Here are facts shaping Michigan as state gears for big election year
With rising costs, an aging population and troubling education scores, the stakes for 2026 elections couldn’t be much higher. Here are the facts shaping the state before the campaign rhetoric intensifies.
Michigan helps employers build housing in Detroit, Kalamazoo as fund runs dry
Michigan housing agency awards final $3.2M remaining in employer-assisted housing dollars for projects in Detroit and Kalamazoo.
Bridge Michigan is listening. What issues matter most to you in 2026 election?
Campaign rhetoric is flying. But what’s most important to you? Bridge wants to hear from Michigan residents to help shape our campaign coverage.
0HDAMM, Michigan has banned more than 30,000 license plates
With another 2,000 rejects last year, Michigan has now banned more than 30,000 personalized license plates for reasons like vulgar language or drug references. We have the list.
Michigan faces ‘critical time’ to retain its $348B auto industry: report
Michigan can’t afford to lose its signature industry, advocates say. More innovation could be the answer.
Michigan EV fees spike under road funding deal, now nation’s highest
Michigan has nearly doubled electric vehicle registration fees for 2026 as part of last year’s road funding deal, which triggered an overlooked provision of state law. As EV drivers call foul, a legislative fix seems unlikely.
Michigan leaders, legislators vow to improve nursing homes after Bridge report
Two Republican candidates for governor and at least one lawmaker promise changes following a two-day Bridge series laying out neglect, abuse and short staffing in Michigan nursing homes. Another lawmaker, a Democrat, says the key is in staff pay.
Michigan reverses $645M in ‘unconstitutional’ cuts. GOP vows lawsuit
Michigan is resuming planned spending after Attorney General Dana Nessel declared a House GOP vote to cut $645M was ‘unconstitutional.’ The House response? See you in court.
Michigan has ‘zero tolerance’ for child care fraud, agency says amid push for audit
Amid scrutiny of child care providers, the Michigan department in charge of overseeing child care programming says the state already has guardrails in place to prevent fraud.
Michigan state park camping reservations going fast for Memorial Day weekend
Campsites at some Michigan state parks and recreation areas are nearly full for Memorial Day Weekend, but there are still plenty of others with availability.
Michigan ‘a pretty sick state’ amid surge of ‘super flu,’ COVID cases
With a new ‘super flu’ circulating, more than 800 Michiganders were hospitalized with influenza as of Monday — about twice as many as last year at the same time. And many of the really sick are children.
Michigan nursing homes have few staff, little training. Misery can follow
Other states have moved to require more staff at nursing homes, but Michigan hasn’t changed its laws in nearly 50 years. That leads to neglect and mistakes, a review of inspections shows.
Install cameras, beef up training — and 5 other ways to fix Michigan nursing homes
Some states demand nursing homes spend more on care and are more transparent in their finances. Michigan could do the same.
Michigan cities balk at costly 911 calls to understaffed nursing homes
Cities and townships pay thousands of dollars each year for nonemergency calls at nursing homes that fire chiefs say should be handled by nursing home staff. Now, some cities are levying fines, hoping to recoup some of the costs.
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