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Michigan Government
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
Whitmer: Michigan school reopening threatened by rising coronavirus cases
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer warned Michigan families Thursday: If you want kids back in school in September, wear face masks today. She also hinted at stronger enforcement actions in the coming days.
Michigan Democrats push to open police disciplinary files, limit immunity
The success of sweeping police reforms sought by Michigan’s Black and Detroit legislative caucuses may turn on how well private discussions proceed with House Republicans, who have taken steps to meet with the Democratic groups.
Federal judge dismisses GOP case against Michigan redistricting commission
The case is the latest in a number of legal victories for the new commission for drawing voting district lines in Michigan.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer closes most bars as coronavirus cases spike
As some service workers and others call for even more restrictions, Whitmer says ‘we need to take aggressive action right now to ensure we don’t wipe out all the progress we have made.’
As coronavirus cases rise, Whitmer halts plans to further reopen Michigan
Public health experts say they expected coronavirus cases to rise as Michigan's businesses reopened but say they worry about COVID fatigue leading to more cases.
Michigan prison reform faces hurdles from Democrats Whitmer and Nessel
A group seeking to end mandatory minimum sentences is facing challenges from Michigan’s progressive governor and attorney general in it tries to get the issue on the November ballot. COVID-19 plays a pivotal role in the legal battle.
Whitmer strips name of slavery advocate Cass from Michigan office building
The Lewis Cass Building in Lansing will now bear the name Elliott-Larsen, in honor of the authors of Michigan’s landmark civil rights act.
Gretchen Whitmer, Republicans strike deal to plug $2.2B Michigan budget hole
Michigan’s Democratic governor and Republican lawmakers announce budget deal for this fiscal year, but plenty of work could remain on an even bigger budget shortfall that is fast approaching because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Michigan Gov. Whitmer wants state ban on police chokeholds, other reforms
Michigan’s Democratic governor wants lawmakers to send her bills to ban chokehold use by officers and to classify "false, racially-motivated 911 calls" as hate crimes, she said Monday as protests over police brutality continued nationwide.
Michigan police defend surplus military gear, as debate about force grows
A federal program that gifts military equipment to local police is under scrutiny as protesters raise concerns over police brutality. Police say the gear saves money and is used only in emergencies. See what's in your community.
Last-minute ruling keeps Michigan gyms closed, hours before they could reopen
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wins big victory, as Republican-nominated federal judges affirm her authority to act unilaterally amid the coronavirus pandemic. That means gyms in southern Michigan will stay closed for now.
Michigan GOP lawmakers claim Jocelyn Benson’s absentee ballot mailings illegal
Former Secretary of State Ruth Johnson brings local clerks to Lansing who claim her successor is ‘throwing spaghetti at the wall’ with experiments during an election year. Democrats denounce the hearing as political theater and nonsense.
Pool of 200 selected for new Michigan commission to end gerrymandering
Michigan’s first redistricting commission should take shape in August, after legislative leaders strike up to 20 people from the panel. Voters in 2018 opted to form the commission after years of complaints about gerrymandering.
Big benefits, claims a ‘perfect storm’ for unemployment fraud in Michigan
Michigan officials aren’t saying how many cases of unemployment insurance fraud investigators have found so far, but roughly 58,000 residents have self-reported that someone stole their identity to try to claim benefits.
Petition drives target Gretchen Whitmer. And she’s raising money off them.
Republican activists and organizers attempting to recall Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and limit her emergency powers are rushing to put petitions before voters this summer. But one effort has uncorked a law that lifts the limit for campaign donations.
Nearly 12,000 Michigan workers unemployed since May 1 still await benefits
More than 11,800 Michigan workers who filed for jobless benefits between March 15 and May 1 have yet to be paid or denied, but the state unemployment agency said Tuesday it intends to clear that backlog by July 4.
Michigan gyms to open Thursday as judge won’t budge on Whitmer appeal
A federal judge on Monday tells Gov. Gretchen Whitmer he won’t pause his order reopening gyms while she appeals, ruling that she failed to show that she’s likely to win on appeal or that the public will be irreparably harmed in the meantime.
Protesters want big police reforms. Michigan lawmakers offer small changes.
Legislators in Lansing are offering incremental reforms that experts and even police themselves say won’t make much difference in reducing police violence and holding rogue officers accountable.
New Michigan auto insurance: savings for most, but Detroit still pays more
Insurer filings reviewed by Bridge show most drivers will save money under a reform law set to take effect July 2. But universal savings appear exaggerated and where you live still impacts what you will pay.
Judge: Michigan gyms can reopen Thursday despite Whitmer coronavirus order
Gyms and fitness centers across Michigan can reopen June 25, a federal judge ruled Friday, saying Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration failed to provide scientific evidence justifying their continued closure despite declining COVID-19 case counts.