Michigan Education Budget Stalls as Lawmakers Miss July 1 Deadline

LANSING, MI — Michigan lawmakers have missed the July 1 deadline for finalizing the state’s education budget, leaving school districts across the state in limbo as they prepare for the next fiscal year.

Despite intense debate on Tuesday, the House and Senate failed to reach a consensus on the spending plan. Republicans blamed Senate Democrats for adjourning instead of working late into the night to negotiate a deal. Democrats fired back, claiming Republicans showed little intent to meet the deadline and failed to participate in good-faith discussions.

The missed deadline complicates budget planning for local school districts, which rely on the state’s timeline to finalize their own finances. Nevertheless, the Lansing School District moved forward, adopting a $263 million budget for the upcoming year. The plan includes salary increases for staff, new instructional materials, enhanced student support services, and building upgrades. Several grants will also fund improvements, including a new track at Everett High School and renovations at Sexton High School and Lansing Tech.

In other state news:

East Lansing Mayor Will Not Seek Re-Election

East Lansing Mayor George Brokover announced he will not run for re-election this fall. Brokover has served on the city council since November 2021 and was appointed mayor in 2023.

“It’s been an honor,” Brokover said in a statement, adding that he hopes future officeholders will focus on uniting the city’s diverse population.

Two Deadly Crashes Reported in Mid-Michigan

Two fatal traffic accidents have occurred in Mid-Michigan this week. On Tuesday, one person died in a crash involving at least two vehicles, including a tanker truck, on M-52 and Hazlett Road in Locke Township, Ingham County.

On Monday, a fiery collision on I-96 near Portland in Ionia County claimed the lives of two people. The crash involved three trucks and occurred on the westbound side of the freeway near Sunfield Highway.

Senators Slam Federal Legislation as Harmful to Michiganders

Michigan’s U.S. Senators condemned the Senate passage of what has been referred to as President Trump’s “big beautiful bill.” Senator Gary Peters said the legislation would strip health care from hundreds of thousands of state residents. Representative Alyssa Slotkin added that the bill favors the wealthy at the expense of working families.

Two Michiganders Charged in Nationwide Health Care Fraud Case

The Justice Department has charged two Michigan residents in a large-scale national health care fraud investigation. Dr. James Carthrun, 61, of Saginaw, and care worker Delina Miller, 42, of Battle Creek, are both accused of submitting false Medicaid claims. They are among over 300 individuals charged nationwide.

State AG Investigating “Twin Flames Universe” Group

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has launched an investigation into Twin Flames Universe, a controversial organization based in Leelanau County and featured in a 2023 Netflix documentary. While no criminal charges have been announced, the group is accused of exercising "coercive control" over its members.