Four Michigan Legislators Seek Over $6.7 Million in Arts Earmarks for 2027 State Budget
Four Michigan House members seek over $6.7 million in taxpayer funding for orchestras and theater projects in the 2027 state budget proposal, raising questions about earmarks and constitutional requirements.
Michigan Suspends Driver's Licenses Without Confirming Courts Held Required Hearings
The Secretary of State's office executes thousands of license suspensions from FOC offices each year. There is no system to verify the courts followed the law first.
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.
Michigan Legislature Stalled as Property Tax Debate Dominates Capitol
Michigan Legislature has passed only seven bills in first three months of 2026, marking slowest pace in even-numbered year this century as property tax debate dominates Capitol while housing affordability crisis intensifies across state.
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.
Michigan Legislature Passes Only Seven Bills in First Quarter of 2026 as Campaign Season Looms
Michigan lawmakers have finalized only seven bills in the first three months of 2026, marking the slowest legislative pace in an even-numbered year this century as political division in Lansing stalls progress on key initiatives.
Michigan Republican Party Picks Anthony Forlini as Secretary of State Nominee in Bid to Reset Brand
Michigan Republicans select Anthony Forlini as Secretary of State nominee and Doug Lloyd as attorney general candidate in strategic pivot toward electability ahead of November general election
Michigan Supreme Court Weighs Whether 50-Year Prison Term Constitutes De Facto Life Sentence for Juvenile Offender
The Michigan Supreme Court heard arguments in a case challenging whether a 50 to 75 year sentence for a 16-year-old offender violates the state constitution. The decision could reshape sentencing guidelines for dozens of juvenile offenders across Michigan.
Michigan Legislature Passes Only Seven Bills in First Three Months of 2026 as Divided Government Gridlock Continues
Michigan's Legislature has passed only seven bills in the first three months of 2026, marking the slowest pace in an even year this century as divided government between the Republican-led House and Democratic-led Senate continues to gridlock Capitol Hill.
Michigan Legislature Stalls as Campaign Season Looms, Whitmer Signs Only 7 Bills in First Quarter
Michigan's Legislature has passed only seven bills in the first three months of 2026, marking the slowest legislative pace in an even-numbered year this century as lawmakers face campaign season and unresolved property tax reform.
Michigan Declares Energy Emergency as Governor Whitmer Issues Executive Order to Lower Gas Prices
Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order declaring a statewide energy emergency to allow cheaper gasoline blends across Michigan as gas prices hit record highs amid escalating Middle East tensions.
John James Debate Standoff With Oakland County GOP Deepens Michigan Republican Primary Rift
John James' debate standoff with Oakland County GOP deepens Michigan Republican primary rift as the frontrunner's refusal to commit to an April 30 debate creates tension with county party leaders.
Michigan Supreme Court to Decide Whether State House Was Required to Present Nine Bills to Governor
The Michigan Supreme Court will hear arguments in May on whether the state House was required to present nine bills to Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The Senate sued the House after it refused to deliver legislation that passed during the previous Democratic-led session.
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.
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
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.
Governor Whitmer Kicks Off Final Road Construction Season as Marijuana Tax Lawsuit Threatens Infrastructure Funding
Governor Whitmer kicks off Michigan's 2026 road construction season with her final infrastructure push while facing legal challenges to the marijuana wholesale tax that funds the nearly $2 billion annual road investment.
Michigan Governor Signs Executive Directive to Help Businesses Receive Tariff Refunds After Supreme Court Ruling
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive Thursday to help state agencies assess the economic impact of tariffs and assist businesses in receiving refunds after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled President Trump's tariffs unconstitutional.
Michigan MPSC Rejects Attorney General's Push to Review Secret Data Center Contracts as Google Secures Deal
Michigan's MPSC rejected Attorney General Dana Nessel's attempts to review secretive data center contracts, while Google struck a deal with DTE Energy for a potential 1-gigawatt facility in Van Buren Township. Meanwhile, Ypsilanti Township formally opposes a University of Michigan and Los Alamos National Laboratory supercomputing facility.
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.
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.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel Won't Appeal Dismissal of Charges Against Shelby Township Clerk Accused of Being a 'False Elector'
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel declined to appeal dismissal of felony charges against Stan Grot, Shelby Township Clerk accused of being a false elector in 2020, allowing him to resume election administration duties after three years of being barred from office.
Michigan Republican Gubernatorial Frontrunner John James Avoids April Debate Amidst Campaign Speculation
Michigan U.S. Representative John James has refused to commit to a Republican gubernatorial debate scheduled for April 30 in Auburn Hills, prompting criticism from Oakland County GOP officials while his campaign maintains it will hold serious debates when the field is set.
Judge to Decide Whether Ex-Michigan House Aide Faces Trial in $25 Million Embezzlement Case
A Lansing judge will decide May 7 whether former House aide David Coker faces trial on embezzlement charges related to a $25 million state grant. Prosecutors allege Coker used grant funds for personal vehicle loans and precious metals.
Michigan Budget Director Tours Food Bank as State Weighs SNAP Funding Under Federal Cuts
Michigan State Budget Director Jen Flood tours Kalamazoo food bank as state weighs SNAP funding amid federal cuts and $1 billion revenue shortfall
Detroit Parents Sue State of Michigan Over School Funding, Alleging Constitutional Violation
Detroit parents filed a class action lawsuit against the State of Michigan on April 8, 2026, alleging the state violated its constitutional duty by chronically underfunding Detroit public schools. The complaint claims the state created an unjust education system with significantly lower literacy rates in Detroit compared to the state average, with only 16 percent of Detroit students proficient in reading upon entering high school.
Supreme Court Ruling Puts Michigan's Conversion Therapy Ban in Jeopardy
Supreme Court rules Colorado's conversion therapy ban unconstitutional, putting Michigan's similar law in legal jeopardy as officials review next steps
Michigan Supreme Court Weighs Whether Long Prison Terms for Juvenile Murderers Count as Life Sentences
Michigan Supreme Court hears oral arguments on whether long prison terms for juvenile murderers count as de facto life sentences under state constitution
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.
Governor Whitmer Delivers Final State of the State, Prioritizes Literacy and Housing in Last Year
Governor Whitmer delivers final State of the State address, emphasizing literacy and housing as top priorities while facing criticism over education performance and business subsidies.