Results for “government immunity”
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- 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 - 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 - politics
Battle Creek Federal Center Listed for Sale as Government Seeks $430 Million in Savings
The Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in Battle Creek has been listed for potential sale by the General Services Administration. The building houses more than 1,000 workers, and community leaders say preserving those jobs is the top priority.
June 19, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - policy
Michigan Attorney General Nessel Launches Opioid Settlement Tracker After Local Governments Hoard $176 Million
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel launched a new public tracking system revealing local governments have spent only 17.7% of $214 million in opioid settlement funds. The report follows a revised 2025 agreement requiring transparency from 86 local governments.
May 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - policy
Flint Families on the Line as Michigan Refuses to Share SNAP Data With Federal Government
Michigan refuses to share SNAP data with the USDA, a decision the federal government says could cost taxpayers $300 million. Flint residents who rely on food assistance are caught in the middle of the dispute.
May 27, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - elections
Attorney General Candidate Eli Savit Used Government Gas Card for Campaign Travel, Records Show
Democratic attorney general candidate Eli Savit used a government gas card for campaign travel in Washtenaw County, a practice he says is part of his compensation package.
April 17, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - governor
Supreme Court Rejects Michigan's Line 5 Sovereign Immunity Claim; Whitmer Declares Energy Emergency
Supreme Court denies Michigan's Line 5 sovereign immunity appeal, allowing Enbridge lawsuit to proceed; Governor Whitmer declares energy emergency to ease rising fuel costs and directs state agencies to help businesses seek tariff refunds after Supreme Court strikes down Trump administration tariffs.
April 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - courts
U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Michigan's Appeal in Line 5 Sovereign Immunity Case, Allows Enbridge to Sue State
The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected Michigan's appeal in the Line 5 pipeline lawsuit, ruling that the state does not have sovereign immunity to shield it from Enbridge's federal lawsuit. This decision allows Enbridge to continue its legal efforts to maintain operations of the pipeline while the state pursues other legal avenues.
April 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - legislature
Bipartisan Michigan Housing Bills Stalled by Local Government Opposition
Bipartisan Michigan housing bills that would cap lot sizes and allow duplexes face opposition from local government groups and may be stalled in the current legislative session.
April 1, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Michigan's Sovereign Immunity Challenge in Line 5 Pipeline Lawsuit
The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected Michigan's final sovereign immunity challenge in Enbridge's federal lawsuit over Line 5, forcing the state to proceed in federal court to challenge the pipeline easement revocation order.
March 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - government
Bangor Township Residents Vote on $9.3M Fire Station Bond That Would Replace Over 50-Year-Old Station
Bangor Township residents will vote on a $9.28 million bond to replace a fire station built in 1963 with a modern facility that would cost taxpayers about $75 annually per household.
April 17, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - politics
Lansing: Whitmer and Legislative Leaders Reach Budget Framework Deal Ahead of July 1 Deadline
Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan legislative leaders reached a budget framework deal late Monday night, raising hopes the state will meet the July 1 deadline for its Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The agreement includes no tax increases, no Rainy Day Fund raid, and increased school funding.
June 24, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - State Politics
Lansing Lawmakers Introduce Reparations Bills Targeting Descendants of Slavery in Michigan
Michigan lawmakers introduced a three-bill reparations package targeting descendants of enslaved Americans. The bills would create a state commission, a dedicated office, and new data categories. House Speaker Matt Hall opposes the effort.
June 20, 2026·Michigan Capitol·5 sources - politics
Grand Rapids Police Chief Finalists Face Public Forum and Discrimination Lawsuit Scrutiny
Four finalists for Grand Rapids police chief met the public Wednesday. Two of the candidates, Mark Bliss and Eve Stephens, are named in discrimination lawsuits that could influence the city's decision.
June 18, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - politics
Pontiac Save-A-Lot Store Used to Spend Stolen SNAP Benefits as Michigan Faces $300 Million Data-Sharing Penalty
A Pontiac Save-A-Lot store was used to spend stolen SNAP benefits from vulnerable Michiganders, as the state faces a $300 million federal penalty for refusing to share food stamp data with the USDA.
