Federal Policy & Regulation
47 storiesCoverage uses rule explainers, legislative updates, implementation timelines and Michigan-impact analysis to show what changed and when it takes effect. Recurring themes include federal grants, labor standards, environmental rules, health and education policy, infrastructure requirements and the way state or local agencies must respond.
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.
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.
House Passes Water Infrastructure Bill, Bringing $115 Million to West Michigan
The U.S. House has approved the Water Resources Development Act 2026, which includes $115 million for water infrastructure projects in Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon counties, along with new support for Muskegon Heights and the Muskegon River.
Michigan Farm Bureau Presses Washington for Clear Support Amid Rising Imports and Policy Shifts
Michigan Farm Bureau President Ben LaCross is urging federal officials to take a clear stand for American farmers, citing policy confusion and growing imports as threats to Michigan agriculture and food security.
North Carolina and Michigan fund new EV charging and hydrogen projects
North Carolina and Michigan have announced millions in new grants for electric vehicle charging and clean mobility projects, including hydrogen fuel cell trucks and fast charging sites. Construction and deployment are set to ramp up over the next three years.
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.
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.
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
Michigan Lawmaker Pushes for Federal Support to Upgrade State Ports
State Rep. Donni Steele met with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to advocate for new investment in Michigan's ports and shipbuilding sector, highlighting the need for infrastructure upgrades and workforce development to keep the state competitive
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
Michigan Lawmaker Pushes for Federal Support to Upgrade State Ports
State Rep. Donni Steele met with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to advocate for new investment in Michigan's ports and shipbuilding sector, highlighting the need for infrastructure upgrades and workforce development to keep the state competitive
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.
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.
JD Vance Rallies Michigan GOP, Criticizes El-Sayed in Senate Race
Vice President JD Vance visited Sterling Heights to support Michigan Republican candidates and challenge Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, as the state's high-profile Senate race intensifies ahead of the 2026 midterms
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
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.
New Federal Workforce Pell Grants Open Doors for Job Training Students
Community colleges nationwide are seeking approval to offer Workforce Pell grants, making short-term job training more affordable for students pursuing careers in fields like healthcare, trucking, and skilled trades
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
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.
Fed Chair Warsh Warns Interest Rate Hikes May Be Needed to Tame Inflation
Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh signaled that further interest rate increases could be on the table as U.S. inflation remains above the central bank's 2% target, raising questions about the timing and impact of future Fed decisions.
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.
Meta Agrees to $17.1B Settlement Over Child Safety on Social Media
Meta will pay up to $17.1 billion to 47 states and U.S. territories over claims its platforms are addictive and harmful to children, with new safety rules for young users on Facebook and Instagram set to take effect over the next decade.
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
Key Inflation Gauge Stays High as Gas and Service Costs Weigh on Households
A federal inflation measure remained at 3.7% in July, with persistent high prices for services and gas affecting American families. Upcoming changes to how inflation is calculated could lower future readings, but relief remains uncertain.
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