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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
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.
Flint mayor satisfied, but others outraged after water charges dropped
Flint leaders are both hopeful and skeptical that Attorney General Dana Nessel will reboot the criminal cases and prosecute high-ranking officials
Dana Nessel's office drops charges in Flint water contamination case
Charges against the state’s former top doctor and former health director have been dropped but could be refiled, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says.
Michigan lawmakers’ pet projects get funding, new controls added
New legislation fixes minor errors so road, dam projects can move forward and funds an effort to bring a space program to northern Michigan.
Gretchen Whitmer on Census: Get counted or lose money, clout for Michigan
Governor signs executive order creating Census committee to better reach undercounted communities
Here are 9 ways to build better roads in Michigan, from old tires to pig poop
Researchers in Michigan and elsewhere are studying new ways to increase the lifespan of roads and bridges. Could recycled materials and new methods of mixing asphalt be the future? See our slideshow.
Michigan House GOP plans to replace sales tax on gasoline to fund roads
House Republicans intend to propose replacing Michigan’s 6 percent sales tax on gasoline purchases with an equal amount of gas tax, dedicating the revenue to roads. Some Democrats say they’re concerned about the impact of losing sales tax revenue on schools and local governments.
Ex-Senate Leader sent email citing influence with Michigan pot board
Arlan Meekhof, who has consulted for marijuana clients since leaving the Legislature, wrote in February that he spoke with the pot board chair about his clients, emails show. That raised red flags among state officials.
Michigan Republican lawmakers challenge Nessel opinion on ballot drive law
Attorney General Dana Nessel claims the Republican law, which placed new restrictions on the statewide ballot initiative process, is unconstitutional. The GOP now is going to court in a bid to force the Secretary of State to ignore Nessel’s opinion.
See how much a 45-cent Michigan gas tax might cost you
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to solve the state's crumbling roads with a 45-cent gas tax, money that she says would fix Michigan's woeful roads. It would cost more but, she said, also save motorists hundreds in repair costs each year.
Whitmer urges business to back gas tax, Michigan Republicans still balking
The Democratic governor pleaded with the state’s business leaders to pressure legislators on her $2.5 billion road proposal after signing auto insurance reform.
Conflict looms for Whitmer, Nessel as Enbridge accelerates Line 5 tunnel plan
Enbridge announces it can finish Line 5 tunnel by 2024, setting up potential conflict between Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel, who is threatening litigation.
Michigan Rep. Larry Inman: I’m not guilty of bribery, extortion and lying
Inman denies that he offered to vote no on a labor bill in exchange for campaign contributions from a union. His lawyer says Inman has “no plan to resign right now.”
Report: Michiganders divided on road funding options, just like Lansing
A survey by the Center for Michigan finds state residents agree that roads are bad and need fixing, but disagree on the best source of funding.