At the Mackinac Policy Conference next week, Gretchen Whitmer will announce a commission to develop policy recommendations to jump-start population growth, reimagine road funding and improve public education.
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
How to spend $10B: Stimulus funds bonuses, water, monthly checks in Michigan
Flush with federal cash, Michigan and its largest communities have announced nearly 900 separate projects that do far more than simply help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan inked $25M grant without vetting ex-aide to House speaker, ex-convict
State officials admit they never sought bids for a Clare health complex because they determined it was intended to go to the former aide of a high-ranking official.
Posted inMichigan Government
Timeline: How $25 million deal to ex-House aide raised ‘red flags,’ faltered
A onetime aide to Michigan’s former House speaker is now under investigation by the state, which has already spent $10 million on the project.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan nears ban on handheld cell phone use while driving
Senate approves plan that would allow fines or mandatory driver safety courses for motorists who use a handheld cell phone to make calls, send texts or read social media posts, among other things.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan’s new roads plan: More money for big counties (that vote Democratic)
Democrats eye $150 million in one-time funding for six large counties and another $100 million in infrastructure earmarks. Boosters say that helps heavily traveled roads. The GOP says it benefits Democrats.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan may let candidates, officials use campaign funds for child care
Democrats say change would benefit working-class candidates. Republicans question ‘carve out’ for politicians.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan roads a little better, but still a D and will get worse, report finds
Two reports in the past week show that, even with increased spending, Michigan’s roads and bridges leave much to be desired.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan State shooting update: John Hao attends 76ers game as guest of star James Harden
The latest reliable news about the Feb. 13 shooting that killed three students and injured five others before the suspected gunman killed himself.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan commission finds ‘misconduct’ by pro-Trump attorneys in 2020 lawsuit
The Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission says Sidney Powell and other lawyers who tried to overturn the 2020 election committed ‘misconduct.’ A separate discipline board will now consider punishments.