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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.
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Along Michigan-Ohio border, small-town Morenci is transformed by marijuana
Once a frontier town dominated by agriculture, Morenci now finds itself on a new frontier, with the scent of pot wafting through its streets. Despite reluctance from “conservative farm folks,” most support the financial boost the industry has brought.
Dana Nessel appeals unemployment fraud case to Michigan Supreme Court
The state asks the court to reject the right of thousands of workers to collect monetary damages.
Michigan senator faces sexual harassment probe over comments to reporter
State Sen. Peter Lucido is facing bipartisan criticism and an internal sexual harassment investigation after telling a 22-year-old female reporter she could have “a lot of fun” with a group of schoolboys visiting the Michigan Capitol.
Dana Nessel sues 3M, DuPont over ‘unconscionable’ PFAS pollution in Michigan
A lawsuit filed Tuesday by Attorney General Dana Nessel alleges PFAS manufacturers “intentionally hid” known health and environmental risks from the public and state in order to continue profiting off “forever chemicals.”
The answer to swelling jails? Stop jailing so many folks, Michigan report says
A high-level report unveiled Tuesday recommends sweeping changes to Michigan’s criminal justice system to reduce the number of people sent to jail. The group found that far too many inmates are people of color or have mental illnesses.
Crashes, injuries spike after Michigan boosts freeway speed limits to 75 mph
More drivers are going over 80 mph – and crashing – since Michigan raised speed limits to 75 mph on rural freeways in 2017. But backers say worst fears about new limits haven’t materialized.
Five things to know as Michigan lawmakers kick-start state budget process
Yes, Michigan’s divisive budget battle just ended. But it’s starting again soon, and state officials say there’s good news and bad news. The state collected more taxes, but old decisions limit how they can be spent.
Larry Inman recall effort is dead again, after Michigan nixes signatures
The Michigan Bureau of Elections has determined a group seeking to force a recall election against state Rep. Larry Inman didn’t meet the threshold of 12,201 signatures.
Gov. Whitmer, GOP clash on Michigan ban on public funds for private schools
Religious and non-public school groups want the Michigan Supreme Court to strike down a constitutional amendment banning taxpayer funding for private schools, arguing it was motivated by anti-Catholic bias and violates free exercise rights.
A year later, $10M grant to help former Michigan GOP chair stuck in limbo
Controversial grants to assist a southeast Michigan real estate development with strong Republican ties could be hampered by delays that could jeopardize state funding.
Michigan Supreme Court urged to release Bill Schuette emails on private accounts
A liberal advocacy group argues the state is unjustly refusing to give up government emails the group requested in 2016. Current Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office has picked up Schuette’s defense, citing technical concerns with the suit.
Michigan to allow cellphones in all courts, striking down local bans
Lawyers and advocates argued that cellphone bans create barriers to justice, while some judges raised concerns over court chaos.
Michigan Republican pushes to deregulate health care. Some hospitals call foul.
A GOP legislative package would remove barriers to small rural hospitals expanding or offering some of the same services as larger hospitals in the region. Both sides say their vision would lower costs.
Michigan LGBT rights initiative launched for November ballot
Petition language submitted to state election officials on Tuesday would expand the definition of “sex” in Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 1976 to include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression,” guaranteeing safeguards in housing, public accommodation and employment.
New year, old problems: Six issues Michigan leaders vow to tackle in 2020
As they return to Lansing this week, Michigan’s leaders are faced with tough questions on how to improve roads, education, skilled trades and more.
Michigan settles juvenile inmate sex assault claims as trial nears
For seven years, Republican and Democratic attorneys general fought the allegations in state and federal court before reaching an apparent deal. The terms were not immediately announced.
A look back at our most impactful Michigan government coverage of 2019
Dana Nessel, Lee Chatfield, and Jocelyn Benson's promise of 30-minute waits at Secretary of State offices. As 2019 winds down, take a look back at Bridge's most impactful government stories of the year.
Michigan Gov. Whitmer on tough first year: ‘I did what I said I was going to’
Gretchen Whitmer came into office promising big fixes to roads and schools. But with a Republican Legislature, the Democrat’s first year is ending with few big victories.
On day he’s impeached, President Trump implies John Dingell may be in hell
The president talks jobs and impeachment during a rally in Battle Creek. But some Republicans say he should apologize for implying that a longstanding congressman from Michigan may be in hell.
Michigan Supreme Court won’t rule on GOP minimum wage, sick leave changes
The Court determined that it lacks jurisdiction to issue an opinion on the constitutionality of the “adopt and amend” strategy employed by Republican lawmakers in last year’s lame-duck session.