Results for “state grant”
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- politics
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 - detroit
Detroit Businesswoman Fay Beydoun Charged With 16 Felonies in $20 Million Michigan Grant Scandal
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel charged Fay Beydoun with 16 felonies, alleging she stole from a $20 million state grant awarded to her nonprofit Global Link International and used taxpayer funds for personal expenses including rugs, furniture, and dinners for Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan.
June 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - muskegon
Muskegon Wins $730,200 State Grant for Hartshorn Park Expansion as Natural Resources Bill Advances Through Legislature
Muskegon is set to receive $730,200 from Michigan's Natural Resources Trust Fund for a Hartshorn Park expansion as Senate Bill 829 advances through the House. The $45 million bill passed the Senate 37-0.
May 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - kalamazoo
Kalamazoo County Gets Rx Kids Cash Assistance as State Budget Leaves Program’s Future Uncertain
Rx Kids, a state-funded cash assistance program for new parents, expanded Monday into Galesburg, Oshtemo Township, and Wakeshma Township. But the Michigan Legislature has not yet finalized the budget that would secure the program's long-term state financing.
June 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - battle-creek
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 - pontiac
State of Emergency Declared as Major Water Main Break Affects Pontiac and Northern Oakland County
A massive water main break in northern Oakland County has led to a state of emergency declaration by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The 42-inch waterline rupture affects multiple communities including Pontiac, where residents face boil water advisories and school closures.
May 11, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - politics
Michigan State University Board Approves Medical College Merger Despite Faculty Resistance
Michigan State University Board of Trustees approves merger of College of Human Medicine and College of Osteopathic Medicine into MSU Medicine despite faculty concerns about the process and feasibility
April 11, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - politics
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 - politics
Michigan GOP Endorses Doug Lloyd as Attorney General, Tony Forlini as Secretary of State
Michigan GOP endorses Doug Lloyd as likely attorney general nominee and Tony Forlini as likely secretary of state nominee ahead of August convention.
April 5, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - politics
Federal Education Tax Credit Program Targets Michigan as State Lags in Reading Scores
U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon is urging Michigan to opt into a new federal tax credit program that could expand school choice options for families. The Education Freedom Tax Credit allows taxpayers to claim up to $1,700 in credits for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, with the program expected to be available starting in 2027. As Michigan ranks 44th nationally in fourth-grade reading scores, the federal program has attracted support from state Republican leaders while facing concerns from education officials about its potential impact on public schools.
April 4, 2026·Michigan Capitol·6 sources - politics
Michigan Housing Shortfall Persists Despite Governor Whitmer's Progress as State Pushes for Tax Credit
Michigan continues to face a 119,000-unit housing shortfall despite Governor Whitmer's progress. New RAP program grants support housing projects in Grand Rapids and Saline, while state officials push for a state affordable housing tax credit to add 2,600 units annually through federal matching funds.
April 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - Michigan Transportation
Michigan Capitol Commission Drops Flock Cameras as Statewide Surveillance Backlash Grows
The Michigan State Capitol Commission will not install Flock Safety's automatic license plate readers around Capitol Square, following privacy concerns and a wave of municipal actions across the state to limit or eliminate the surveillance cameras.
1h ago·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - saginaw
Driving Successful Lives Donates Buildable Saginaw Lot to Auto Accident Victim Pursuing Real Estate Dream
A national nonprofit charity donated a buildable lot in Saginaw to Walter, an unemployed auto accident victim whose lifelong dream has been to become a real estate investor. Driving Successful Lives made the donation after learning about his difficult circumstances and passion for real estate.
May 12, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - 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 Expands Tuition-Free Education and Career Training Programs as State Invests $558.9 Million in Student Financial Aid
Michigan invested over $558.9 million in student financial aid during the 2024-2025 academic year, helping 153,000 students access tuition-free community college, career training, and four-year degree programs. The state is hosting more than 25 events this April to promote these opportunities as part of Career Exploration and Awareness Month.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·5 sources - politics
Michigan Budget Director Tours Food Bank as State Faces $1 Billion Revenue Drop Amid Federal SNAP Pressures
Michigan Budget Director Jen Flood visits a Kalamazoo food bank as the state navigates a $1 billion revenue decline and federal SNAP pressures, while political divisions over the budget persist.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - politics
Michigan Youth Sent Out of State for Mental Health Treatment as State Facilities Close
Michigan youth mental health placements out-of-state have nearly doubled in a decade as state facilities close, with families and the state spending millions on treatment across state lines.
