In the news now: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer fights for voting rights and climate resilience while steering state policy. Since 2019, Michigan’s governor and former state senator.
Legal disputes persist over Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline, with tribes and environmental groups opposing rerouting plans on land and waterway segments. Courts are scheduled to hear cases this week, amid ongoing regulatory and political debates about pipeline safety and environmental risks.
Multiple tornadoes struck Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Oklahoma from March 7-11, causing fatalities, injuries, and widespread damage. Michigan and Oklahoma experienced the most severe impacts, with several deaths and extensive destruction. Emergency responses are ongoing as severe weather persists across the central US.
A vehicle rammed into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, causing a fire and prompting a lockdown. FBI and local authorities responded to an active shooter situation, with no confirmed injuries except potentially the shooter. The incident follows heightened tensions amid regional conflicts and anti-Semitic fears.
On March 12, 2026, Ayman Mohammad Ghazali, a 41-year-old naturalized US citizen born in Lebanon, rammed his car into Temple Israel synagogue near Detroit, firing a gun before dying by suicide after his vehicle caught fire. Armed security guards engaged him, preventing casualties among 140 children and staff inside. The FBI is investigating the attack as targeted violence against the Jewish community amid heightened tensions following the US-Israeli war on Iran.
A severe winter storm has caused heavy snowfall, blizzard conditions, and power outages across the Midwest and Great Lakes, prompting travel advisories, bridge closures, and emergency responses. Additional heavy snow and severe weather are forecast through Monday, impacting transportation and public safety nationwide.
A new national helpline, SafeCall, launched in January to support children in crisis, has helped prevent young people from going missing or experiencing exploitation. Meanwhile, West Virginia advances legislation to expand foster care options, and Connecticut considers ending a program that supports at-home care for disabled children. These efforts aim to improve youth welfare and independence.
Security agencies warn of increased Iranian efforts to target Jewish and Israeli targets globally, especially during Passover. Recent attacks include a vehicle ramming at Temple Israel in Michigan and threats to Jewish sites in London. Authorities emphasize heightened vigilance and security measures worldwide.
The US is experiencing unprecedented weather extremes in March, including severe heatwaves on the west coast, snow in the south, and chaotic temperature swings across regions. Experts link these patterns to climate change, with jet stream shifts causing simultaneous extremes. These events highlight the intensifying impact of the climate crisis.
A severe storm has caused extensive damage across parts of Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, with tornadoes ripping through communities. No fatalities have been reported, but homes, schools, and infrastructure have sustained significant damage. Emergency services are responding, and surveys are underway to assess the full extent of the destruction. The storm is ongoing, and further severe weather is expected.
The DOJ has sent a request for voting records from Wayne County, Michigan, prompting strong opposition from state officials. The move is part of ongoing efforts to scrutinize election integrity, with Michigan officials accusing the DOJ of attempting to interfere in state elections amid claims of election fraud.
The U.S. Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that Michigan's lawsuit to shut down part of the Line 5 pipeline will stay in state court. Justice Sotomayor has found that Enbridge Energy missed the deadline to move the case to federal court, reinforcing state authority over pipeline regulation amid environmental concerns.
State regulators are inspecting dams after high waters, while federal action pushes more safety reforms; Lake Mead and Powell's levels are affecting power supply and flood readiness, with Michigan dams also facing scrutiny amid spring floods.
Michigan is piloting a no-cost pre-K program for home-based child care providers with a $1.5 million federal grant. The effort aims to expand access to four-year-olds beyond schools and centers, supporting 75–80 children this spring and summer, and potentially into the next school year. Advocates say the move could broaden options for families; opponents question quality and oversight.