June 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - politics
Grand Rapids Officer Loses Supreme Court Bid in 2020 Riot Excessive Force Case
The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal from Grand Rapids officer Phillip Reinink, allowing a civil lawsuit to proceed over his use of a flashbang canister during the May 2020 downtown riot.
May 27, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - politics
Pontiac Secretary of State Office Closes Two Weeks for Remodeling as Benson Pushes Digital Services
The Pontiac Secretary of State office closes May 21 through June 5 for remodeling. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's office urges residents to use online services and nearby self-service kiosks during the shutdown.
May 25, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - politics
Kalamazoo City Approves $3.225M Plan to Close 42 Railroad Crossings, Relocate Rail Yard
Kalamazoo City Commission approved $3.225 million in state and federal funding to close up to 42 railroad crossings and relocate the city's rail yard, with planning expected to take up to three years and completion possibly into the 2030s.
May 12, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - budget
Traverse City Commissioners Approve Performing Arts Venue Negotiations, Farmers Market Pavilion Construction
Traverse City commissioners approved contract negotiations with Studio Anatomy LLC for a performing arts venue in the Bijou by the Bay building and a $3.7 million farmers market pavilion despite zoning questions raised by two commissioners.
May 7, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - politics
Michigan Conservation District Elections Plagued by Errors, Leaving Unelected Board Members in Power
Michigan conservation district elections have been invalidated repeatedly due to errors, leaving unelected board members in power and raising questions about oversight of these little-known environmental bodies.
May 4, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - governor
Whitmer Signs Emergency Order for Holly and Tuscola County as Severe Weather Cripples Infrastructure
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signs executive order expanding state of emergency to Holly and Tuscola County after severe weather causes flooding and infrastructure damage across Michigan.
May 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - elections
Ex-Treasurer Sherine Miller Returns to Ballot After Contentious Exit From Kalamazoo Township
Former Kalamazoo Township Treasurer Sherine Miller has filed to run for the same position she vacated after a contentious dispute with the township board. Township officials say she cannot be her own successor, but county clerks say there is nothing in election law preventing her from running.
April 23, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - budget
Michigan Lawmakers Seek Millions for Theaters and Orchestras as Budget Earmarks Draw Scrutiny
Four Michigan House members are seeking $6.7 million for theaters and orchestras as the 2027 budget draws scrutiny over earmarks targeting specific organizations.
April 13, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - legislature
Former House Speaker Aide Accused of Embezzling State Grant Money for Health Park Project
Former House Speaker Jason Wentworth's legislative aide David Coker faces felony embezzlement charges after prosecutors allege he misused $820,000 of state grant money intended to build a health and wellness park in Clare. Judge Kristen D. Simmons will decide May 7 whether the case goes to trial.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - Elections
Haley Stevens Running for U.S. Senate as She Pushes to Restore Social Security Staffing After Trump Administration Cuts
Haley Stevens enters the Michigan U.S. Senate race as incumbent Gary Peters retires, launching the Social Security Customer Service Act to reverse Trump Administration staffing cuts and restore agency service levels.
April 8, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - legislature
Lansing’s Budget Fight Boils Over at Mackinac: Chamber Leaders Clash Over Tax Increases, Rainy Day Fund
Michigan's four legislative chamber leaders clashed publicly at the Mackinac Policy Conference over the state budget fight. House Speaker Matt Hall set preconditions for a deal that directly conflict with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's plan, raising the stakes for a potential government shutdown.
June 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - elections
Grand Rapids on the Line as Michigan Governor Candidates Clash Over Tax Cuts, New State Departments, and Marijuana Taxes
Michigan governor candidates clashed over tax policy, government structure, and economic priorities at the Mackinac Policy Conference. Their proposals will directly impact Grand Rapids businesses and residents.
