News & Fun in Michigan
Dana Nessel is the 54th Attorney General of Michigan, serving since January 1, 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, she is the first openly LGBTQ person and the first Jewish individual to be elected to statewide office in Michigan. Before her tenure as Attorney General, Nessel was a criminal prosecutor and civil rights attorney, notably representing the plaintiffs in DeBoer v. Snyder, a case that contributed to the legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide.
In her role as Attorney General, Nessel has focused on consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental issues. She established the Fair Michigan Justice Project to prosecute hate crimes against the LGBTQ community and has taken legal action to uphold voting rights and environmental standards in the state.
On January 21, 2025, Nessel joined 17 other state attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to block President Donald Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship, emphasizing the constitutional right granted by the 14th Amendment.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced a $59.7 million settlement against Biohaven Pharmaceutical, a Pfizer subsidiary, for fraudulent Medicaid claims involving illegal kickbacks to healthcare providers. The case arose from whistleblower allegations, ensuring accountability and transparency for Michigan taxpayers and Medicaid beneficiaries.
A federal judge temporarily halted the Trump administration’s freeze on federal funds, impacting crucial programs in Michigan, including Medicaid and Head Start. The ruling followed legal challenges from multiple states and organizations, highlighting the continued uncertainty for essential services and funding allocations.
Attorney General Dana Nessel successfully reduced DTE Electric’s proposed rate hike by 52%, saving Michigan residents nearly $240 million. The Michigan Public Service Commission approved a $217.4 million increase, addressing public concerns about rising utility costs and executive spending.
Activists at the University of Michigan, represented by the TAHRIR Coalition, criticize Attorney General Dana Nessel for pursuing charges against protesters, alleging racialized targeting and political retaliation. They demand the dismissal of charges and divestment from companies linked to human rights violations in Gaza.
Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the arrest of four suspects connected to a large auto theft ring, involved in stealing hundreds of vehicles in Southeast Michigan. The arrests resulted from an extensive investigation, revealing a violent operation linked to various criminal activities. Additional arrests may follow.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has released legal guidance to law enforcement on balancing First Amendment rights with public safety as protests are expected to increase in 2025. The memo provides clarity on managing various protest-related conflicts and emphasizes the importance of good judgment in enforcement.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has launched a groundbreaking legal initiative against the fossil fuel industry to address climate change’s economic and environmental impacts. Major law firms will represent the state without upfront costs, highlighting the challenge of balancing environmental accountability with reliance on fossil fuel revenues.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has released a report detailing decades of sexual abuse allegations against clergy in the Diocese of Lansing, identifying 56 alleged offenders, mostly priests. The investigation, initiated in 2018, highlights challenges in prosecution due to statutory limitations, while acknowledging the importance of validating victims’ experiences and promoting accountability.
