Federal Policy & Regulation
7 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.
Report: Broadband Projects Face Permit Delays Across U.S.
A new report finds that nearly 7,000 broadband projects funded by the $42 billion BEAD program will require more than 86,000 permits, with many projects facing complex and lengthy approval processes at federal, state, and local levels.
Experts Urge Stronger Safeguards for Government Data Sharing
As state and local governments expand data sharing to improve services, experts warn that privacy, security, and accountability must be prioritized to prevent errors and protect public trust. New guidance outlines key steps for agencies.
Online Pharmacies Expand as Michigan Drugstores Face Closures
More Michigan residents are turning to mail-in prescriptions as insurance plans favor online services, but the shift is contributing to the closure of hundreds of local pharmacies, especially in rural areas, according to state officials and pharmacists
Federal TANF Data Sharing Plan Delayed Amid State Legal Challenge
A federal proposal to expand data sharing on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients has been postponed to September 1, as several Democrat-led states seek to block the policy in court over privacy and immigration concerns
Maryland Expands Chip EBT Card Program Statewide to Fight Fraud
Maryland is distributing 500,000 chip-enabled EBT cards to residents and aid facilities after a successful pilot, aiming to reduce benefit theft and improve security for SNAP and cash assistance recipients across the state
Senator Proposes New Federal Tax on AI Data Centers
A draft proposal from Sen. Ron Wyden would remove current tax breaks for new data centers and introduce an excise tax on facilities handling AI workloads, aiming to address rising energy costs and community impacts. Public feedback is open through August 31.
Federal Election Security Review Halted After Voting Machine Findings
A federal review of Dominion voting systems in Puerto Rico was abruptly stopped after researchers found serious vulnerabilities but no evidence of vote tampering, raising questions about political pressure on election security work ahead of the 2024 midterms.