Federal Agencies
43 storiesCoverage can bring together rule changes, investigations, recalls, enforcement actions, funding decisions and agency guidance, with explainers that connect federal authority to practical consequences for Michigan residents, workers and businesses.
Michigan Man Sentenced in $2.3 Million COVID Loan Fraud
Jabari Long was sentenced in Detroit after admitting he used a nearly nonexistent construction company to secure more than $2.3 million in pandemic-era loans and spent part of the money on a Beverly Hills home.
EPA Tour Puts Michigan PFAS Research and River Cleanup in Focus
During a Sept. 25-27 Michigan tour, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin reviewed PFAS research at Michigan State University and a Kalamazoo River cleanup. The project has removed more than 330,000 cubic yards of PCB-contaminated sediment and treated more than 900 million gallons of water.
Farmington Hills man admits to $2.3 million PPP loan fraud
Jawan Simpson pleaded guilty to wire fraud after federal officials said he used false tax documents to secure more than $2 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans for clients and associates.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin Tours Mid-Michigan Energy and PFAS Sites
Congressman Tom Barrett hosted EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin at Enbridge's Stockbridge Terminal and Michigan State University on September 26. Their talks covered energy reliability, fuel transport and PFAS research.
Milford man awaits federal sentencing for directing child exploitation overseas
A Milford man has admitted in federal court to paying for the sexual abuse of children abroad. He faces up to 30 years in prison, with sentencing set for January in Detroit.
Farmington Hills resident admits guilt in federal child exploitation case
A 23-year-old man from Farmington Hills has pleaded guilty in federal court to making and possessing child sexual abuse material and joining a violent extremist group. Sentencing is set for January 2027 as the investigation continues.
Detroit Adult Day Care Operator Charged in $4.75M Medicare Fraud Case
A Detroit adult day care administrator faces federal charges after allegedly orchestrating a $4.75 million Medicare fraud scheme involving false psychotherapy claims at a center owned by his wife.
Six Charged in Michigan COVID Loan Fraud Sweep Targeting $8 Million
Federal prosecutors have charged six individuals in Michigan with COVID-era loan fraud totaling $8.2 million as part of a national crackdown that has identified over $245 million in intended losses.
Former Oakland County Doctor Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison
Lincoln Erickson of Farmington Hills was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to receiving child pornography. The case, prosecuted federally, requires sex offender registration and has drawn attention from local and regional authorities.
Acquitted Michigan Brothers Sue Over Whitmer Kidnapping Charges
Michael and William Null, cleared of involvement in the alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, are suing state and local officials for malicious prosecution and civil rights violations after their 2023 acquittal.
Federal Court Overturns DOE Order Keeping Michigan Coal Plant Open
A federal appeals court has struck down the Department of Energy's emergency order that forced Consumers Energy's J.H. Campbell coal plant in West Olive to stay open past its planned 2025 closure, citing federal overreach and major cost concerns for Michigan ratepayers.
Michigan Officials Push Back on Federal Election Data Order
Michigan leaders are raising concerns about a federal executive order that could give Washington new control over state voter data and absentee ballot procedures ahead of the next election
Federal Court Blocks New Migrant Wage Rule for Michigan Farms
A federal judge has invalidated the Department of Labor's updated wage formula for H-2A migrant farm workers, leaving Michigan growers facing renewed uncertainty over pay rates and possible retroactive costs as the 2026 season begins
Federal Job Cuts Reduce Services for Michigan Veterans and Families
Michigan has lost thousands of federal jobs in the past year, affecting veterans, nurses, inspectors and local economies as service delays and longer wait times become more common across the state
Federal Order Halting Invasive Carp Project Lifted After Whitmer-Trump Call
Work on the Brandon Road Interbasin Project to block invasive carp from Lake Michigan resumed after Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer directly appealed to President Donald Trump, highlighting the urgency as carp were detected just 80 miles from the lake.
Supreme Court Asked to Weigh Trump Mail Ballot Rule Before Midterms
With mail ballots set to go out in North Carolina, the Trump administration is urging the Supreme Court to allow new federal restrictions on mail voting, even as lower courts question the system's readiness and legality ahead of November's elections
Farmington Hills Woman Charged With Wire Fraud Over False Bank Claims
Federal prosecutors allege Shannon Monet Steel misled investors with fake bank documents and false claims of diplomatic status. The case centers on a $200,000 investment and a non-existent bank in Farmington Hills.
Farmington Hills Woman Charged in $200,000 Investment Fraud Scheme
Federal prosecutors allege Shannon Monet Steel posed as an ambassador and bank owner to defraud a California investor out of $200,000. The case highlights ongoing federal efforts to address complex financial fraud in Metro Detroit.
Federal Judges Increase Security Measures Amid Rising Threats
Federal judges across the U.S. are taking new steps to protect themselves and their families as threats and harassment rise, with recent studies showing a 57% increase in serious security incidents over the past year
Whistleblower Warns USPS Mail Ballot System May Reject Valid Votes
A new mail ballot system rushed by the U.S. Postal Service to comply with a Trump executive order could lead to widespread rejection of mail ballots, according to a whistleblower. The system is under court review ahead of the midterm elections.
Most States Progress on Website Accessibility, But Gaps Remain
A new report finds most states are on track to meet federal website accessibility rules by 2027, but many lack resources to fully investigate and fix issues, raising concerns as the deadline approaches
U.S. Forms Oil Partnership in Venezuela With Pentagon Stake
The White House has announced a new partnership with North American Blue Energy Partners to create a U.S.-backed oil company in Venezuela, giving the Pentagon a 35% stake and the State Department rights to purchase a portion of the output at cost.
G20 Finance Leaders Meet in Asheville Amid U.S. Tariff and Iran Tensions
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is hosting G20 finance ministers in Asheville, North Carolina, as the U.S. seeks support on Iran and faces strained trade relations with key allies. The meetings follow renewed hostilities and recent hurricane recovery efforts.
Colorado River Water Cuts Leave Western Towns and Farms Facing Uncertainty
A new federal plan to reduce Colorado River water use is forcing Arizona towns and farmers to reconsider their future, as reservoirs hit record lows and legal battles intensify over shrinking supplies
Noncitizen Voting Claims Raise Election Security Debate Ahead of Midterms
As the November midterm elections approach, claims about noncitizen voting are fueling new debates over election security, with officials in several states responding to federal allegations and proposed legislation that could affect voter registration requirements.
States Shift to Unified Cyber Defense as AI Threats Grow
State and local governments are moving toward integrated cybersecurity strategies to counter increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, with new federal guidance and AI-powered tools helping protect critical public services and infrastructure.
Border Wall Construction Begins on Tohono O'odham Land in Arizona
Federal contractors, escorted by armed agents, have started building a border wall segment in southern Arizona, entering Tohono O'odham Nation land despite tribal objections and ongoing legal disputes over sacred sites and property rights.
Lawmakers Push New Funding After Cyberattacks on Water Utilities
After cyberattacks linked to Iran targeted water systems in at least seven states, federal and state lawmakers are proposing new funding and oversight to strengthen utility cybersecurity and protect critical infrastructure from future threats.
Judge Questions Kennedy Center's Fast-Track Plan for Trump Inscription
A federal judge is scrutinizing the Kennedy Center's decision to quickly restore President Donald Trump's name to the building, raising questions about the board's timeline and legal authority as a previous court order remains under appeal.
Lake Ontario Renamed 'Lake America' in U.S. by Presidential Order
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order renaming the U.S. portion of Lake Ontario as 'Lake America,' escalating tensions with Canada amid ongoing trade disputes. The change affects federal naming conventions but not Canadian usage.
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