Legal Process

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is appealing a recent federal court decision on an oil and gas pipeline that runs through the Straits of Mackinac. Colin Jackson has more

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments next month on a procedural question involving Enbridge's Line 5. The court could decide if state or federal courts will decide whether Enbridge Energy can continue to operate the controversial oil and natural gas liquids pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac. We have more from Rick Pluta.

In 2025, there was a significant increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Washtenaw County. Federal immigration policy has created fear and uncertainty among the community's undocumented and documented immigrants. Federal funding changes have impacted some of the organizations that support immigrant people and families. That includes the Michigan Immigration Rights Center (MIRC) in Ypsilanti. What will the new year bring from ICE in Washtenaw County and Michigan? WEMU's David Fair put those questions before the MIRC's policy engagement and communications manager, Christine Sauve, on the first "Washtenaw United" conversation of 2026.

Michigan business groups are joining together to support changes to how the state handles slip-and-fall lawsuits. Colin Jackson has more.

A bill to make it faster and easier for defendants to fend off lawsuits from business or government interests designed to stifle criticism cleared the state House Wednesday. We have more from Rick Pluta.

A state House panel held its first hearing Thursday on legislation to create a right to legal representation for people facing eviction from their rental homes. We have more from Rick Pluta.

The Michigan Legislature voted Wednesday to allow trial courts to continue assessing court fees on guilty defendants for another two-and-a-half years. Colin Jackson has more.

Ypsilanti Township is continuing legal action against a local, interstate materials hauling company. Last summer, a massive pile of a black, coal-like substance appeared on the property owned by OKD Transport. Since then, nearby testing has turned up toxic carcinogens. The property owner says independent testing has proven the substance to be non-hazardous. WEMU's David Fair talked with Ypsilanti Township attorney Douglas Winters about the ongoing issues and concerns.

A Munising junior high school student should have been informed of his Miranda rights before being questioned by the police chief. That three-to-zero ruling was released Wednesday by the Michigan Court of Appeals. We have more from Rick Pluta.

Michigan courts are building out the network of centers to provide legal help for people who can’t afford an attorney in civil cases. Many are located in courts or libraries. Rick Pluta has more.