April 7, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - politics
Michigan Governor Orders State Agencies to Help Businesses Seek Refunds on Trump Tariffs Struck Down by Supreme Court
Governor Whitmer directs state agencies to assess tariff impacts and help businesses access refunds after Supreme Court rules Trump tariffs unconstitutional
April 5, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
Michigan Attorney General Nessel Wins Federal Court Ruling Blocking Trump Administration From Cutting Permanent Housing Grants
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel won a federal appeals court ruling that blocks the Trump administration from imposing new restrictions on Continuum of Care grants, protecting approximately 7,000 households in Michigan from losing housing assistance.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
Michigan Governor Orders State Agencies to Track Tariff Impact and Help Businesses Seek Supreme Court Refunds
Governor Whitmer signs executive directive ordering state agencies to report on tariff impacts and help Michigan businesses access refunds for unconstitutional tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court. The federal refund process is 60-85% complete and could take up to 45 days to process applications.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·6 sources - politics
Michigan Republicans Nominate Candidates for State University Boards Amid Spring Election Push
Michigan Republicans nominated candidates for state university governing boards at their March convention, selecting Roger Victory and Julie Maday for MSU trustees, Lena Epstein and Michael Schostak for U of M regents, and Andy Anuzis and Christa Murphy for Wayne State governors.
April 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·6 sources - politics
Michigan's August 4 Primary Election Set for Key State Races as Voters Prepare for November General
Michigan's August 4, 2026 primary election will determine candidates for governor, attorney general, and all state Senate seats ahead of the November 3 general election.
April 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - politics
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 - politics
Michigan Competitive Grant System Disadvantages Small Rural School Districts, Leaving Students Behind
Michigan's competitive grant system disadvantages small rural school districts, leaving students without access to essential programs like career tech and advanced placement courses. Administrators in small districts must complete grant applications between their regular duties, while larger districts have dedicated staff for the process.
March 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
Michigan Lawmakers Reach Bipartisan Agreement on Official State Duck
Michigan lawmakers have reached a rare bipartisan agreement to designate the wood duck as the state's official duck, with the bill now heading to the governor for signature.
March 30, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - ann-arbor
Ann Arbor Organizations Win Relief as Michigan House Settles $370 Million Work Project Dispute
The Michigan House and 31 state agencies settled a dispute over $370 million in work project funding. The agreement ends a months-long legal battle that began when House Republicans cancelled $645 million in grants last December.
May 27, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - politics
Whitmer Asked for Help as Genesee County Prosecutor's Office Faces 21 Layoffs
State Sen. John Cherry asked Governor Whitmer for work project funds to prevent 21 layoffs in Genesee County Prosecutor's Office as High-Crime Community Support Grant funding runs dry.
April 18, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - kalamazoo
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 - marquette
Marquette Schools Could Avoid Summer Extension If State Senate Passes Snow Day Forgiveness Bill
House Bill 5797 would forgive four extra snow days for Upper Peninsula schools including Marquette County after the mid-March storm. The bill passed the Michigan House and now moves to the Senate.
May 19, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
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 - politics
Fact Check: Perry Johnson's Tax Cut Promise Overstates Savings While Michigan Budget Struggles
Fact check reveals Perry Johnson's $4,747 tax cut promise is misleading, while Michigan faces real budget challenges with schools, Medicaid, and infrastructure spending at historic levels.
April 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - Michigan Education
Michigan to Give Schools $40 Million to Enroll More High Schoolers in College
Michigan is directing $40 million in new state funding to expand dual enrollment, prioritizing districts where more than half of students are economically disadvantaged. The investment aims to lift Michigan's dual-enrollment participation, which ranks among the lowest in the nation.
