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Citizens cannot do their job of running their government if they don’t know what their public servants are doing. Bridge will take you beyond the political food fights into the policy decisions that affect everyday life.
Articles
Republican bill would shield donors to ‘dark money’ groups in Michigan
Incoming Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey wants to ban state agencies from seeking the names of donors to political nonprofits. The bill comes as Dems are about to take over the offices of Attorney General and Secretary of State.
Gretchen Whitmer inherits a stable economy, but an unforgiving budget
Michigan’s next governor takes office with an economy that’s humming. But the state budget is limited by existing spending deals, Republican opposition and the prospect of an economic downtown, which could foil Whitmer’s policy goals.
5 places where Michigan’s governor and legislature can make deals
From roads to water to job training, state residents are counting on Michigan Democratic governor Gretchen Whitmer and a Republican Legislature to set partisanship aside and start solving problems. See where they might find common ground.
Michigan Supreme Court up for grabs after 2018 election
Out with a reliable conservative justice, in with a progressive, and it’s anyone’s guess which way a more closely divided high court in Michigan will swing following years of Republican advantage.
You’ll never guess which Michigan counties loved weed (Kidding, you will)
The home counties of some of the Michigan's biggest universities gave a big thumbs up to Proposal 1, legalizing recreational marijuana.
Proposal to end gerrymandering resonated in red and blue Michigan
Michigan's Proposal 2, a ballot measure to take the drawing of legislative lines out of politicians’ hands in an effort to end gerrymandering was supported by voters across the state, from Democratic strongholds to Republican ones as well.
Suburban women lead charge into Michigan Legislature
From Metro Detroit to Lansing and Grand Rapids, women picked up more than a dozen legislative seats, altering the makeup of the Michigan House and Senate
Gerrymandered districts help Republicans keep control of Michigan Legislature
Michigan Democrats win big in statewide balloting Tuesday. But district lines drawn in 2011 helped the GOP maintain majorities in state House and Senate.
Five takeaways from Michigan’s 2018 midterm election
A blue wave (and pink), polling got it right and Michigan faces a divided Capitol in January. Experts discuss the major implications of Tuesday’s election results.
One woman’s Facebook post leads to Michigan vote against gerrymandering
The improbable story of how a political novice upended Michigan’s biased system for drawing legislative districts, transforming the state’s political landscape.
Map: See how Gretchen Whitmer rolled to victory in Michigan governor race
Nine Michigan counties that backed Republican President Donald Trump in 2016 flipped to elect Democrat Gretchen Whitmer as governor, including the biggest swing county Macomb.
Overnight, it’s a new Michigan. Women sweep to power in change election.
Welcome, legalized pot. So long, gerrymandering. Democrats and women score big victories, as ballot measures all pass. Republicans hold onto Legislature, promising divided government.
Michigan approves recreational marijuana. What you need to know.
Here’s what you can - and cannot - do now that voters have overwhelmingly approved recreational marijuana
What Gretchen Whitmer promises to do as Michigan’s next governor
Fixing the damn roads will cost some damn money, and the Democratic winner for Michigan governor must now work with the Legislature to find it. We summarize this and other promises Gretchen Whitmer made in her campaign.
Gretchen Whitmer is winner in Michigan governor race
Whitmer, the former Senate minority leader, rolling to victory over Bill Schuette in her race to succeed term-limited Gov. Rick Snyder.
Q&A | Don’t kid yourself, U.S. enemies are trying to hack our elections
The University of Michigan’s Alex Halderman is one of the nation’s leading experts on election security. In a Bridge Q-and-A, he says Michigan’s systems have improved, but there’s more work to do.
Who's running for Michigan Supreme Court
The six lawyers running for two open seats include two nominated by Democrats, two nominated by Republicans, a Libertarian and a man who poses in a straightjacket.
Michigan Proposal 2 redistricting group defends dark money as fighting fire with fire
Voters Not Politicians makes no apologies for accepting $10 million from dark-money groups, saying its well-funded opponents are doing the same. Critics say the donations show national progressive groups are steering the ballot effort.
Where Michigan governor candidates stand on jobs and the economy
If Democrat Gretchen Whitmer and Republican Bill Schuette have one thing in common in their race for governor it’s this: Both are short on details on how they would pay for their campaign promises.
Gretchen Whitmer promises fixed roads. Can she find the money to deliver?
The Democratic candidate for Michigan governor skimps on the details in her economic and jobs plans.