Gretchen Whitmer

National Guard deployments to Washington, D.C., during the 250th anniversary of independence have expanded, with Democratic-led states contributing troops. A coalition of groups has criticized the deployment, arguing it supports President Donald Trump's open-ended use of forces. Michigan and Minnesota have sent contingents and joined a lawsuit challenging the ongoing deployment.

A coalition of organizations is urging Governor Gretchen Whitmer to withdraw Michigan National Guard troops from Washington, D.C., arguing they are not being used for the stated America 250 mission but are instead part of a broader task force. The letter highlights that other Democratic governors have already withdrawn their forces, and Whitmer's office is reviewing the request while emphasizing troops should only support the America 250 mission.

Michigan lawmakers passed a $75.2 billion fiscal year 2027 budget after an overnight session, featuring a $14.1 billion general fund and $19.8 billion school aid budget. Governor Gretchen Whitmer praised the bipartisan effort, highlighting investments in education, housing, healthcare, and infrastructure, with the budget now awaiting her signature.

Michigan lawmakers passed an $85 billion budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year after an all-night session, avoiding a government shutdown. The budget includes $63 billion for state agencies and $22.9 billion for K-12 and higher education, with funding sourced from general and school aid funds. Lawmakers addressed a $1 billion revenue shortfall through cuts and efficiencies but did not implement new taxes proposed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

The Michigan Legislature missed the July 1 deadline to finalize the 2026-27 budget, with House and Senate leaders continuing negotiations. Lawmakers aim to reach a deal by Friday, but educators criticize delays in funding schools. Progress has been made on resolving budget bills, but a final agreement remains pending.

Michigan high school students now have more flexibility in college applications as new state laws remove the mandatory essay portion of the Michigan Merit Exam. The legislation, signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, aims to reduce testing stress and reallocate resources to instruction, aligning with test-optional policies at most Michigan colleges.

Michigan's July 1 budget deadline is approaching, but the Republican-led state House has canceled sessions, leading to uncertainty about whether a budget will be delivered to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on time. The governor's administration expresses doubt about meeting the deadline.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced 60% of traffic restrictions in Michigan will be lifted for the Fourth of July weekend, affecting 106 of 179 MDOT projects. The adjustments aim to reduce delays for over 2.6 million travelers, with some road work zones remaining operational.

250 years after the Declaration of Independence, Margaret Hoover examines the institutions and sacrifices that have sustained its ideals through conversations with Justice Neil Gorsuch, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and Gen. Stanley McChrystal.

Sterling Heights is moving forward with a $1 billion mixed-use redevelopment of the former Lakeside Mall, supported by a $270 million state-approved funding plan. The project includes residential units, retail space, and community spaces, led by Lionheart Capital, with mixed community reactions to the mall's demolition.

Michigan has enacted laws to delay the start of local officials' terms until after election results are certified, ensuring overseas and military ballots are counted. The bipartisan legislation, signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, sets a uniform start date for elected officers, such as supervisors and clerks, to begin no earlier than noon on the first day of the month following their election.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed four bills to delay the start dates of local officials' terms until after election results are certified, ensuring overseas and military voters' ballots are counted. The legislation aims to prevent officials from taking office before all votes are processed, which previously disenfranchised voters whose ballots arrived after Election Day.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is appealing FEMA's denial of federal disaster aid for Southwest Michigan after deadly tornadoes in March 2026. The denial applies to the Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant programs, which would have supported residents with uninsured losses and infrastructure recovery.

Michigan forgave $200 million in medical debt for roughly 280,000 residents through a state program, with $74 million erased in the latest round for 71,871 individuals. The initiative, a bipartisan effort to protect patients from collections, partners with Undue Medical Debt, a nonprofit that buys unpaid medical debt in bulk for pennies on the dollar.

The redevelopment plan for the former Lakeside Mall site in Sterling Heights, Michigan, secured $270,678,999 in incentives through the Michigan Strategic Fund. The project, led by Lakeside OOTB Ventures, LLC, includes 1,500 residential units, 150,000 square feet of retail space, and community amenities, supported by local and state tax revenue and a $27.6 million bond issuance.

Michigan has forgiven $200 million in medical debt for 280,000 residents since 2024 through a state-funded program. A second round of debt relief erased $74 million for 71,871 individuals, part of bipartisan efforts to protect patients from medical debt collections. Analysts caution that debt forgiveness has limited impact without broader regulatory reforms.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer filed an appeal against FEMA's denial of federal assistance for Michigan residents affected by deadly March 6 tornadoes that caused four fatalities and significant damage. FEMA denied aid on May 31, including funding for hazard mitigation, but low-interest loans from the SBA remain available for affected areas in Southwest Michigan.

More than 71,000 Michiganders will have over $74 million in medical debt forgiven through a partnership with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt. The initiative, announced by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, aims to alleviate financial burdens on residents, with detailed debt relief figures provided for the top 10 counties.

Michigan is implementing strategies like advertising on pizza boxes and hosting training fairs to increase male enrollment in post-secondary education programs. The state aims to raise the proportion of working-age adults with degrees or training to 60% by 2030, but men's participation in programs like Michigan Reconnect lags behind women's.

MDHHS director stepping down after leading the division during the pandemic under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Amy Epkey has been promoted to acting director, assuming the role on July 1. Hertel's next career position remains unclear.

