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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 Republicans sue to stop redistricting commission before it starts
Republican plaintiffs argue the independent, voter-approved commission violates their First and 14th-Amendment rights by forbidding some people with political ties from serving. They want a federal judge to stop the state state officials from seating the commission.
Hey, CNN: Ask Democratic candidates these 6 Michigan policy questions
From stagnant population to Great Lakes threats and lousy sewers, Michigan has extraordinary problems that require specific solutions. This is what we want the Democratic presidential hopefuls to address.
Michigan jails fill as crime sinks and nobody seems to know why
As a bipartisan task force looks into Michigan’s county data, researchers at the Pew Charitable Trusts are trying to make sense of a patchwork of jail records. It’s going to be a heavy lift, with only months to get the job done.
With city in limbo, Benton Harbor prepares new pitch to save its high school
As veteran teachers flee the troubled district, Benton Harbor officials will try to sell Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on giving them at least four years to fix their struggling high school.
Will this application help Michigan select a fair redistricting commission?
The Secretary of State has released a proposed application to serve on the new redistricting commission. The public can offer comment through Aug. 9.
New rules to give residents of poor cities piece of Michigan pot industry
The state’s marijuana regulatory industry announced rules to give license discounts for qualified residents in cities that were most heavily targeted for pot crimes. An industry official said the rules are well-meaning, but she doubts their impact.
Michigan prison inmates need job skills, but technology books are banned
Basic reference books on computers and electronics, starting a business or even driving a truck are prohibited as perceived threats to the “order and security” of prisons. Officials say they are now rethinking this policy.
Michigan Supreme Court hears debate on minimum wage, sick leave laws
Does Michigan’s constitution allow the legislature to adopt and amend citizen initiatives in the same two-year term, or does it explicitly prohibit the practice? It’s now up to the state’s highest court to decide.
What to know about the Michigan minimum wage law before the Supreme Court
Michigan’s high court will hear oral arguments Wednesday on whether Republican efforts to pass the ballot measure, then gut it, violated the constitution. That does not mean the court will decide the matter, at least right now.
Paid sick leave: What to know about the Michigan law before the Supreme Court
The high court is hearing arguments Wednesday on whether Republicans in Lansing acted lawfully in passing a paid sick leave bill last year before neutering it. The court may offer its opinion, or it may not, raising the specter of a formal lawsuit.
Republican ideas to fund Michigan road repairs taking shape over summer
Republicans are under pressure to counter Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 45-cent gas tax proposal to raise $2.5 billion for roads without raising taxes. Among ideas being floated: local gas taxes and pension bonds, both of which carry risks.
From pastor’s son to power broker, Lee Chatfield takes Lansing
The youngest Michigan Speaker in a century, Chatfield says humility gained through reading Scripture has helped him navigate the political minefields of divided government. The biggest test of his leadership skills is still to come.
3 ways Michigan elections remain vulnerable — and what the state can do about it
Elections experts say Michigan is now ahead of the curve in making sure state elections are protected against tampering. But some threats still keep security officials up at night.
New Flint water prosecutors face a skeptical hometown crowd
The state's new prosecution team delivered a scathing rebuke of how the investigation was handled by former Attorney General Bill Schuette. But their promises to deliver justice for the people of Flint were greeted by skepticism and even grief.
What the U.S. Supreme Court gerrymandering ruling means for Michigan
The high court ruled Thursday that federal courts have no role to play in ensuring states avoid drawing political lines that favor one political party over another. The decision kills a lower court decision requiring Michigan Republicans to redraw lines for 2020.
Reaction in Michigan to U.S. Supreme Court gerrymandering decision
The high court ruled Thursday that federal courts won’t handle cases challenging partisan gerrymandering. In Michigan, Republicans applauded the decision, and Democrats lampooned it.
Pressure builds on Michigan Republicans to share their road funding plan
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has her own hurdles selling a gas tax hike. But as she notes, Republican leaders have yet to show how they would raise the more than $2 billion needed for roads as the Legislature breaks for summer recess.
Stress builds as Michigan farmers are ‘hit from all directions’
Farmers across the state are battling wet fields and uncertainty over tariffs and trade as many struggle to stay in business.
Michigan abortion foes can call procedure ‘dismemberment’ on ballot petitions
The Right to Life-backed group is seeking to ban a common second-trimester procedure known medically as “dilation and evacuation.” A second group is seeking a “fetal heartbeat” ban. Both ballot efforts carry no exceptions for rape or incest.
Faded Grayling eyes revival after a Chilean firm brings factory jobs
A particleboard facility has produced a mini building boom, with affordable housing, condos and maybe even a boutique hotel planned for this northern Michigan town. A local community college, meanwhile, is helping train future workers.