Courts & Legal Affairs
50 storiesCoverage develops through case updates, court explainers, document summaries and legal-process timelines. prosecutor actions and local court administration act as recurring entry points, while Courts & Legal Affairs traces the institution or process behind the story.
Federal judge throws out Michigan antitrust suit against oil giants
A federal judge in Michigan has tossed out the state's antitrust case against BP, Chevron, Exxon, Shell, and the American Petroleum Institute, ruling the alleged impact on energy prices is too distant to support damages or an injunction.
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.
Michigan House backs mandatory prison terms for child sexual crimes
The Michigan House has passed a bill that would force anyone convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child to serve at least 15 years in prison. The plan also calls for tougher penalties for other sexual offenses and now heads to the Senate.
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.
Farmington Hills officer acquitted in off duty sexual assault case
A Farmington Hills police officer has been found not guilty of all charges after being accused of off duty sexual assault involving a police cadet in Wixom. The verdict opens the door for his possible return to the department.
Michigan Supreme Court removes thousands from sex offender registry
Nearly 20,000 names have been wiped from Michigan's public sex offender registry after a Supreme Court ruling limited listings to crimes after July 1, 2011. The public list is now almost half its former size.
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 Orders Closure of Michigan Coal Plant After Illegal Extensions
A federal appeals court has ordered the J.H. Campbell coal plant in Michigan to shut down, ruling that repeated emergency orders to keep it open were unlawful. The decision ends years of delays that left local families paying extra costs and exposed to ongoing pollution.
Michigan Court Freezes Stadium Funding, Puts State Earmarks Under the Microscope
A Michigan court has stopped payments for two minor league baseball stadiums, drawing attention to billions in state earmarks that may violate constitutional rules and raising questions about what happens to unspent taxpayer funds.
Federal Court Blocks Trump Order to Keep Michigan Coal Plant Running
A federal appeals court has struck down the Trump administration's emergency order requiring the J.H. Campbell Generating Plant in Michigan to stay open past its planned retirement, citing lack of legal grounds and high costs for local ratepayers.
Lawsuit Over Denied Youth Center Permit Splits Leland Township
Youth for Christ's lawsuit against Leland Township over a denied permit for a youth center has stirred debate among residents, many of whom support the township's zoning decision and question the group's approach.
Federal Lawsuit Accuses Leland Township of Religious Discrimination Over Youth for Christ Permit
A federal lawsuit claims Leland Township in Michigan discriminated against a Christian youth group by denying a permit for a downtown clubhouse. The dispute raises questions about zoning rules and constitutional rights.
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
Proof of Citizenship Voting Proposal Blocked from Michigan Ballot
A proposal to require proof of citizenship for voting in Michigan will not appear on the November ballot after both the US Supreme Court and Michigan Supreme Court denied emergency appeals from supporters seeking last-minute approval
Proof of Citizenship Ballot Proposal Blocked for Michigan's November Election
A proposal to require proof of citizenship for all Michigan voters will not appear on the November ballot after both the U.S. and Michigan Supreme Courts denied emergency appeals, leaving only two statewide measures for voters this fall.
Missouri Supreme Court Halts New U.S. House Map, Orders Statewide Vote
Missouri's highest court has blocked the use of new congressional districts backed by President Donald Trump, requiring voters to decide their fate before they can take effect in the November general election.
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
Arkansas to Receive $172 Million in Meta Settlement Over Child Safety
Arkansas will gain at least $172 million from a multistate settlement with Meta over online child safety, while several lawsuits against other social media companies-including TikTok, Google, and Snapchat-remain active in state and federal courts
Pennsylvania Lawmakers Propose Limits on Flock Cameras and ALPR Use
Pennsylvania legislators are considering new bills to regulate automated license plate readers and Flock cameras, aiming to address privacy concerns and set clear rules for law enforcement and local governments
Detroit Apartment Rehab Dispute Leads to Lawsuits Over $1.4M Project
A $1.4 million legal battle has erupted between NFL All-Pro Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner and Sanborn Construction Group over a stalled renovation of a historic Detroit apartment building, with both sides filing lawsuits and work now under a new contractor
Michigan Group Appeals to Supreme Court Over Blocked Voter ID Ballot
A proposed Michigan constitutional amendment requiring photo ID for all voters was blocked from the November ballot after a state board deadlocked. The group behind the initiative is now seeking urgent intervention from the Michigan Supreme Court.
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.
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.
Farmington Schools Employee Charged With Embezzling Over $100,000
A longtime Farmington Public Schools staff member faces felony charges after being accused of embezzling more than $100,000, including federal grant funds intended to support students experiencing homelessness. The district says services were not disrupted.
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