Rep. Karen Whitsett of Detroit has often been at odds with leaders in her own party. While she supports abortion rights, she has reservations on several bills. And she warned leaders that other Democrats share her concern.
Yue Stella Yu
Stella Yu is a former capitol reporter for Bridge Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan dairy farm housing: ‘Invisible’ workers suffer, state looks other way
Housing for immigrant workers on dairy farms is often tucked away and largely exempt from inspections. Advocates say that can lead to poor conditions. ‘You have no one to protect you,’ one worker says.
Posted inMichigan Government
Jury acquits three men accused in Whitmer kidnapping plot
The Friday verdict marks the last trial connected with a plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2020 over her pandemic policies. The governor’s office called the verdict ‘disappointing.’
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Democrats get to work on abortion restriction repeals
Democrats target 24-hour waiting period, abortion clinic restrictions and more, but won’t yet try to repeal parental consent laws that may be a tougher sell in Legislature.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan rents are rising, prompting debate about tenant protections
Rents jump 9 percent in Michigan in one year, but remain far lower than the national average. Some activists say more should be done for tenants, including rent control, but landlords have argued profit fell during the eviction moratorium.
Posted inUrban Affairs
Plagued by guns, Detroit pays neighborhood groups $10M to curb violence
Shootings are an epidemic, and Detroit is experimenting with community groups that sponsor gardens, youth outreach and even armed citizen patrols. So-called community violence intervention has mixed results nationally, but advocates say relying on police solely is misguided.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan student broadband internet access begins to wane post-pandemic
Thanks to federal and state relief funds, students in Michigan saw a boost in broadband access during the COVID-19 pandemic. But that boost is fading, particularly for rural students, as technological support goes away, according to a MSU study.
Posted inMichigan Government
Judge to sentence Oxford High School shooter Ethan Crumbley on Sept. 29
The mental health of the teenager who killed four classmates could determine whether he spends his life in prison without a chance for parole.
Posted inMichigan Government
Report: UAW strike against Michigan’s Big Three could cost economy $5.6B
The Thursday report estimated the cost of a 10-day strike by 143,000 United Auto Workers members against Ford, GM and Stellantis as business and political leaders weigh in on what must happen.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Capitol Commission bans guns, but exempts lawmakers from rule
The Michigan State Capitol Commission voted 4-2 Wednesday to exempt serving lawmakers from a ban on concealed carry inside the Capitol building. The exemption came after several lawmakers expressed a desire to carry their weapons when they go to work.