1d ago·Michigan Capitol·1 source - lansing
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 - warren
Warren Families on the Line as Michigan Lawmakers Question Rx Kids Funding at Capitol Hearing
Michigan lawmakers questioned Rx Kids funding at a Tuesday hearing in Lansing. The cash assistance program serves families in Oakland County, including Warren, but its future state funding is uncertain in the next budget.
June 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - saginaw
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 - kalamazoo
Kalamazoo Pastor Ralph Rebandt Knocked Off Michigan Gubernatorial Primary Ballot by Invalid Signatures
The Michigan Board of State Canvassers removed Kalamazoo-area pastor Ralph Rebandt and Democratic candidate Kim Thomas from the gubernatorial primary ballot after finding hundreds of invalid petition signatures.
May 30, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - dearborn
Dearborn Arab American Voters Shift Third Party as Democrats Face Midterm Reckoning
Dearborn Arab American voters are shifting to third-party candidates in the 2026 midterms, driven by foreign policy and immigration concerns. Democrats face a major challenge in Michigan State Senate District 2 and statewide races.
May 28, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - detroit
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 - politics
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 - Michigan Governor
Whitmer Highlights New Investments to Expand Affordable Housing
Governor Gretchen Whitmer pointed to fiscal year 2027 budget investments that expand affordable housing and strengthen homelessness prevention, including a new Michigan Housing Opportunity Tax Credit expected to support about 2,500 affordable rental homes each year.
August 24, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - marquette
Marquette: 33-Year-Old Man Dies in Fatal Dirt Bike Crash on M-77 Near Manistique
A 33-year-old Germfask man died Sunday night after his dirt bike struck a parked pickup truck on M-77 in Schoolcraft County. Alcohol is believed to have played a role.
June 23, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - muskegon
Muskegon’s Brianna Scott Leads MSU Board in Controversial Vote to Double President’s Pay, Impose New Ethics Gag Rule
Muskegon's Brianna Scott leads the MSU Board of Trustees through a Sunday night special meeting that nearly doubles the president's salary to $2 million and adopts a controversial ethics policy critics call a gag order.
May 20, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - politics
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 - Michigan Health
Michigan House advances bipartisan eight-bill package to tackle primary care shortage
A bipartisan group of Michigan House lawmakers introduced an eight-bill package aimed at closing the state's growing primary care gap, setting an investment target for state-contracted health plans and creating a new state commission and office of primary care at MDHHS.
4h ago·Michigan Capitol·1 source - grand-rapids
Grand Rapids Senator Winnie Brinks Pushes July 1 Budget Deadline as Michigan Lawmakers Clash Over Rainy Day Fund
Grand Rapids Senator Winnie Brinks says passing Michigan's budget by July 1 must be the Legislature's top priority. House Speaker Matt Hall opposes drawing from the rainy day fund. The state missed the deadline last year.
June 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - battle-creek
Battle Creek Rep. Steve Frisbie Leads Michigan House Vote to Eliminate $5 Billion in Property Taxes
Battle Creek Republican Rep. Steve Frisbie sponsored an eight-bill property tax package that passed the Michigan House, eliminating $5 billion to $7.5 billion in annual revenue. Democrats warn the cuts would devastate school funding.
May 25, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - lansing
Lansing Democrats Reintroduce Michigan Voting Rights Act After Supreme Court Strips Federal Protections
Michigan Democrats and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson reintroduced the Michigan Voting Rights Act in Lansing Tuesday, days after the U.S. Supreme Court weakened the federal Voting Rights Act. The four-bill package now goes before the Senate Elections Committee.
May 20, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - battle-creek
Planned Parenthood of Michigan Demands $5 Million From Whitmer or Clinics Will Close
Planned Parenthood of Michigan is asking Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for $5 million in emergency funding after federal Medicaid and Title X cuts threaten clinic closures across the state. Whitmer's office says only the legislature can allocate funds.
May 19, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - kalamazoo
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 - politics
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 - politics
Convicted Child Sex Offender Found Dead at Michigan Prison, Homicide Investigation Underway
Michigan State Police are investigating the death of 73-year-old inmate Daniel Keith Hosmer at the Macomb Correctional Facility as a homicide. The prisoner, serving a sentence for sexual offenses against children, died after lifesaving measures proved unsuccessful.
