The governor signs a record budget that includes new money for business incentives, affordable housing, public safety — and plenty of ‘pork.’ Here’s what you need to know.
Jonathan Oosting
Jonathan is a deputy editor for Bridge Michigan. He helps plan and execute in-depth reporting and campaign coverage. As a longtime political reporter, Jonathan was named 2021 Journalist of the Year by the Michigan Press Association. He and a colleague shared that honor again in 2023, when they were also named Journalists of the Year by the Society of Professional Journalists – Detroit Chapter. Jonathan covered the state Capitol for The Detroit News and MLive before joining Bridge in September of 2019. He's from Grand Rapids, lives in Lansing and loves spending time Up North.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan budget steers millions of no-bid tax dollars to for-profit firms
$18 million for condos, $9 million for a health startup and more: Champions say the money helps those in need; foes say it’s old-fashioned pork and government picking winners and losers.
Posted inMichigan Government
‘I have been indicted,’ says suspect in Michigan vote machine tampering probe
Attorney Stefanie Lambert says she has been indicted in plot to illegally examine vote machines in an effort to prove 2020 election was rigged against Donald Trump. Others under investigation include Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan’s records law delayed public disclosures about Clare grant
Officials with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services initially denied an open records request by Bridge Michigan for emails and documents regarding a $25 million state grant but ultimately agreed to release them after a successful challenge.
Posted inMichigan Government
Emails: Michigan moved fast on ‘well connected politically’ $25M Clare grant
Emails obtained by Bridge show Michigan officials pressed to expedite a grant to the former aide of ex-House Speaker Jason Wentworth; asked few questions before approving the project.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan: Double payment concerns suspended $25M Clare health campus grant
A former legislative aide to onetime House Speaker Jason Wentworth led both a nonprofit that secured the grant and a for-profit firm that was paid more than $820,000 days after it went into effect.
Posted inMichigan Government
Whitmer population council adds youth, lowers average age of members to 52
A new council tasked with reversing Michigan’s stagnant population got younger Thursday but remains significantly older than the state.
Posted inMichigan Government
Judge paves way for charges in Michigan vote machine tampering probe
An Oakland County judge gave a special prosecutor exactly what he wanted: A broad interpretation of a law that a grand jury could use to indict former attorney general candidate Matt DePerno and other 2020 election deniers accused of tampering with voting machines.
Posted inMichigan Government
Records: Firm of ex-aide to Michigan speaker paid $820K within days of grant
Contrary to earlier statements, Michigan didn’t suspend a $25 million health campus project overseen by a former aide to onetime House Speaker Jason Wentworth until one day after Bridge wrote about the deal.
Posted inMichigan Government
Trump endorsed by full Michigan GOP congressional delegation
Every Michigan Republican serving in Congress is backing Trump’s bid to return to the White House, according to his campaign. The former president is leading in national polls while battling criminal indictments.