Following Bridge report, Democrats call on progressive candidate to settle issue.
Joel Kurth
As executive editor of impact, Joel Kurth oversees newsgathering, investigations, and coverage strategy at Bridge Michigan. He joined Bridge in 2017 after 17 years as an investigative reporter and editor at The Detroit News, where he led investigations that drove policy changes on water shutoffs and surgical instrument sterilization and resulted in criminal charges against government officials. He and his teams have won more than 60 state and national awards across a 30-year career in Michigan that has also included stints at newspapers in the Upper Peninsula and Saginaw. Joel also authors Bridge's popular weekly News Quiz.
Joel lives in West Bloomfield with his wife and two children.
Posted inMichigan Government
Campaign eligibility is tricky, but has tripped up Michigan candidates
Michigan Constitution’s requirements derailed a 2010 campaign for governor before it started.
Posted inMichigan Government
Abdul El-Sayed’s stint in NYC may derail bid for Michigan governor
A court may have to decide whether the progressive Democrat makes it on the ballot – he was registered to vote in New York as recently as 2015. El-Sayed says he’s confident he can run and blasts his doubters.
Posted inSpecial report
Michigan pays 18% less per citizen than nat'l average for public safety
One of the most basic functions of government is to protect citizens and ensure public safety. But a series of budget reductions has eroded funding for public safety in Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Government
Detroit Dems seek alternative to Gretchen Whitmer in Michigan governor race
Concerns about polling, fundraising and Gretchen Whitmer’s name recognition prompt “hand wringing” among party insiders, led by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. But others see sexism at play.
Posted inUrban Affairs
Getting away with arson just got easier in Michigan, fire officials fear
Budget problems have eliminated a reward program to catch arsonists.
Posted inUrban Affairs
Detroit is back. But for whom?
Two experts talk gentrification. One hopes downtown development can help everyone. Another says neighborhoods are collapsing.
Posted inUrban Affairs
What gentrification? Much of Detroit is getting worse.
Rich people aren’t displacing residents. Poor people are going from one bad situation to another.
Posted inUrban Affairs
Detroit is booming. Let’s ensure the comeback benefits all.
Wealth is returning after decades. Now is the time to discuss policies so developments help everyone.
Posted inUrban Affairs
Detroit shut water to 1 in 10 homes this year. Yes, that’s progress.
Since 2014, the city has shut taps on 100,000 homes. Even so, shutoffs are way down this year.