It was a monumental political year in Michigan, with the return of a divided state government and the return of President Donald Trump. These are the stories that defined the year, from the Michigan Capitol to the White House.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Posted inTalent & Education
Whitmer says solving literacy crisis in Michigan remains her ‘No. 1 priority’
Leaders from schools, businesses and government attended an event Monday where speakers called for action.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Doctors, lawmakers urge Gretchen Whitmer to make stand for science, vaccines
As federal public health policies come under fire, a group of citizens, doctors and lawmakers is pressing Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration to more forcefully safeguard vaccines and Medicaid.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan gun task force: Ban assault weapons, raise minimum buying age
Gun violence is a ‘public health crisis’ that warrants significant policy changes, said the head of a task force appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Posted inMichigan Government
Whitmer pardons Hmong refugee facing deportation in ‘race against time’
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer pardons Lue Yang, a Hmong refugee detained by immigration officials based on a decades-old criminal record already expunged by the state. Advocates are not sure where he is.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan taxes on tips, overtime, Social Security to end for three years
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law an exemption on income taxes for tips, overtime and social security income this week. The tax cut will be in place from 2026 through 2028.
Posted inMichigan Government
Gretchen Whitmer signs $81B Michigan budget, roads deal. What to know
Michigan’s new budget has more money for roads, more taxes on pot and some new spending cuts. What to know about the $81B spending law.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan lawmakers reject money for Gretchen Whitmer’s population growth office
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer sought $10 million for her Michigan Growth Office. Lawmakers said no.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan legislators kill Gretchen Whitmer’s $2B cash-for-jobs program
After years of underwhelming returns, the Strategic Operating and Attraction Reserve is no more. The program was designed to lure mega companies but so far has created far fewer jobs than promised.
Posted inMichigan Government
Gretchen Whitmer hints she won’t run for president, blasts Trump tariffs
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer used a Toronto speech to blast Trump’s tariffs and then implied she won’t run for president in 2028: ‘I don’t know if I need to be the main character in the next chapter’