Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is trying to avoid a repeat of Arkansas, where thousands of poor people lost medical coverage because of complex work rules. Republican Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey says she has little to worry about with his legislation.

Michigan state Sen. Jim Runestad, a Republican from Oakland County, is trying again to force lawmakers to wait at least two years before going to work as lobbyists.

The ball’s now in Whitmer’s court amid a power struggle over environmental oversight.

The Republican-controlled Legislature killed Democrat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s plan to reorganize Michigan’s environmental agency. It’s the first time since 1977 that lawmakers reversed a governor's executive order.

The grant, approved in lame duck, was intended to boost prospects for a commercial space program in Michigan. But the venture lacked detail and was derided by an expert as a “back of the napkin” plan.

Dana Nessel, a Democrat, said she may review Michigan lame-duck laws that gutted citizen proposals to raise the minimum wage and require paid sick leave. Her stance could produce a high-impact legal showdown with Republicans.

Republican leaders say they agree with the Democratic governor that roads need fixing, but aren’t ready to raise taxes or fees to do it. They also signaled opposition to raising the state’s college-going rate and Whitmer’s PFAS and climate change plans.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is locked in a showdown with Republicans over her plan to kill oversight panels. Both sides agree citizens should have a say in regulations, but have disagreed for years about how to do so.

The latest can’t-miss journalism about Michigan’s natural resources.

Healthcare remains a critical issue for Michigan families and businesses. Bridge seeks an experienced journalist to convey the challenges and policy choices to our growing statewide audience.

The new Democratic governor outlined her policy priorities during her first State of the State address Tuesday. Bridge offers context behind the proposals and what Republicans and other skeptics had to say in response.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has put on ice a grant that would help bring water and sewer lines to a swath of land owned by a company with ties to former GOP chair Bobby Schostak. She wants to determine if the money could be spent elsewhere.