State News

 Sara Swanson

Michigan releases prison autopsy, transfers inmate who alleged mold sickness

by Janelle D. James, Bridge Michigan  A woman at the center of a controversy over allegations of toxic mold in Michigan’s only women’s prison has been transferred to another facility after seeking relief in federal court, state officials confirmed. Krystal Clark is now at Duane Waters Health Center in Jackson, which houses inmates with unique […]

 Sara Swanson

Fact check: GOP rivals attack John James in gubernatorial debate

by Simon D. Schuster, Bridge Michigan  SOUTHFIELD — US Rep. John James attempted to fend off a barrage of attacks Wednesday night in a Republican gubernatorial debate dominated by squabbles over political careers and business records. With recent polling showing James leading the race, former Attorney General Mike Cox and businessman Perry Johnson went on […]

 Sara Swanson

With six months to go, will Michigan be ready for massive Medicaid overhaul?

by Robin Erb, Bridge Michigan  ROYAL OAK — With less than six months to go before seismic changes in Medicaid, including new work requirements, nearly 700,000 Michiganders still have few answers about keeping their coverage. And the places they’d normally turn — community based organizations and the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services — […]

 Sara Swanson

Michigan could approve a constitutional convention this year. What would that mean?

This article was originally published by Votebeat, a nonprofit news organization covering local election administration and voting access. Hayley Harding, Votebeat As Michigan works out who (and what) will be on ballots this fall, one proposal is already set in stone: Should the state “convene a constitutional convention?” Proposal 1, as it will be known, […]

 Sara Swanson

Michigan lawmakers pass $84B budget, 67 bills in marathon session

by Simon D. Schuster, Bridge Michigan LANSING — After working for nearly 24 straight hours, Michigan lawmakers on Friday morning passed a compromise budget to fund the state government and schools for the next fiscal year. The Legislature began session Thursday and worked through the night, giving final approval to more than 60 policy bills […]

 Sara Swanson

Medicare rolls out $50 GLP-1 drugs. ‘Pandemonium’ ahead for Michigan doctors?

by Robin Erb, Bridge Michigan  Some Medicare beneficiaries will be able to get weight loss drugs at just $50 a month starting Wednesday — a big win if compared to sticker prices of $1,000 or more without insurance. But eligibility is limited, meaning some patients who need the drugs — diabetics or those with severe […]

 Sara Swanson

Mallory McMorrow ends Senate campaign, narrowing Michigan Democratic primary

by Lauren Gibbons, Bridge Michigan  State Sen. Mallory McMorrow has suspended her campaign for US Senate, leaving Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed to compete for the Democratic nomination. In a video posted to social media Sunday afternoon, the two-term state lawmaker stopped short of endorsing either of the other candidates for the Democratic nomination but […]

 Sara Swanson

Ever tried Claude.AI? Meet the Michigander who inspired its name

by Blace Carpenter, Bridge Michigan  In 1948, mathematician and Gaylord native Claude Shannon theorized that information could be transmitted using ones and zeros. The small-town northern Michigander’s research helped develop the internet, wireless phones and artificial intelligence. According to the New York Times, Anthropic’s AI model Claude is an homage to him. Known as the […]

 Sara Swanson

U-M shrinks pay for Dearborn, Flint chancellors as it doubles it in Ann Arbor

by Kim Kozlowski, Bridge Michigan The University of Michigan has doubled the pay of its presidents in recent years, but reversed the trend at its regional campuses. While U-M ‘s presidential base salaries have increased from $927,000 under Mark Schlissel in 2021 to $2 million awarded this year to a candidate who later stepped aside, […]

 Sara Swanson

Dam safety reforms, millions for repairs advance in Michigan Legislature

by Kelly House, Bridge Michigan  Both Michigan legislative chambers have voted to overhaul dam safety laws and funnel millions of dollars toward fixing decrepit dams, marking bipartisan progress on reforms first pitched after the 2020 Midland dam failures. The votes came amid a flurry of activity late Thursday and early Friday as lawmakers worked through […]