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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
Michigan voters: Roads stink, but don’t ask us to pay for fixes
Michigan voters say roads are getting worse, but they aren’t ready to open their checkbooks to fix them, according to a new statewide poll that points to distrust in state government.
How Democratic presidential candidates want to change health care, Medicare
Michigan’s presidential primary is March 10. Here’s a look at how the contenders would change health insurance.
Fact Squad | Sanders promises Medicare for All will cut Michigan auto rates
Presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders claims car insurance rates will fall with his Medicare for All plan. He doesn’t mention that they’re expected to change anyway this year.
Bridge is doubling down on politics and changing how we fact-check claims
With Michigan expected to play a crucial role in national election politics, Bridge is launching weekly coverage of issues in the race. We also are launching the Michigan Fact Squad to scrutinize political ads.
What Democrats’ Medicare for All plans would mean for Michigan
Experts say Medicare for All would extend health care coverage to more than 500,000 Michigan residents and end expensive costs that can make it unaffordable. But residents and businesses in Michigan would face significant tax hikes, and private insurance workers could lose their jobs.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to give response to Trump’s State of the Union
The speech is often given to rising stars in the party that is not in the White House. That provides opportunities and risks for the state’s first-term Democratic governor.
Liberal group launches ballot effort to change Michigan lobbying laws
Voters could decide in November whether to approve a constitutional amendment to increase disclosure rules for lobbyists and bar them from giving lawmakers anything of value.
Michigan wants drivers to learn to love roundabouts. It’s been a slow go.
Michigan is the birthplace of the three-signal traffic light. But roads engineers increasingly are dumping them for roundabouts, which are safer, improve traffic flows and drive motorists nuts.
How to safely navigate roundabouts in Michigan
Tips and facts about roundabouts, which are becoming more common in Michigan. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
Michigan still owes GM over $2 billion in tax credits from Great Recession
An old Michigan tax credit program designed to stem massive job losses over a decade ago continues to gouge the state budget, but a new deal with General Motors Co. will at least provide some certainty in future years.
Senator accuses Lucido of harassment as #MeToo reckoning hits Michigan Capitol
Sen. Peter Lucido, who chairs powerful committees, is facing a second accusation of sexual harassment, this time from a colleague. He denies the accusations.
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.