Michigan lawmakers propose new transparency push — then call it a year
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge Michigan) Michigan lawmakers on Thursday introduced legislation that would, for the first time, subject themselves and the governor to public records requests under the state’s Freedom of Information Act. The proposal won’t see any action for months, however, because lawmakers held their last votes of the year later Thursday. The Legislature recessed after […]
Michigan lawmakers vote to end most juvenile court fees, citing harms
by Lauren Gibbons (Bridge Michigan) Michigan lawmakers gave final approval to a series of bills overhauling the state’s juvenile justice system late Wednesday evening, including legislation that would eliminate most court fines and fees currently levied on youth and their families. The legislation, which will now head to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for her signature, would keep […]
West Michigan library defunded over LGBTQ books wins tax support on 3rd try
by Ron French (Bridge Michigan) A west Michigan library that drew international attention after it was defunded twice by voters over LGBTQ-themed books has finally won the taxpayer support needed to stay open. Voters in Ottawa County’s Jamestown Township approved an operating millage Tuesday for the Patmos Library by a 63 percent to 37 percent […]
Michigan House will soon be divided between Dems, GOP. Gridlock coming?
by Lauren Gibbons (Bridge Michigan) A year after securing majority control of the Legislature for the first time in decades, Michigan Democrats are scrambling to pass what priorities they can before they lose it again. With Tuesday’s election wins of Reps. Lori Stone, D-Warren, and Kevin Coleman, D-Westland, for mayor in their respective cities, the […]
Concerns about Michigan steelhead populations prompt new catch limits
by Kelly House (Bridge Michigan) Anglers will be allowed to keep fewer steelhead trout in a handful of Michigan rivers, after state regulators tightened regulations over fears of population declines. The Michigan Natural Resources Commission unanimously approved the change Thursday, after lengthy testimony from anglers who are divided on the issue. The changes will take […]
Michigan House votes to restrict local permitting of solar, wind farms
by Kelly House (Bridge Michigan) LANSING — The Michigan House voted along party lines late Wednesday to give the state permitting authority over large-scale renewable energy projects, wresting control from local governments that are often hostile to them. The legislation is a key part of a broader suite of energy reform bills passed by the Legislature that would […]
How Michigan schools are trying to attract 1,000 or more new bus drivers
by Isabel Lohman (Bridge Michigan) Michigan school districts are getting creative with how to get students to school even when there aren’t enough school bus drivers to drive big yellow buses. In Lansing, the district is giving out gas cards and public transportation passes. In the Detroit area, some districts are contracting with a ridesharing […]
Shortage of new RSV shots could endanger Michigan babies
by Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) A national shortage of a new shot that protects against a deadly respiratory virus could put Michigan babies at risk. Public health officials had cheered the arrival of the new nirsevimab shot, a monoclonal antibody immunization, when it was approved in July, for babies up to 8 months old. The […]
Donald Trump sues to stay on Michigan ballot as opponents seek disqualification
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge Michigan) LANSING — Former President Donald Trump is suing Michigan to ensure he can appear on state primary and general election ballots next year as he seeks a return to the White House. Attorneys for the Florida Republican filed a complaint Tuesday in the Michigan Court of Claims seeking to bar Secretary of […]
Drunk driving penalties in Michigan vary depending on where you live
by Mike Wilkinson (Bridge Michigan) Two courtrooms on opposite sides of Michigan look the same — seven chairs, desks for defendants and black-robed judges deciding punishments for drunk drivers. But the district courts in Westland in Wayne County and Grand Haven in Ottawa County are home to considerably different outcomes for those who stand before the […]
