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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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Michigan Republicans who pushed false fraud claims: Don’t blame us for riots
A year of violence, much of which was rooted in Michigan, erupts in mayhem in Washington. While all sides condemn the violence, Democrats say Republicans fueled flames for months and Black activists were treated far differently for civil rights protests.
Amid Capitol riot, Michigan officials wonder: This is America?
Officials decry ‘assault on democracy’ as extremists supporting President Trump storm the U.S. Capitol in an effort to upend the peaceful transition of power to Democrat Joe Biden.
Experts explain the most common Michigan voter issues on Election Day
Voters asked about photo identification, same-day registration, and if previously incarcerated people are eligible to vote.
It’s Trump’s last stand at Electoral College count. All eyes are on Michigan
High drama is expected in Washington on Wednesday, as 140 Republicans, including three from Michigan, try to deny Joe Biden the presidency and keep Donald Trump in office. Spoiler alert: They will fail.
Michigan’s $3.5B road plan on track despite pandemic, state official says
Michigan Department of Transportation Director Paul Ajeba says traffic slowdowns allowed contractors to work longer, but the state still needs more money for roads.
Three GOP Michigan reps back plan to keep President Trump in power
U.S. Reps. Jack Bergman and Tim Walberg will object to certification of Electoral College results, while Lisa McClain says she has ‘grave concerns’ over unsubstantiated fraud claims.
Michigan election costs rise with absentee ballots. Will GOP foot the bill?
November’s election was the most expensive in history, and nonprofit grants helped ensure a smooth process. But such funding isn’t guaranteed and the Legislature is dubious about increasing budgets.
Coronavirus, Michigan water, the economy and other stories to watch in 2021
In a new year marked by uncertainty and hope, here are the stories that could define 2021, from the vaccine to a new president.
Best of Bridge Michigan: Top political stories of 2020
In a year like none other, we look back at the news articles that moved us most about politics.
Michigan locks up children for truancy, defiance, other noncriminal acts
State’s juvenile justice system is archaic. Counties act with little oversight, and the state keeps such poor data it doesn’t know how many juveniles it has in custody or what happens to them once they’re in the system.
Michigan lawmakers head home. Stimulus passes. Transparency reform still dead.
A relatively tame lame duck produces a $465 million COVID relief plan. Lawmakers extended unemployment, passed criminal justice reform and extended a water shutoff moratorium. But efforts to make records of the government more available to the public failed once again.
Whitmer extends Michigan indoor dining ban, allows other businesses to reopen
No indoor dining at restaurants until Jan. 15, but casinos, movie theaters, bowling alleys, stadiums and in-school learning can reopen Monday with some limitations, according to the new order from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Whitmer Kidnap Case | Alleged conspirators indicted, face hearing Thursday
On Oct. 8, the FBI claims that a Michigan militia group tried to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. This continuously updated post includes details of the case, the suspects and what's next.
What COVID stimulus plan would mean to Michigan’s jobless, cities and renters
Congressional leaders are nearing a $900 billion stimulus that would extend include $600 checks and an eviction moratorium, but no relief to municipalities stung by lost income taxes.
What Jennifer Granholm’s appointment as energy secretary means for Michigan
Energy and political experts expect Granholm to borrow a page from her playbook as governor, using grant programs and financial incentives to fund research and attract industry investment in a carbon-free economy.
Benson slams Michigan GOP election probe as ‘embarrassment,’ won’t appear
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson refused an invitation to speak before a House oversight committee that hosted Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani, saying it amplified “conspiracy theories.” The GOP chair said Benson’s playing “cheap political games.”
Dominion CEO: Michigan vote fraud claims ‘beyond bizarre’ and ‘dangerous’
“No Cuba. No China. No Venezuela,” and no, the Dominion Voting Systems isn’t programmed to steal elections, its CEO testifies. But President Trump’s lies are endangering workers, he says.
It’s (all but) over: Michigan’s 16 electoral votes go to Joe Biden
Weeks of protests and false fraud claims culminate as Michigan’s 16 electors vote for Democrat Joe Biden. That makes his election official, but President Trump isn’t going quietly.
Michigan GOP rep punished for refusing to rule out Electoral College violence
Rep. Gary Eisen told a radio interviewer of plans to disrupt Monday’s Electoral College vote and wouldn’t rule out the possibility of violence at the Michigan Capitol.
As Electoral College meets, GOP and Dems agree Michigan vote needs reforms
As mail-in voting could become the norm, Democrats see the need for tweaks. But Republicans say broader changes are needed to preserve the integrity of elections.