Michigan State Institutions
16 storiesReporting connected to these institutions can follow policy changes, program deadlines, enforcement actions, official guidance, leadership decisions and practical explainers that show which state body controls a process and what residents need to do next.
Grand Rapids Volleyball Seniors Put Their Seasons to a Reader Vote
Three Miss Volleyball finalists are among 10 senior volleyball players from the Grand Rapids area on the reader ballot. Voting is open through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, and the winner will be announced Monday.
Michigan schools begin first year under statewide cellphone ban
Michigan students are starting the 2026-2027 school year under statewide cellphone restrictions. Districts, including those serving Oakland County families, still decide how phones are stored, how violations are handled and when students may regain access.
Michigan retirement system reports $265 million real-assets commitment
The State of Michigan Retirement System is reported to be committing $265 million to real estate and infrastructure funds. Available state records do not contain an official announcement confirming the transaction.
Michigan awards $6.3M mileage-tax study to system vendor
Michigan plans to pay CDM Smith to study and test replacing fuel taxes with per-mile charges. The plan raises questions about contractor independence and its possible effect on communities such as Farmington and Farmington Hills.
Michigan Families Are Looking Beyond the Default School
School-choice programs are spreading, homeschooling is growing, and AI-assisted schools are gaining ground. Michigan has not said whether it will join a new federal tax-credit program as reading and math results remain weak.
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.
University of Michigan greenlights $26M Lay Auto Lab overhaul
The University of Michigan will spend $26 million to modernize the Walter E. Lay Automotive Engineering Laboratory, expanding its electric vehicle and battery research by winter 2028.
Michigan Pension Funds Shift Billions Toward Bonds and Private Credit
Michigan's largest pension systems are moving billions from equities into high-quality bonds and private credit, reshaping investment strategies for public funds and foundations across the state.
Michigan Health Department Issues New Suicide Prevention Guidelines
A new report from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services outlines targeted strategies to address suicide, now the second leading cause of death for residents ages 10 to 34.
Michigan Prisons to Add 870 High Security Beds in Major Expansion
The Michigan Department of Corrections is moving forward with projects to add 870 high-security beds across five facilities, aiming to improve safety, inmate placement and accessibility as part of its Safe Prisons Initiative.
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 National Guard marks 25 years of post 9 11 readiness
The Michigan National Guard reflects on a quarter century of deployments and evolving responsibilities since 9 11, highlighting the ongoing demands on service members and their families across the state
Four Michigan Colleges Launch Three-Year Bachelor's Degree Programs
Davenport University, Adrian College, Northwood University and the College for Creative Studies are now offering three-year bachelor's degrees, aiming to reduce costs and attract more students as enrollment challenges persist across Michigan.
Michigan Rural Townships Warn of Crisis as Help Stalls in Legislature
Rural townships across Michigan face mounting challenges filling key government roles and managing increased responsibilities, but proposed state legislation to provide relief remains stalled in Lansing with no hearings scheduled.
Michigan Allocates $40M to Expand Dual Enrollment for High Schoolers
Michigan will provide $40 million in new state funding to help more high school students enroll in college courses, with priority given to districts serving economically disadvantaged students. The program aims to boost college readiness and degree attainment.
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