April 26, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - politics
Benson Credits Transformation of Elections as She Runs for Governor
Jocelyn Benson discusses her achievements as secretary of state, including reducing wait times to 20 minutes or less, increasing voter turnout, and transforming Michigan elections from 31st to 2nd in the country. She is now running for governor.
April 21, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - politics
Michigan Officials Slam DOJ Demand for Wayne County Ballots as Federal Interference
Attorney General Dana Nessel, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson jointly condemned a DOJ letter threatening Wayne County with a court order to turn over 2024 election ballots. Officials say the demand is baseless federal interference.
April 19, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - politics
Michigan Lawmakers Propose Year-Long Data Center Moratorium Amid Rural Community Backlash
Bipartisan Michigan lawmakers introduced House Bills 5594-5596 to halt data center construction statewide for one year, giving communities time to assess impacts before approving new facilities.
April 19, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson Files 26,752 Signatures to Run for Michigan Governor
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson has filed 26,752 signatures to qualify for the Michigan governor's ballot, joining Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Mayor Tom Leonard in the Democratic primary field.
April 17, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - politics
Michigan Wedding Caterer Banned for Five Years After Last-Minute Cancellations And Refund Failures
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has banned wedding caterer Alicia Thompson from operating in the state for five years after more than 40 consumer complaints alleged last-minute cancellations and failure to issue refunds. Affected consumers can file claims by May 1 to receive refunds by July 1.
April 11, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - politics
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 - politics
Michigan Senator Proposes Toughest Senior Driver Testing Laws in Nation
Michigan Democratic state Sen. Rosemary Bayer introduced Senate Bill 847, which would require drivers over 75 to pass regular in-person road tests, creating the toughest senior driver testing laws in the nation.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - politics
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 - politics
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 - politics
Michigan Voters Decide on Constitutional Convention in 2026 Election
Michigan voters will decide on the Nov. 3 ballot whether to convene a constitutional convention to revise the 1963 Michigan Constitution. The question is mandated every 16 years under state law.
April 8, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - politics
Michigan Unlocks $51 Million for EV Charging Network Expansion After Federal Approval
Michigan unlocks $51 million in federal NEVI funds to expand electric vehicle charging network after Federal Highway Administration approval of state's 2026 infrastructure plan.
April 7, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
Michigan Senate Candidate Abdul El-Sayed Invites Controversial Streamer Hasan Piker to Campaign Rallies Amid Democratic Primary Backlash
Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is inviting controversial streamer Hasan Piker to campaign rallies at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, sparking immediate backlash from Democratic rivals and Jewish leaders over Piker's history of antisemitic rhetoric just weeks after a synagogue attack in West Bloomfield.
April 7, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
Michigan Joins Lawsuit Challenging Trump's Mail-In Voting Order as Federal Overreach Threatens Voter Access
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joins coalition of 24 states in lawsuit challenging Trump's executive order on mail-in voting, arguing it violates states' constitutional authority to run elections and threatens absentee voting access for millions of Michiganders.
April 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - politics
Governor Whitmer Orders Study of Tariff Impact on Michigan Economy as Federal Refund Process Unclear
Governor Whitmer signs executive directive requiring state agencies to report on economic impact of federal tariffs and ensure businesses understand refund process after Supreme Court strikes down tariff policy.
April 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
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 - politics
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 - politics
Michigan Senate 35th District Special Election Tightens as Both Sides Build Momentum Ahead of May 5 Vote
Michigan Senate 35th District special election on May 5 could determine whether Democrats keep their one-seat majority in the state Senate
April 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
Low-Flying Helicopters Will Map Southwest Michigan's Groundwater Using Advanced Geophysical Technology
A new USGS and EGLE collaboration will use low-flying helicopters with electromagnetic sensors to create 3-D maps of Southwest Michigan's groundwater reserves to depths exceeding 1,000 feet, helping better understand and protect the state's critical water resources.
April 5, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
Michigan Childcare Providers Debate Unionization as Industry Struggles with Low Pay and High Costs
Michigan childcare providers are debating whether to unionize as the industry struggles with low pay, high costs, and state-imposed constraints on revenue. Some owners want to negotiate better conditions with the state, while others question if traditional unionization models work for small businesses in childcare.
