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 […]
Like it or not, Michigan: Clocks changed Sunday to standard time
by Janelle D. James (Bridge Michigan) It’s that time of year, when people look forward to extra sleep — or dread the loss of sunlight — as clocks “fell back” an hour at 2 a.m. Sunday. Here’s what to know: History Daylight saving time runs from March 12 to Nov. 5, when it switches back […]
Michigan Senate approves 2040 deadline for carbon-neutral energy
by Lauren Gibbons LANSING — The Democratic-led Michigan Senate on Thursday approved a plan to wean state-regulated utilities off fossil fuels and fully transition to clean energy by a 2040, over Republican objections the plan would raise consumer rates. Approved along party lines, the package (Senate bills 271, 273, 502 and 519) would ramp up requirements for efficiency and set new […]
Michigan lawmakers propose financial disclosures. Some fear they fall short
by Lauren Gibbons & Jonathan Oosting (Bridge Michigan) Bills introduced in the state Senate Tuesday would make Michigan the second-to-last state to require public financial disclosures from most elected officials and candidates, but would allow filers to leave out specifics that transparency experts say are crucial to identifying possible conflicts of interest. Senate Bills 613 through […]
Wine apprenticeships? Michigan’s worker shortage makes businesses get creative
by Ron French (Bridge Michigan) FENTON — For years now, Fenton Winery & Brewery co-owner Ginny Sherrow hasn’t found enough workers for the Genesee County tap room and banquet facility. She’s raised server salaries, with some earning as much as $24 an hour, offered health insurance and even a matching 401(k) program, but remains short […]
$273M in tax subsidies sought for Henry Ford, MSU, Pistons project
by Malachi Barrett (BridgeMichigan) Detroit Pistons Owner Tom Gores will seek $220 million in state and local tax incentives to help fund a $322-million housing development in New Center. The construction of three residential buildings near the Pistons Performance Center is part of a larger $3 billion development with Henry Ford Health and Michigan State University. […]
Michigan Dems vote to repeal ‘rape insurance’ law requiring abortion rider
by Lauren Gibbons (Bridge Michigan) Michigan Senate Democrats continued chipping away at state abortion restrictions Thursday, voting to repeal a law requiring an extra insurance rider for coverage of the procedure. Senate Bill 593, sponsored by Sen. Erika Geiss, D-Taylor, is part of an overall package aimed at repealing rules approved when Republicans led the […]
Michigan law bans phone use while driving. That’s news to many, police say
by Jenelle D. James (BridgeMichigan) Four months after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation making it illegal to hold a phone while driving, police throughout Michigan cracked down this week — and learned that many aren’t even aware of the new law. “People are still, unfortunately, driving distracted with their cell phones,” said Derek Stansbury, traffic sergeant for the […]
Michigan House committee advances wind, solar permitting bills
by Kelly House (Bridge Michigan) A Michigan House committee on Wednesday advanced legislation that aims to speed up the development of wind and solar energy in Michigan by shifting permitting control from local government to the state. In a 9-7 party-line vote with one Democrat abstaining, the House Energy, Communications and Technology Committee approved House […]
