Federal Agencies
30 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.
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.
Meta to Limit Social Media Use for Teens After $18 Billion Settlement
Meta will introduce new restrictions for U.S. users under 18 on Instagram and Facebook, including daily time limits and overnight app blocks, following a major legal settlement with 48 states and the District of Columbia
Federal Agency Clarifies Hospital Data Sharing for Injury Surveillance
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has confirmed that hospital participation in its updated injury surveillance system will remain voluntary, following concerns from hospital leaders and privacy advocates about patient data security and federal requirements
World Cup Drives Major Advances in U.S. Drone Security
More than 700 illegal drones were intercepted during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, prompting new investments and coordination among U.S. cities and states to strengthen airspace security for major events and future drone operations.
Cities and Counties Sue DHS Over New Election Grant Conditions
Four local governments are challenging new Department of Homeland Security rules that tie counterterrorism grants to state election security measures, arguing the requirements overstep federal authority and could disrupt upcoming elections.
Michigan's Line 5 Pipeline Future Uncertain After Court Ruling
Michigan's Line 5 pipeline remains in limbo as legal battles and permit reviews continue. Recent court decisions have blocked tunnel construction, leaving the pipeline's fate unresolved for residents and businesses across the state.
Census Bureau Finds Over Half of U.S. Workers Now Use AI Tools
A new Census Bureau survey shows 55% of American workers have used AI for job tasks, with most reporting time savings. The findings highlight how AI is becoming routine in workplaces and raise questions for government adoption strategies.
Four Charged in Multi-State Retail Theft Scheme Affecting Maryland
Authorities in Maryland have charged four individuals in connection with an organized retail theft ring that targeted stores in Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, resulting in losses exceeding $48,000 between October 2025 and April 2026
Lakeville Man Sentenced to 78 Months for $250M Fraud and Witness Tampering
Abdinasir Mahamed Abshir of Lakeville, MN, received a 78-month federal prison sentence for his role in a $250 million child nutrition fraud scheme and for attempting to tamper with a trial witness during the case.
Federal Judge Dismisses DOJ Lawsuit Over Minnesota Voter Data
A federal judge has rejected the Department of Justice's attempt to obtain Minnesota's full voter registration list, marking the 23rd consecutive loss for the DOJ in similar cases across the country
Kirk Gibson Foundation Marks 10 Years of Parkinson's Support in Michigan
The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson's hosted its 10th annual charity golf outing in Rochester Hills, raising funds for free wellness programs at Michigan's first dedicated Parkinson's center.
22 States Challenge DHS Subpoena for Trucker License Data
A coalition of 22 states is seeking to block a federal subpoena that would give the Department of Homeland Security access to millions of commercial driver's license records, raising concerns about privacy and federal overreach
Flock Safety Cuts Data Retention as Cities Drop License Plate Cameras
Flock Safety is reducing its recommended data retention period and adding new oversight tools after more than 50 U.S. communities canceled or suspended use of its automated license plate reader cameras in 2026
New Water Watch Center Offers Cyber Support for Small Utilities
A new Water Watch Center has launched to help small water utilities defend against cyberattacks, as recent incidents in multiple states raise concerns about threats to local water systems