April 5, 2026·Michigan Capitol·5 sources - politics
Michigan Attorney General Charges Macomb County Dentist with 131 Counts of Medicaid Fraud in Alleged Dental Crowns Scheme
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced April 3 that a Macomb County dentist faces 131 counts of Medicaid fraud and one count of racketeering in an alleged scheme involving unnecessary dental crowns billed to the state's Medicaid program.
April 5, 2026·Michigan Capitol·5 sources - politics
35th Senate District Special Election Could Reshape Michigan Legislature as Democrats Hold Narrow Lead
The May 5 special election for Michigan's 35th Senate District could determine whether Democrats maintain their one-seat majority in the state Senate or face a tied legislature, with implications for Lansing politics throughout 2026 and beyond.
April 5, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
Michigan Career Portal to Shut Down, Redirecting Job Seekers to Other Resources
Michigan's statewide online job portal closes April 30 after 2.5 years, redirecting job seekers to Michigan Works! and Pure Michigan Talent Connect amid budget cuts.
April 5, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - politics
U.S. Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Michigan's Line 5 Appeal; Governor Orders Tariff Refund Assistance
The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to hear Michigan's appeal in the Line 5 pipeline case, leaving lower court rulings that allow Enbridge to sue the state over its shutdown efforts. Meanwhile, Gov. Whitmer directed state agencies to help Michigan businesses pursue refunds from unconstitutional tariffs.
April 4, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
Michigan Lawmakers Propose Tobacco Retail Licensure to Replace Underage Buyer Penalties
Michigan lawmakers are advancing legislation that would require tobacco retailers to obtain state licenses and face steeper fines for selling to minors, while simultaneously removing penalties for underage buyers and users of tobacco products.
April 4, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - politics
Michigan Governor Whitmer Signs Dual Executive Orders Addressing Energy Emergency and Tariff Refunds
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signs dual executive orders addressing rising gas prices due to the Iran war and federal tariff refunds for businesses. The energy emergency order allows cheaper fuel blends in eight Southeast Michigan counties, while the tariff directive directs state agencies to help businesses recover costs from Trump administration tariffs recently struck down by the Supreme Court.
April 4, 2026·Michigan Capitol·8 sources - politics
Michigan AG Wins Court Battle Against Trump Administration's Homelessness Funding Restrictions
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel wins federal appeals court ruling against Trump administration's restrictions on homeless assistance grants that would have affected 7,000 households in Michigan.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - politics
Michigan Opioid Settlement Funds Remain Unspent in Many Communities Three Years Later
Michigan communities have received millions in opioid settlement funds since 2023, but more than 40% of communities haven't spent any of it three years later, with approximately $90 million sitting in bank accounts statewide.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
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 - politics
Michigan Supreme Court Set to Hear Arguments on Withheld Bills Case as Senate Sues House Over Stalled Legislation
The Michigan Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in May on a lawsuit between the state Senate and House over nine bills that passed both chambers during the 2023-2024 legislative session but never reached Governor Whitmer's desk. The bills deal with corrections officer pensions, public employee health care, and historical museum funding.
April 1, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
Absentee Ballots Mailed for Michigan Senate 35th District Special Election as Race Tightens
Midland County voters received absentee ballots for the May 5 special election in Michigan's 35th Senate District, which could determine whether Democrats maintain their narrow majority in the state Senate.
April 1, 2026·Michigan Capitol·5 sources - politics
Michigan Senate Special Election in May Could Eliminate Democrats' Narrow Majority
Michigan Democrats hold a razor-thin 19-18 majority in the state Senate. A special election in May could eliminate that majority if Republicans win the seat left open by State Sen. Mike Farnan's resignation. The race serves as an early test of the political mood heading into November when every legislative seat goes up for re-election.
April 1, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
Michigan Marijuana Industry Files Second Lawsuit Challenging 24% Wholesale Tax as Unconstitutional
Michigan's recreational marijuana industry filed a second lawsuit challenging the state's 24% wholesale cannabis tax, arguing the tax structure creates unconstitutional tax pyramiding that exceeds the constitutional 6% sales tax cap.
March 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - politics
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