Census changes may spell trouble for Michigan Democrats as redistricting starts
by Sergio Martínez-Beltrán (Bridge Michigan) LANSING — Heavy population losses in Detroit, Flint and other cities could put Democrats at a disadvantage when new congressional and state legislative districts are drawn this year. Democrats represent the three congressional districts that lost the greatest share of residents in the 2020 U.S. Census, the 13th and 14th […]
Missteps plague Whitmer kidnapping case. Despite evidence, it’s no ‘slam dunk’
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge Michigan) LANSING — Federal agents compiled more than a thousand hours of covert recordings of men accused of trying to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, but as their cases head to trial, a series of setbacks could undermine the prosecution. Attorneys defending the militia activists accused in the plot have signaled […]
Michigan college enrollment dropped amid COVID, group urges state to step in
by Ron French (Bridge Michigan) Alarmed by a slump in college enrollment among low-income students, a broad coalition of Michigan business leaders, foundations, and college advocacy groups is recommending changes to the state’s college financial aid programs. The proposals include a new $3,000 annual scholarship for low-income students, and incentives to nudge state colleges and […]
In Michigan, the COVID increase isn’t just among the unvaccinated anymore
by Mike Wilkinson (Bridge Michigan) A rise in new coronavirus infections and hospitalizations among the fully vaccinated has altered the COVID-19 picture in Michigan and the United States. In Michigan, roughly a quarter of 8,100 recent cases have hit those who are fully vaccinated, according to new data released Wednesday. And while the federal government […]
Amid Michigan rise in violent crime, little appetite for defunding police
by Ted Roelofs, Jonathan Oosting (Bridge Michigan) Just over a year after demands to defund the police, departments across Michigan are up against a different reality: A spike in violent crime amid a rising shortage of officers. The combination has fueled efforts to increase police budgets and thrust public safety into the political arena, as […]
Michigan’s soggy summer evidence of a global climate reckoning
By Kelly House (Bridge Michigan) DEARBORN—Mohammad Al Hajmoussa thought he was done with natural disasters when he fled Louisiana after Hurricane Rita to resettle on Dearborn’s south end. “But I ran away from the hurricanes and ended up here,” he said, standing in a gutted basement that smelled faintly of mildew. Al Hajmoussa’s home was […]
Michigan recommends masks for businesses, as fears rise of fourth COVID wave
By Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, Robin Erb, Paula Gardner (Bridge Michigan) LANSING— As the Delta variant increases COVID cases in Michigan, the state is “strongly” encouraging employers to require masks for employees and visitors. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) announced its suggestion Thursday, based on the latest recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which establishes […]
Michigan’s redistricting commission first task: Draw state senate districts
By Sergio Martínez-Beltrán (Bridge Michigan) LANSING— Michigan’s independent redistricting commission this week should have enough data to start drawing preliminary political boundaries. Job 1: The state’s Senate 38 districts. The U.S. Census Bureau announced last week it will release detailed decennial population tallies Thursday, as well as demographic information that includes ages, race and ethnicity. […]
Michigan schools must teach in-person, get waiver, or lose funding
By Jonathan Oosting, Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) LANSING—Michigan public schools are expected to offer a full week of in-class instruction this fall. And districts that close classrooms could lose crucial state funding unless they obtain a special waiver — which may be hard to secure. Gone from the state’s budget for the upcoming school year […]
Michigan in line for billions from infrastructure bill. Here’s where it would go
By Sergio Martínez-Beltrán (Bridge Michigan) LANSING— If President Joe Biden’s $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill becomes law, Michigan will have billions of dollars to fix its decayed bridges and roads, and improve access to broadband. The proposal, which was approved by the U.S. Senate this week but has yet to pass the U.S. House, has drawn […]
