. Michigan has passed state-level protections, but Whitmer said online safety issues cross state borders and require national action. The Kids Over Clicks package, which passed through a Senate committee last month, would ban addictive online feeds for minors and regulate chatbot features.
April 8, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - public-safety
Kalamazoo County: 52-Year-Old Arborist Killed by Falling Tree Branch in Edwardsburg
A 52-year-old arborist was killed by a falling tree branch in Edwardsburg, Kalamazoo County. The incident is Michigan's 17th workplace fatality of 2026, according to MIOSHA.
June 18, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - politics
Grand Rapids: 22-Year-Old Ejected From Car in Rollover Crash on I-196 to I-96 Ramp
A 22-year-old Sparta man was ejected from his car and seriously injured in a rollover crash on the I-196 to I-96 ramp in Grand Rapids early Monday. Michigan State Police said the driver was not wearing a seat belt and speed was a factor.
June 22, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - policy
Lansing: 148 Michigan Politicians Sign Pledge to Reject Utility Campaign Money as Consumers Energy Files $456 Million Rate Hike
148 Michigan politicians signed a pledge to refuse utility campaign donations on the same day Consumers Energy filed a $456 million rate increase request, the largest in more than 20 years.
June 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - legislation
Lansing: Bills to Fix Michigan’s Prison Staffing Crisis Stuck in House Clerk’s Office for 17 Months
Three bills that passed the Michigan Legislature to improve corrections officer retirement benefits have sat in the House clerk's office for 17 months. Speaker Matt Hall ordered them withheld after Republicans took the House. The Senate sued to force transmission, and the Michigan Supreme Court is weighing the case.
May 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - politics
Double Hit-and-Run Kills 60-Year-Old Pontiac Man, Police Search For Two Drivers
A 60-year-old Pontiac man was killed Sunday night in a double hit-and-run. Police are searching for both SUV drivers who left the scene after striking the man at a crosswalk.
May 15, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - policy
Red Flag Warning Issued For Marquette As Fire Danger Climb Ahead Of Warm Weekend
Fire officials warn residents to avoid outdoor burning as dangerous conditions including gusty winds and low humidity create elevated wildfire risk.
May 15, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - policy
Swatting Call Sends East Lansing High School Students Home as AG Nessel Urges Stricter Penalties
A bomb threat at East Lansing High School forced the school to evacuate students, and Attorney General Dana Nessel is now calling for stricter penalties for swatting incidents after the incident.
May 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - policy
Michigan House Advances Bill to Ban Sex Offenders From Child-Facing Jobs
Michigan House advances legislation to ban registered sex offenders from working at businesses that primarily serve minors, including martial arts studios, dance studios, summer camps, and childcare facilities.
April 29, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - courts
Michigan Senate Committee Advances Violent Crime Clearance Act Amid Calls for More Resources
Michigan Senate Committee passes Violent Crime Clearance Act to help law enforcement solve more violent crimes through additional resources and technology upgrades
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - policy
Michigan Lawmakers Advance Kids Over Clicks Bill as Governor Hosts Social Media Summit
Michigan state senators advance Kids Over Clicks legislation that would ban addictive online feeds for minors without parental consent and restrict chatbot features, while Governor Whitmer hosts summit on social media impact on young people.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - courts
Michigan Supreme Court to Decide Whether South Haven Has Immunity in Beach Drowning Lawsuit
Michigan Supreme Court will decide whether the City of South Haven has governmental immunity in a wrongful death lawsuit after an 18-year-old drowned at a city beach in 2020. The lower court ruled in the city's favor in September 2025, but the state Supreme Court is now reviewing whether beach operations qualify as a governmental function or proprietary function.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Michigan Supreme Court to Hear Whether South Haven Can Be Held Liable After Teen Drowned at Public Beach
The Michigan Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether the city of South Haven enjoys governmental immunity in a wrongful death lawsuit after an 18-year-old drowned at a public beach in 2020. The case centers on whether beach operations count as a governmental function or a proprietary business activity.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Michigan Supreme Court to Hear Government Immunity Case After South Haven Beach Drowning
Michigan Supreme Court to hear government immunity case after Brandon Chambers drowned at South Haven beach in 2020. Case could reshape how state handles municipal liability for injuries on public property.
April 8, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - legislature
Michigan Senate Bill Would Require Regular Driving Tests for Seniors 75 and Older
Senate Bill 847 would require Michigan drivers 75 and older to pass regular in-person driving tests to renew their licenses, with annual requirements for those 85 and older. The proposal comes after a Novi woman was killed in a 2024 crash involving a 94-year-old driver.
April 8, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - politics
Michigan Senate Unanimously Passes Bill to Strengthen Anti-Terrorism Law After Court Raises Constitutional Questions
Michigan Senate passes bill clarifying intent requirements for terroristic threatening charges after courts raise constitutional questions about current law
April 7, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - policy
Michigan Lawmakers Push 'Kids Over Clicks' Bills to Curb Social Media Addiction and Protect Minors Online
Michigan lawmakers are advancing legislation that would limit addictive social media feeds, restrict certain AI chatbot features, and give parents more control over their children's online activity, following a California jury verdict holding Meta and Google liable for youth harm.
April 7, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - crime
Woman Arrested After Early Morning Shooting in Oshtemo Township Apartment Leaves Man With Non-Life-Threatening Wound
A 41-year-old woman is in custody after a shooting at an Oshtemo Township apartment building left a 31-year-old man with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his leg early Saturday morning.
April 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
Michigan Lawmakers Demand MDOC Director’s Resignation After Four Inmate Deaths in One Month
State lawmakers led by Rep. Laurie Pohutsky are demanding MDOC Director Heidi E. Washington resign after four inmate deaths in state prisons over one month, including two at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility.