May 28, 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 - policy
Traverse City Region Among 12 Northern Michigan Counties That Have Spent Zero Opioid Settlement Funds
A new state report reveals 12 northern Michigan counties have spent zero dollars of opioid settlement funds. Grand Traverse County sits in a region where $176 million in crisis-fighting money remains unspent across local governments.
May 19, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - policy
Rep. Dingell Grills RFK Jr. Over Michigan Measles Outbreak at Capitol Hill Hearing
Michigan Rep. Dingell confronted HHS Secretary RFK Jr. about rising measles cases in Michigan and the federal government's handling of vaccine policy during a House committee hearing.
April 23, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - legislature
Michigan Legislature Passes Anti-Terrorism Bill, Mental Health Expansion and Voter ID Law as Campaign Season Looms
Michigan lawmakers have advanced three major bills addressing anti-terrorism, mental health treatment, and voter ID requirements as the state Legislature faces historically slow legislative pace amid divided government and upcoming campaign season.
April 11, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - courts
Supreme Court Weighs Michigan Tax Auction Case That Could Reshape Property Rights Nationwide
The U.S. Supreme Court is deciding whether local governments can keep surplus equity from homes they auction to pay tax debts, or must compensate homeowners for full market value. The case involves a Michigan family who lost their $200,000 home after foreclosure for a $2,000 tax debt they never owed.
April 7, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - legislature
Michigan Legislature Advances Voter ID, Anti-Terrorism and Business Bills in March 2026
Michigan Legislature advances multiple bills in March 2026 covering voter ID requirements, anti-terrorism law updates, and small business regulations amid split government dynamics
April 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - courts
Michigan Supreme Court Lets Line 5 Permit Appeal Stand While Enbridge Moves Forward With Tunnel Project
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Michigan's sovereign immunity claim in the Line 5 pipeline lawsuit, while the Michigan Supreme Court considers a permit appeal that would allow Enbridge to complete its tunnel project under the Straits of Mackinac.
April 5, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - elections
John James Turks Caicos Vacation Controversy Plagues Michigan Governor Campaign
John James faces mounting criticism over his Turks & Caicos vacation during the government shutdown and a fake social media post about the Tigers home opener, while Perry Johnson's $10 million ad campaign intensifies attacks on the congressman's governor bid.
April 5, 2026·Michigan Capitol·7 sources - courts
Michigan Attorney General Joins 21-State Coalition Lawsuit Challenging Trump Administration's Rollback of Power Plant Emissions Standards
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joins a coalition of 21 states and local governments in challenging the Trump administration's rollback of stricter federal limits on toxic air pollutants from coal and oil-fired power plants.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - courts
U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Michigan's Appeal in Enbridge Line 5 Pipeline Case, Allowing Lawsuit to Proceed
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Michigan's appeal to use sovereign immunity in an Enbridge Line 5 lawsuit, allowing the Canadian oil company to proceed with its legal challenge against state efforts to shut down the pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - courts
Supreme Court Rejects Michigan's Line 5 Sovereignty Claim, Opens Federal Door for Enbridge Lawsuit
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Michigan's sovereign immunity claim in the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline case, allowing the energy company to proceed with a federal lawsuit to maintain operations of the controversial facility beneath the Straits of Mackinac.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - policy
Three Years Later, Michigan Counties Still Struggling to Spend Opioid Settlement Funds
More than three years after Michigan began receiving millions from a national opioid lawsuit settlement, over $90 million remains unspent as local governments struggle to determine how to use the funds.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Michigan Communities Still Sitting on Millions in Opioid Settlement Funds Three Years Later
More than three years after Michigan communities began receiving millions from an opioid lawsuit settlement, some local governments are only now preparing to begin disbursing funds, with nearly $90 million still unspent according to a recent investigation.
April 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·5 sources - governor
Governor Whitmer Issues Executive Order to Evaluate Tariff Impacts and Help Michiganders Seek Federal Refunds
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive ordering state agencies to evaluate the economic impact of federal tariffs and help Michigan businesses seek refunds from the federal government after the Supreme Court struck down portions of the tariffs.
April 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - local-government
Traverse City Voters Could Decide Fate of $127 Million Downtown TIF Plan This November
Traverse City's Downtown Development Authority is voting on a new $127 million TIF plan focused on infrastructure and revenue sharing. If approved, the plan goes to voters on the November ballot.
June 19, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - government
Marquette County Votes to Explore Bringing Air Force Base Back to Upper Peninsula
The Marquette County Board unanimously approved a resolution to begin talks with defense officials about reestablishing a military presence at the former K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base site. State lawmakers pledged support for the effort.
June 19, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - Local Government
Ann Arbor: Armed Police Flank City Council as Officials Cite Threats, Critics Call It Intimidating
Armed police now flank Ann Arbor City Council members during public meetings. Chief Andre Anderson cited rising threats against officials. Critics say the move intimidates the public.
June 18, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - government
Ann Arbor Removes 600 Neighborhood Watch Signs After City Council Vote
Ann Arbor City Council voted unanimously to remove more than 600 neighborhood watch signs after officials decided the signs were expressions of exclusion inconsistent with community values.
May 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - state government
Michigan State Police Extends Emergency Operations Center Activation as Flooding Threatens Cheboygan Dam
Michigan State Police extends emergency operations center activation as rising water levels at Cheboygan Dam threaten flooding across the state.
April 15, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - government
Cheboygan Dam Floods Near Capacity as Governor Activates State Emergency
Michigan Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency as rising water levels at Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex approach dangerous capacity. State officials have activated pumps, sandbags and other measures to prevent dam failure amid forecasted rain.
April 14, 2026·Michigan Capitol·6 sources - state government
Michigan Restores Federal Disaster Mitigation Funding After Court Victory
Michigan restores federal disaster mitigation funding after court victory. The BRIC grant program provides communities with $19 million in federal funding to reduce disaster risks from floods, tornadoes and severe storms.
April 13, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - government
Steven D. Capps Trains New FOC Employees on "Customer Service" While Tom Boyd Claims No Authority Over 100% Grievance Denial Rate
SCAO Director Steven D. Capps hosted a training webinar teaching new FOC employees about customer service and the purpose of the Friend of the Court. His boss, State Court Administrator Tom Boyd, told the press that SCAO has no legal authority over the grievance process that has denied 100% of parent complaints in Kalamazoo County for five years.
April 10, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - government
John Nevin Asks "But Are You Wearing Pants?" - Michigan Supreme Court Director Comments on Subordinate While Court Denies 100% of Family Grievances
John Nevin, Communications Director for the Michigan Supreme Court, publicly asked a court consultant whether he was wearing pants on LinkedIn. Meanwhile, Ari B. Adler, a communications consultant with ties to SCAO, was working from a beach watching a SpaceX launch. The court system they represent has denied 100% of parent grievances in Kalamazoo County over five consecutive years.
April 10, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - government
New Federal Child Support Commissioner Adam Norman Brings Enforcement Focus to Oversight of State Programs
Adam Norman has taken office as the new Commissioner of the Office of Child Support Enforcement, overseeing Title IV-D compliance for all state programs including Michigan's 75-county Friend of the Court system.
April 10, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - State Government
State FOC Bureau Director Steven D. Capps Oversaw 100% Grievance Denial Rate in Kalamazoo While Collecting Awards and Blogging About Portal Metrics
A state-level director within the Michigan Supreme Court's administrative office has presided over a grievance system that denied every parent complaint in Kalamazoo County for five straight years. During that time, he received an industry award, published blog posts celebrating website traffic, and trained new staff on customer service. The Legislature has never held a hearing on FOC grievance outcomes.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·7 sources - Michigan Government
Prosecutor: Health Park Founder 'Enriched Himself' With $25 Million State Grant as Embezzlement Trial Date Set
Former Michigan House aide David Coker faces embezzlement charges after prosecutors allege he used nearly $1 million of a $25 million state health park grant to pay personal vehicle loans and buy precious metals. Judge Kristen Simmons will decide on May 7 whether Coker should go to trial on charges including criminal enterprise and abuse of public money.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources