Wages from new United Auto Workers contracts will increase alongside unprecedented competition, adding to pressures facing U.S. auto companies as they balance costs and profitability.

After years of infighting and controversy, there are renewed calls to allow the governor to appoint board members for Michigan’s largest public universities. Currently, they are elected by state voters.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she backs a plan to require public officials to disclose finances but exempt spousal income. She also says she won’t open her office to records requests until the Legislature does so.

The Senate passed a bill to do away with a controversial law that requires coverage for elective abortions to be purchased separately in health care plans. The bill faces a tough sell in the House.

Even as the state posted at least some details on a new website Wednesday about where settlement money is going, the chair of the Michigan Opioid Advisory Commission told lawmakers that the panel has struggled to get more detailed information from state health officials.

The series of bills should increase business accountability and reduce cleanup costs paid by taxpayers, supporters say. But business groups are wary of them, saying they’re extreme and could push companies out of the state.

A crackdown on distracted driving this week underscores that many aren’t aware of Michigan’s new law banning holding a phone, police say. One driver was working on a laptop. Another drove for miles before noticing police.

Author and Michigander Stephen Mack Jones joined Bridge Michigan for a discussion of the first book in his award-winning crime thriller series set in Detroit.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and others urge Democrats to close loopholes remaining in proposed rules to require officials to reveal assets. Defenders call rule ‘huge step forward’

The state awarded $3.4 million for the expansion of MSU College of Human Medicine to create a Department of Public Health. The grant will be used to construct a 40,000 sq ft building in downtown Flint which will include office spaces, rooms for lab, research and instruction. The project is expected to be completed by 2028.

The Secretary of State vows an appeal of a ruling that found she flouted state law in rolling out rules limiting poll challengers. It’s the most recent ruling finding that she overstepped her authority.

The legislation as introduced would allow lawmakers and state officials to leave out specifics transparency experts say are crucial to getting a full picture of financial influences.