Rules & Public Services
88 storiesCoverage includes service-change explainers, permit and fee guides, ordinance updates and resident checklists. Stories clarify which department is responsible, who is affected, when a requirement begins and what practical steps follow from changes to licensing, code enforcement, waste collection, water service or other municipal functions.
Michigan water utilities face new cybersecurity risks after recent attacks
Michigan's water utilities are under the microscope after a cyberattack hit operational technology nationwide. State agencies are now offering free cybersecurity risk checks to help utilities shore up defenses and protect residents.
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.
Michigan Faces Twenty Year Water and Sewer Upgrade Funding Gap
A new report says Michigan needs to spend $85 billion on water and sewer systems over the next two decades. Recent main breaks and aging pipes show the urgent need for a statewide funding plan.
AT&T will replace most Michigan copper landlines with fiber by 2029
AT&T plans to shut down most copper landlines in Michigan's Lower Peninsula by 2029. Customers will move to fiber and wireless networks, keeping access to 911 and regular phone features.
Five Michigan schools slash cafeteria waste with reusable trays and utensils
Five Michigan schools have cut out more than 440,000 single-use plastic items by switching to stainless-steel trays and utensils. The move saves thousands of dollars each year and keeps tons of waste out of landfills.
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.
Pointe Mouillee Road Closure Limits Boat Launch Access as Fall Waterfowl Events Begin
Michigan's managed waterfowl areas will hold their annual fall open houses this September and October, but a key road closure at Pointe Mouillee will restrict boat launch access for hunters through the 2026 season.
Express Waste Dumpsters expands rental services to Farmington Hills
Express Waste Dumpsters now offers Farmington Hills residents and businesses more options for dumpster rentals, with several container sizes and same-day delivery available.
Farmington Community Library Starts Major Renovation at 12 Mile Branch
The Farmington Community Library's Farmington Hills branch has begun a multi-year renovation to expand study rooms and add new outdoor spaces. Temporary closures and reduced hours are in effect through early October as construction begins.
Jackson Races to Replace All Lead Water Pipes by 2036
Jackson, Michigan is working to replace thousands of lead water service lines, aiming to remove every lead pipe in the city within the next decade. The city is focusing first on neighborhoods with the most lead lines.
Michigan High School Faces Backlash Over Menstrual Cycle Policy
Lakeview High School in Michigan is under scrutiny after parents objected to a gym class rule requiring girls to report menstrual cycle details to make up missed swimming days, raising questions about privacy and fairness.
Flint triples recycling with new carts and sets city record
Flint's recycling rate has reached an all-time high after the city gave out more than 68,000 free waste and recycling carts to residents in 2024, changing how people recycle and making it easier for everyone to take part.
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.
Cloudflare Security Blocks Disrupt Access to Local Websites
Some users are being blocked from websites protected by Cloudflare, often after submitting certain data or forms. The block can affect anyone and usually requires contacting the site owner to resolve.
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
Two Bloomfield Township Boys Critically Hurt in E Motorcycle Crash
Two 13-year-olds from Bloomfield Township remain in critical condition after being struck by a Ford F-250 while riding an electric motorcycle through a crosswalk on South Telegraph Road on Labor Day
Oak Park Halts New Short Term Rental Licenses for Six Months
Oak Park has stopped issuing new short term rental licenses through February 2027 while city officials review safety rules and gather resident feedback after a fatal shooting at a rental property
Birmingham Expands Fall Activities With New Playground and STEM Events
Birmingham, Michigan is rolling out new family-friendly options this fall, including an inclusive playground at Poppleton Park, hands-on robotics classes, farmers market festivals and a fire department open house for kids and parents
Oakland County Approves Funding to Keep Crisis Response Unit Operating
A $500000 allocation from Oakland County will keep the sheriff's Crisis Response Unit running through September 2027 after officials warned the program faced shutdown without new funding
Michigan Candidates Demand Limits on Flock License Plate Cameras
Automated license plate readers operated by Flock Safety have become a flashpoint in Michigan's 2026 elections, with candidates from both parties urging new rules on data use and retention as the technology spreads across the state
SMART to Add New Bus Routes Across Wayne County After Millage Approval
SMART will launch new bus routes and service improvements in Wayne County after voters approved a 10-year transit millage expected to generate at least $570 million for regional transportation upgrades
Florida County Adds Local Radar After Missed Tornado Warning
Lee County, Florida has installed its own advanced weather radar after a tornado went undetected by federal systems, highlighting how local governments are investing in technology to close dangerous gaps in storm detection and emergency response.
Labor Day Closures and Farmers Market Event in Downtown Farmington
Farmington city offices will close for Labor Day on Monday, shifting garbage pickup by one day. Meanwhile, Riley Park hosts a hands-on applesauce demonstration at the Farmers Market Saturday morning.
California Agencies Face New Rules for Public Participation and Trust
California's updated Brown Act now requires local agencies to offer two-way remote participation and expanded language access, but experts say real public trust depends on showing how community input shapes decisions
Power Outages Top 90,000 After Severe Storms Hit Metro Detroit
Nearly 93,500 DTE Energy customers in Metro Detroit lost electricity after Wednesday night's storms brought damaging winds, flash flooding and widespread debris. Utility crews are working to restore service as residents face blocked roads and cleanup challenges.
Farmington Schedules Public Hearing on Brownfield Plan for Senior Apartments
A public hearing is set for September 22 at Farmington City Hall to review a proposed Brownfield Plan that could fund major rehabilitation of the Farmington Place Apartments, a senior income-based complex on Grand River Avenue
Teachers Left to Tackle AI Cheating as States Sidestep Enforcement
While most states have issued AI guidelines for public schools, few address student cheating, leaving teachers to manage rising misuse of generative AI tools without clear support or effective detection methods.
Farmington Hills Offers Free Car Seat Inspections September 12
The Farmington Hills Fire Department will provide free car seat inspections for families on Sunday, September 12. Appointments are required and must be confirmed by September 10 to secure a spot at Fire Station #3.
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.
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