‘Gutted.’ Michigan losing $200M in fed research funding, with more in limbo
by Ron French & Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) At Michigan State University, researcher Jamie Bernard is trying to prevent some of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant forms of breast cancer. But in recent months, she wonders if the federal government wants her to continue that work. With each passing day, the associate professor feels more “gutted” about […]
Michigan Republicans aim to ban gender-affirming medication, surgery for minors
by Simon D. Schuster (Bridge Michigan) LANSING — Minors in Michigan would no longer be able to receive gender-affirming care under legislation introduced Wednesday by Republicans in the state House and Senate. The bills would prevent minors from receiving puberty blockers, hormone therapy or anatomy-alternating surgeries. The proposal would prohibit medical professionals from providing such care […]
Michigan voters reject half of school bond requests. Blame the economy?
by Isabel Lohman (Bridge Michigan) Michigan approved nearly $900 million in school bonds Tuesday, while rejecting half of the school bond proposals statewide. Statewide, voters approved 22 of 45 requests, a success rate of 49%, below the 60% passage rate in the May 2024 election and the 62% passage rate in the November election, according to […]
Michigan drops charges against pro-Palestinian protesters at U-M
by The Associated Press (via Bridge Michigan) State prosecutors dropped felony charges Monday against seven people accused of trespassing and resisting police a year ago during the break-up of a pro-Palestinian camp at the University of Michigan. Attorney General Dana Nessel said she believed the cases were strong but suggested her office was worn down by criticism and other […]
Michigan OKs ‘does with bows’ UP hunting, punts on coyote plan
by Laura Herberg For the first time in a decade, hunters this season will be able to kill antlerless deer with bows throughout the entirety of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The Natural Resources Commission approved the “does with bows” change at a meeting Thursday in Lansing. Archery hunting for female and male deer without antlers was prohibited by […]
Liberal judges tighten grip on Michigan Supreme Court as sentencing cases loom
by Lauren Gibbons (Bridge Michigan) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s appointment of Court of Appeals Judge Noah Hood last month to the Michigan Supreme Court solidified the Democratic Party’s near-total majority of nominees to the state’s highest court. In the next few months, the court is expected to consider a docket that is heavy on criminal justice, […]
Senate Dems want $1B more for Michigan schools, call cuts ‘dangerous’
by Jordyn Hermani (Bridge Michigan) Senate Democrats say they’re hoping to pump an additional $1 billion into Michigan’s public schools this year in an effort to cut class sizes, increase funding to at-risk students and bolster teacher pay. The effort would put even more money into schools than what Gov. Gretchen Whitmer pitched at the top of […]
Matt Hall says he’s playing long game in passing solar siting repeal Senate won’t take up
by Jordyn Hermani (Bridge Michigan) LANSING — House Republicans on Wednesday voted to overturn recently enacted legislation that gives the state power to override a local government’s decision on where and if wind or solar projects are built in Michigan. In a pair of 58-48 votes, lawmakers voted to repeal a part of Michigan’s Clean […]
Michigan Medicaid has ballooned. Cuts are likely. Here’s what to know
by Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) MAPLE CITY— Medicaid in Michigan can be measured by lots of big numbers — from the nearly 2.7 residents it covered last year to its $7.5 billion chunk of the state budget. It can be sized up by its growth, too: It now covers 1 in 4 state residents, […]
Michigan proof-of-citizenship question fails to gain House support
by Hayley Harding, Votebeat (for Bridge Michigan) An attempt to get a proof-of-citizenship requirement for would-be voters onto the 2026 ballot failed along party lines Thursday in the Michigan House — a blow to the GOP-backed effort, but likely not the final word. The measure would require new Michigan voters — and almost certainly some […]
