‘Massive forgery scheme’ claims rock Michigan elections, governor’s race
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge Michigan) LANSING — A petition fraud scandal threatening the candidacy of Republican gubernatorial front-runner James Craig has spread to at least three other Michigan candidates accused of submitting forged signatures from the same circulators in their quest to make the primary ballot. Michigan gubernatorial, congressional and judicial candidates are required to […]
With insulin prices skyrocketing, Michigan may go DIY
by Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) If drugmakers won’t lower insulin prices, maybe Michigan should make its own. That’s the thinking of a small group of lawmakers and others, led by Sen. Curt VanderWall, R-Ludington, who have been meeting with drugmakers and university representatives to determine whether Michigan can make its own insulin to sharply reduce […]
Got COVID? Michigan has 66 one-stop shops that both test and treat
by Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) With COVID treatments now widely available in Michigan, there are dozens of one-stop sites across the state where you can get tested and treated at the same time. “We have a surplus in the state, to be honest,” Dr. Matthew Sims, director of infectious diseases research at Beaumont Health, said […]
Michigan bills would pause test scores to grade teachers, hold 3rd graders
By Tracie Mauriello (Bridge Michigan) Standardized test scores wouldn’t be a factor this year in educator evaluations or decisions about whether third-graders can move up to fourth grade, under proposed Democratic legislation to loosen Michigan K-12 education requirements to account for disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. It’s unclear if the bills will gain traction […]
Dark money, donors like Steven Spielberg fuel Michigan voting rights fight
By Jonathan Oosting (Bridge Michigan) LANSING – Dark money groups and out-of-state donors are funding a high-stakes fight over Michigan voting laws, the latest proxy battle in a national war that follows former President Donald Trump’s unfounded claims about the 2020 election. Aiding one side is the Michigan Guardians of Democracy, a newly formed nonprofit that […]
Republicans add transgender athlete ban to Michigan education budget bill
by Isabel Lohman & Tracie Mauriello (Bridge Michigan) Republican lawmakers in Michigan are stepping back into the national debate over the right of transgender athletes to participate in school sports. After a Senate effort to limit opportunities for transgender athletes stalled last year, state Republicans found a new vehicle: the state budget. The Republican-controlled House Appropriations Committee advanced […]
At MSU, isotope center opens to unlock universe, revolutionize medicine
By Ron French (Bridge Michigan) In an unimposing complex of buildings on Shaw Lane in East Lansing, an easy walk from the Red Cedar River and a half-dozen Michigan State University dormitories, scientists are searching for the origins of the universe. They’re also hoping to revolutionize medicine. And train the next generation of nuclear scientists. […]
Police reform going nowhere fast in Michigan, despite Patrick Lyoya death
by Lauren Gibbons (Bridge Michigan) Police reform remains stalled in Michigan, despite increased demands for change following the death of a Black motorist this month by a Grand Rapids police officer. Activists say the need for legislation is evident after a police officer shot Patrick Lyoya in the back of the head on April 4 […]
Michigan climate plan calls for EV incentives, faster renewable transition
by Kelly House (Bridge Michigan) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration on Thursday released its roadmap to statewide carbon neutrality, calling for electric vehicle incentives, stronger renewable energy targets for the energy sector, job training to prepare workers for the post-combustion economy, and other efforts to wean Michigan off fossil fuels by 2050. The plan stems from Whitmer’s […]
Michigan stuck with $200M tab to fix Midland dams neglected by owners
by Mike Wilkinson (Bridge Michigan) Michigan is awash in cash, with a surplus that few past governors and legislators could imagine. So when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, and the Republican-controlled Legislature adopted a $4.7 billion spending plan in March, it was all smiles. There was $1.7 billion for drinking water system improvements; $450 million for […]
