Feds back Michigan businesses in suit against Whitmer’s coronavirus orders
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge) The U.S. Department of Justice announced late Friday that it is backing a lawsuit against Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, arguing she “imposed arbitrary and irrational limits” on businesses to fight COVID-19. The move comes one month after U.S. Attorney General William Barr directed federal prosecutors to review state and local policies “to ensure […]
Small gatherings, non-essential doctors’ visits now allowed, Gov. Whitmer says
By Riley Beggin, Meghanlata Gupta (Bridge) Small gatherings, doctor and dental visits, retail by appointment and shopping for cars in person will soon be allowed in Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday after signing a revised executive order to expand business openings. Gatherings of 10 people or fewer can begin immediately. Auto showrooms and retail by appointment can […]
It’s a long weekend. Can you hug Grandma under Michigan’s stay-home rules?
By Riley Beggin (Bridge One day, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer relaxed restrictions that were put in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus that has killed more than 5,100 residents. The next, she extended her stay-at-home order until June 12. Confused? There’s a lot to digest over this long Memorial Day weekend, but Bridge has you […]
Michigan regulators moved fast on dangerous dam–to protect mussels.
By Mike Wilkinson, Kelly House, Robin Erb, Riley Beggin (Bridge) For decades, federal regulators demanded changes to the design of the Edenville Dam to make it more likely to withstand heavy rains and avoid flooding. So when Michigan regulators assumed oversight of the dam in late 2018 after its owners lost their federal license to generate energy, they […]
Michigan appeals court sides with vape shop, against flavored vaping ban
By Robin Erb (Bridge) A court ruling Thursday has cast into further doubt Michigan’s 2019 emergency rules against flavored vaping products. A three-judge panel of the Michigan Court of Appeals upheld a Court of Claims preliminary injunction against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s September public emergency that banned flavored vaping products — products that Whitmer and the state’s health […]
Backlogged surgeries from coronavirus shutdown could take months to reschedule
By Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press (For Bridge) Henry Ford Health System has a backlog of about 8,000 surgical procedures that were postponed when COVID-19 began to surge in metro Detroit. The University of Michigan Health System estimates it has 12,000 such surgeries waiting to be scheduled. At Beaumont Health, about 8,500 surgical procedures […]
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extends Michigan stay-at-home order through June 12
By Riley Beggin (Bridge) One day after loosening social and business restrictions, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday afternoon extended the state’s stay-at-home order to curb the coronavirus pandemic through June 12. She also extended the state of emergency that enables the executive orders, including the stay-at-home order, through June 19, citing a recent Court of Claims […]
Judge sides with Whitmer in emergency powers standoff with Legislature
By Riley Beggin (Bridge) Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is legally allowed to extend a statewide state of emergency without the Legislature’s approval, a Court of Claims judge ruled Thursday. The ruling is likely not the end of the legal battle between Whitmer and GOP leaders in the House and Senate, as the case is expected […]
Dana Nessel and Enbridge argue Line 5 pipeline shutdown to Michigan judge
By Kelly House (Bridge) Should the Line 5 pipelines under the Straits of Mackinac ever have been built? That was the central question Friday as lawyers for the state of Michigan and Canadian petroleum giant Enbridge faced off in oral arguments in Ingham County Circuit Court stemming from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s lawsuit challenging […]
Midland flooding highlights Michigan’s aging stockpile of neglected dams
By Paula Gardner, Meghanlata Gupta (Bridge) The rushing waters out of two failed dams near Midland highlight a flood risk that extends beyond the mid-Michigan city. In fact, the breaches are a wake-up call for the entire state as climate change, long-neglected infrastructure systems and a lack of funding all raise concerns about the condition (and investment into) Michigan’s dams. […]