May 25, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - legislation
Michigan House Passes Property Tax Cuts That Could Cost Grand Rapids Homeowners Billions in Lost Services
The Michigan House passed property tax cut bills Wednesday that could cost local governments billions. Grand Rapids Rep. Stephen Wooden warned the cuts would defund roads, schools, and public safety. The bills now go to the Senate.
May 21, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - crime
Baby Thrown From Window During Kalamazoo Fire, Caught By Officer
A baby thrown from a window during a home fire in Kalamazoo's Edison neighborhood was caught by a police officer and both were rescued safely.
May 17, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - politics
Kalamazoo County Jail Under Investigation Over Lead and Copper in Water
Kalamazoo County Jail water testing reveals elevated lead and copper levels in some fixtures. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says water should not be consumed but is safe for other uses. Investigation continues with more testing expected in late May.
May 16, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - politics
Over 2,000 Volunteers Spend Community Impact Day Cleaning Holland, Michigan
More than 2,000 volunteers spent Community Impact Day in Holland, Michigan, cleaning and improving neighborhoods across 122 locations. The initiative, started by the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce in 2022, has grown into a nationwide movement with volunteers generating over 347,000 dollars in value in a single day.
May 15, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - politics
Firefighters rescue family of ducklings from storm drain in Traverse City
Five mallard ducklings were rescued from a storm drain Monday morning in Traverse City after firefighters responded to the call. The baby ducks were released in a safer area where other mallard families were nearby.
May 12, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - policy
Nearly 300 Residents Evacuated After Wildwood Off Main Apartment Complex Condemned in Kalamazoo Township
Nearly 300 residents at the Wildwood Off Main apartment complex in Kalamazoo Township were condemned Thursday after officials found the building unsafe under state property maintenance codes. Orange warning signs were posted on doors throughout the complex.
May 11, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - policy
Flint Residents Get Chance to Shape $20 Million Park Improvement Plan
Flint residents can vote on park improvements as part of a $20 million Charles Stewart Mott Foundation centennial initiative, with feedback accepted through June 6.
May 7, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - education
Marquette Area Schools Bond Proposal Passes in Special Election
Marquette Area Public Schools voters approved a $59.995 million bond proposal with 3,628 votes in favor and 3,116 against, allowing the district to fund facility, safety and learning environment improvements.
May 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - policy
Saginaw Township Voters Reject $94.2M School Bond Proposal Amidst Heated Debate
Saginaw Township voters rejected a $94.2 million school bond proposal amid heated social media debates. The scaled-back request focused on essential safety and infrastructure improvements after previous proposals totaling nearly $400 million were rejected by voters.
May 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - politics
Michigan Youth Treatment Center Opens Unprepared, Faces Staff Assaults and Calls to Close
The Michigan Youth Treatment Center in Mount Clemens faced staffing shortages, inadequate training and youth violence months before an MLive investigation documented operational failures. State lawmakers have called for closure, but MDHHS refuses to shut down the facility despite safety concerns.
April 23, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
Michigan Ballot Race Heats Up as Americans for Citizen Voting Leads Push to Require Proof of Citizenship
Americans for Citizen Voting filed 750,000 signatures to require proof of citizenship on the Michigan ballot, but several other initiatives still compete while others have dropped out by early 2026.
April 18, 2026·Michigan Capitol·6 sources - policy
Michigan Communities Push Back Against Data Centers as State Lawmakers Consider Moratorium and Tax Repeal
Michigan communities are rallying against data centers while state lawmakers consider repealing tax breaks for the facilities. A ballot initiative to ban utility political donations has 81 percent support. Deep Green withdrew its $120 million Lansing proposal amid community opposition.
April 10, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - policy
Michigan Prisoners Break Participation Records as State Expands Education Programs
Michigan prisons report record participation as nearly 4,000 inmates complete educational and vocational programs, up 66% from 2020, with partnerships expanding postsecondary opportunities across 26 facilities.
April 8, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - budget
Michigan Prison Education Programs Hit Record Enrollment as State Budget Expands Vocational Training
Michigan prisons see record enrollment in education and job training programs as state budget expansion and Pell Grant restoration enable postsecondary credentials for inmates across 26 facilities.
April 8, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
School Funding Votes Head to May 5 Ballot in Michigan's Thumb Region
School districts across Michigan's Thumb region will put bond and millage measures on the May 5 ballot to address aging infrastructure, safety upgrades, and facility improvements, including a $37.1 million Cros-Lex bond proposal.
April 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
Michigan House Introduces Constitutional Carry Bill to Allow Permitless Concealed Weapon Carry
Michigan House Republicans have introduced House Bill 5653, which would eliminate the concealed pistol license requirement for carrying firearms in public. The constitutional carry proposal draws support from gun rights advocates while facing opposition from public safety organizations.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - governor
Governor Whitmer Unveils $806 Million Education Investment in 2027 Budget Proposal Focusing on Pre-K Expansion and Literacy Programs
Governor Whitmer's 2027 budget proposal includes $806 million for early childhood education and literacy programs, with $181.1 million to expand Pre-K for All and $625 million for literacy initiatives building on the Science of Reading.
April 1, 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 - governor
Governor Whitmer Announces Dozens of Appointments to State Boards and Commissions
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced dozens of appointments to state boards and commissions, including key positions on the Tax Tribunal, Finance Authority, and numerous regulatory boards across healthcare, education, and public safety.
March 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - public-safety
Cass County Arrest Made in Fatal Hit-and-Run That Killed Kalamazoo Region Man Timothy Johnson
A suspect has been arrested in connection with the May 24 fatal hit-and-run that killed 24-year-old Timothy Johnson of Benton Harbor on M-152 in Cass County, about 45 miles west of Kalamazoo.
June 21, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources