Results for “local government”
65 stories
- 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 - 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
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 - 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 - politics
State approves $481,000 grant to expand Muskegon farmers market, support local food businesses
State approved a $481,000 grant to expand Muskegon's farmers market, supporting 100+ local food businesses and driving foot traffic to downtown Muskegon. The funding will improve the indoor market and Kitchen 242 space.
May 16, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - politics
Michigan Gubernatorial Candidates Clash Over Data Center Regulation as Rural Communities Demand Local Control
Michigan's five gubernatorial candidates offered competing solutions to the data center boom, from local moratoriums to state regulations on energy costs, as rural communities demand greater say over these massive facilities.
April 24, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - 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 - policy
Michigan Counties Rush to Implement Data Center Moratoriums Amid Growing Local Opposition
Michigan counties are implementing data center moratoriums amid growing concerns about environmental and community impacts, with Huron County approving a three-year pause and Washtenaw County supporting local actions.
April 4, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - policy
University of Michigan's $1.2 Billion Nuclear Research Center Faces Fierce Local Opposition in Ypsilanti Township
The University of Michigan's proposed $1.2 billion research center for energy and national security, including nuclear weapons development, faces fierce local opposition in Ypsilanti Township over security concerns and accusations of targeting a marginalized community.
April 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - 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 - 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 - governor
Michigan Governor Signs Health Care and Local Development Bills Including Wood Duck as Official State Duck
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signs three bipartisan bills addressing physician licensing through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, downtown revitalization via tax increment financing in St. Clair County, and designation of the wood duck as the official state duck in recognition of conservation success.
April 8, 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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.
4d ago·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 - 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 - policy
Detroit Region: Whitmer Breaks Ground on $16 Billion AI Data Center as Critics Call It a Betrayal
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer broke ground on a $16 billion AI data center in Saline Township alongside OpenAI and Oracle executives. Critics say the project strains local resources and offers few permanent jobs. The facility is part of the $500 billion Stargate Project.
4d ago·Michigan Capitol·5 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.
5d ago·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
Ann Arbor Homeowners Face Uncertainty as Michigan House Advances $5 Billion Property Tax Cuts
The Michigan House passed a $5 billion property tax cut package that repeals the state education tax and real estate transfer tax. Ann Arbor homeowners could see lower bills, but critics warn schools and local services will face deep funding gaps.
May 22, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - police
Traverse City Honors Fallen Officers During National Police Week Ceremony
The Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office held its annual police memorial ceremony during National Police Week in downtown Traverse City. Undersheriff Randy Fewless said the event honors fallen officers and recognizes current service. The community attended as a show of support for local law enforcement.
May 17, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - police
Retired Michigan State Police Expert Analyzes East Lansing Shooting Video After Isaiah Kirby Fatal Shooting
A retired Michigan State Police detective analyzed body camera footage released Friday showing the fatal shooting of MSU student Isaiah Kirby. Lewis Langham, who spent 25 years with the agency, offered expert commentary on the video that shows officers responding to a stabbing that injured local attorney Douglas Mielock.
May 17, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - policy
Muskegon Township Supervisor Jennifer Hodges Opposes State Zoning Preemption Bills
Muskegon Township supervisor Jennifer Hodges and other local officials oppose state zoning preemption bills that would override local authority on housing and development decisions.
May 16, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - business
Ascend Wellness Closes Lansing Cannabis Facility, Lays Off 94 Workers After December Fire
Ascend Cannabis Group permanently closes its Lansing cultivation facility and lays off 94 workers following a December 25 fire. City officials say the closure reflects wider contraction in the local cannabis market.
May 15, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - policy
Planned Parenthood of Michigan Asks Whitmer for $5 Million to Prevent Clinic Closures, Marquette Among Cities Affected
Planned Parenthood of Michigan has asked Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for $5 million in emergency funding to prevent clinic closures across the state. The Marquette area was directly affected by this funding crisis when a local clinic closed in April 2025 due to funding cuts.
May 15, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - business
Simpatico Coffee closes one location, opens another in Holland Township
Local coffee shop Simpatico has closed one location and opened another in Holland Township, with founder Alex Fink calling the new building a love letter to the community.
May 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - courts
Michigan Supreme Court Bans Civil Immigration Arrests at Courthouses
The Michigan Supreme Court adopted a rule banning civil immigration arrests at state and local courthouses to protect access to judicial proceedings, a move that aligns the state with New York, Connecticut and Illinois while drawing criticism from a dissenting Republican justice.
April 30, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - budget
Michigan Kicks Off 2026 Construction Season With Nearly $2 Billion Road Funding Investment
Governor Gretchen Whitmer kicked off the 2026 road construction season with a nearly $2 billion investment in state and local roads, creating thousands of jobs and improving infrastructure across Michigan.
April 27, 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 - politics
Michigan Solar Farm Pushback: Rural Communities Challenge State Approval Process as EDF Project Advances in Genesee County
Residents in northern Genesee County are gathering to fight a 2,021-acre solar project proposed by EDF Renewables, part of a broader trend of opposition to large-scale solar farms across Michigan as state law shifts approval power from local townships to the MPSC.
April 20, 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - courts
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel Announces Conviction of Fugitive Sexual Assault Offender in Northern Michigan Case
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the extradition and conviction of a fugitive sexual assault offender who abused three Northern Michigan minors in the early 2000s. The case was resolved through Operation Survivor Justice, a collaborative program between the Attorney General's office, local prosecutors, and federal law enforcement.
March 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - local
Grand Rapids Residents Split On Acrisure Amphitheater Noise Exemption Rules
Grand Rapids residents near the new Acrisure Amphitheater are split on whether the venue's noise exemption policy is fair. Some hear concerts from more than a mile away while others embrace the new entertainment option.
May 18, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - local
Robert Allan Krueger, 87, Dies After Brain Cancer Battle; Served 13 Years as Boys & Girls Club Executive Director
Robert Allan Krueger, 87, died on May 9, 2026. He was a former Air Force pilot and volunteer. A memorial gathering is planned for June 13.
May 16, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - local news
High-speed crash in Dearborn injures several, one in critical condition
A high-speed crash in Dearborn on Wednesday afternoon injured several people, including one passenger in critical condition. Police are investigating the three-vehicle incident that occurred on Michigan Avenue and Jonathon Street.
May 15, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - local
Flint North Side Resident Wins $1 Million Lottery Jackpot With Ticket From Clio Road Store
A person on Flint's north side won a $1 million Michigan Lottery jackpot with a ticket purchased at the Liquor Wheel store on Clio Road. The winner remains anonymous and has one year to claim their prize.
May 15, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - local
Dearborn Animal Shelter Forced to Rename Pawchella Fundraiser After Trademark Dispute With Coachella
Dearborn animal shelter forced to rename Pawchella fundraiser after receiving cease-and-desist letter from Coachella over trademark
May 12, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - local
Fire at Chandler Crossing Apartments Displaces 46 Residents Near MSU
A fire at The Village at Chandler Crossings apartment complex displaced 46 residents near MSU. The fire started from careless discarding of smoking materials on an exterior balcony. No injuries were reported and all occupants have been provided shelter.
May 11, 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 - local
Detroit bank-turned-home with 2 vaults listed for $1.1 million after HGTV feature
A historic 1925 Detroit bank building with two vaults is listed for $1.1 million after being featured on HGTV. The property includes an adjacent Airbnb generating $40,000 annually.
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