Michigan Democrats say Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s prominent role in the national convention points to her rising profile within the party and the electoral importance of the state, which Trump narrowly won in 2016.

Senior Writer Ron French will moderate an online Lunch Break discussion with Michigan educators working to ensure a safe education environment in their districts this fall. Bridge readers are invited to join the conversation.

A federal agency is allowing Philip Morris to market its product as producing fewer harmful chemicals than smoked tobacco, even as it delivers about as much nicotine.

Two years after voters approved an amendment to wrest decennial district-making from politicians, the Michigan Secretary of State announces the 13 (mostly) ordinary citizens charged with ending gerrymandering. Most have little political experience.

With hundreds of senior centers largely closed during the pandemic, virtual bingo has its limits. Some seniors indicate they’d rather chance contracting the virus than face an uncertain future filled with loneliness.

The Michigan Attorney General’s office says it’s exploring a multi-state lawsuit to ensure absentee ballots are counted following concerns about cost-cutting and delays. The Detroit postal district had the second-worst delays in the country from April 1 to June 30.

Parks, harbors, campgrounds and beaches are seeing big upticks in visitors this summer, as COVID-19 restricts summer travel options and vacationers embrace outdoor recreation for its built-in social distancing.

Residents of Michigan’s first known PFAS site say 10 years after the toxic “forever chemicals” were discovered at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base, the Air Force is deliberately delaying cleanup and balking at the state’s new PFAS standards.

With new standards in place, state regulators will now set about identifying new violators and initiating treatment or cleanups. Here’s what you need to know.

A compromise schools plan approved by the Michigan Senate, and backed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, requires weekly check-ins between teachers and students, monthly board meetings to reaffirm instruction plans and offers some funding safeguards. Unions backed the deal, but some educators are upset it was rushed just before the start of school.

Michigan schools can restart this fall with online-only instruction but will be required to revisit that decision monthly and allow for parental feedback in public meetings under a new deal between Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and legislative leaders.

Bridge is adding a temp team member to provide high-quality, nonpartisan coverage of the Michigan political campaigns.