Michigan has forgiven $200 million in medical debt through an initiative announced by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and state officials in July 2025. The article questions whether such measures should also focus on preventing medical debt.

President Donald Trump endorsed U.S. Rep. John James for Michigan governor via Truth Social. Trump's endorsement is expected to impact the race, with other candidates including Mike Cox, Perry Johnson, and Aric Nesbitt. James expressed enthusiasm for the endorsement, stating it would help 'Make Michigan Great Again.'

Temujin Kensu, serving a life sentence for a 1986 murder conviction he claims is wrongful, has exhausted legal avenues for release after courts and a conviction integrity unit rejected his appeals. His supporters, including the Michigan Innocence Clinic, argue evidence shows he was hundreds of miles away during the crime and that his trial was compromised by witness issues. His final chance for freedom lies in a clemency appeal to Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

The Michigan Legislature faces criticism for delaying legislation to restrict synthetic Kratom sales to minors, despite bipartisan support in the House and growing concerns about its opioid-like effects on youth. Over 30 states have implemented restrictions on synthetic Kratom derivatives, but Michigan's bill remains stalled in the Senate Committee on Government Operations.

Roxie Richner, communications director for Michigan U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, posted anti-white comments on social media between 2019 and 2020, targeting white women with accusations of causing harm to Black people and calling them 'policy failures.' Her posts included criticism during the 2020 George Floyd-related riots and references to working with El-Sayed since at least 2018.

Michigan lawmakers approach a July 1 budget deadline with House Speaker Matt Hall and Senate leaders blaming each other for stalled negotiations. A GOP property tax reform proposal has emerged as a key obstacle, with Hall claiming recent discussions with Governor Gretchen Whitmer's team could advance talks, though progress remains uncertain.

Members of the Michigan House LGBTQ Caucus read a Pride Month resolution outside the State Capitol after Republican leadership declined to allow it on the House floor. The resolution, HR 329, was referred to the House Government Operations Committee and is expected to remain there until June ends. A similar resolution was adopted in the Democratic-controlled Senate, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation recognizing Pride Month.

Northern Michigan's School Success Partnership program has reduced school absenteeism and improved grades by addressing barriers for at-risk students, but faces potential defunding as its state allocation is excluded from proposed 2026-27 budgets. The program, operated by the Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency, provides support like transportation, basic needs, and family engagement across 12 counties.

Michigan's proposed Stargate data center in Saline, funded 90% by private equity firm Blackstone, faces criticism over environmental impacts, resource demands, and Blackstone's history of controversial investments in Michigan, including medical billing fraud and pollution-linked health costs.

A Michigan court ruled that state environmental regulators violated due process by adding stricter requirements to a livestock waste permit, striking down key portions. The judge found the transfer of permit authority from the Environmental Permit Review Commission to the head of EGLE violated constitutional due process, though some provisions like winter waste bans were upheld.

Protesters gathered at the Michigan State Capitol to demand Governor Gretchen Whitmer take action against ICE's planned detention center in Romulus. Activists from the Coalition to Shut the Camps and other groups criticized her silence and urged her to use executive action to block the facility's development.

The opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Canada and the United States has been delayed to resolve 'outstanding issues.' The bridge, jointly owned by Canada and Michigan, faced uncertainty after President Donald Trump demanded Canada transfer half ownership to the U.S. federal government. Recent communication between Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles led to invitations for the bridge’s opening.

The opening of the Canada-US Gordie Howe International Bridge across the Detroit River was delayed due to unresolved issues. President Donald Trump had previously threatened to block the bridge, demanding Canada transfer half its ownership to the U.S. The bridge, jointly owned by Canada and Michigan, is intended to ease cross-border congestion.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated the opening of the Canada-US Gordie Howe International Bridge may take longer than expected due to U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to block it. The bridge, a joint Canada-Michigan project, is set for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, though traffic may not start immediately.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated the opening of the Canada-US Gordie Howe International Bridge may take longer than expected due to U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to block it. The bridge, jointly owned by Canada and Michigan, is set for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, though traffic may not start immediately. Trump previously demanded Canada cede partial ownership to the U.S. federal government.

A Michigan court has vacated a conviction related to a kidnapping plot targeting Gretchen Whitmer. Joseph Morrison was involved in the case, which was heard in Jackson, Michigan.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is advocating for increased literacy spending and has established a new literacy council. The article examines the current state of literacy efforts in Michigan.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell requested answers from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer regarding conditions at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility after three deaths in a month. The letter highlights reports of toxic mold, inadequate medical care, and federal lawsuits related to the prison. State lawmakers have also raised concerns about health and safety issues at the facility.

Michigan data center developments include a proposed facility moving forward in Mason, a denied 26-megawatt project in Allen Park, and a $16 billion data center groundbreaking in Saline Township led by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Legislative efforts to impose a one-year moratorium on data centers were introduced by State Sen. Jim Runestad but opposed by Whitmer, who emphasized environmental and energy accountability. Google is funding a water management initiative in Wayne County, and environmental concerns over wastewater capacity are highlighted by a moratorium in Ypsilanti.

Bill Maher responded to President Trump's criticism on HBO's 'Real Time' by highlighting Trump's lower approval ratings and showcasing audience footage to counter claims of fake laughter. Maher also addressed Trump's comments on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defended Gretchen Whitmer's association with Trump.