In what one donor calls ‘doubling down on dumb,’ two failed state candidates known for conspiracy theories — Kristina Karamo and Mathew DePerno — are front-runners to lead the Michigan GOP.
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 inBusiness Watch
Marshall megasite wins Ford EV battery plant project with Chinese partner
The multi-billion-dollar project with Chinese battery giant CATL is touted to produce 2,500 jobs and add to Michigan’s growing share of EV-related development. Virginia had previously rejected the project because of its ties to China.
Posted inMichigan Government
President Perry Johnson? Michigan businessman launches long-shot campaign
He didn’t make the ballot in his campaign for governor. But he’s now setting his sights on president and will unveil a campaign ad in Iowa during the Super Bowl.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan $180 inflation relief checks 2023: what to know about Whitmer's plan
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s efforts to provide tax relief to Michigan residents includes a proposal to send $180 checks to residents who filed taxes in 2022. Republicans call it a gambit to avoid providing longer-term tax relief.
Posted inMichigan Government
What Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to fund in $79B budget
From free school lunches and community college to water line improvements and subsidized field trips to Michigan’s state parks, the Democrat outlines her wish list. It could look very different once it’s approved.
Posted inMichigan Government
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer seeks $306 million expansion for universal preschool
In her Wednesday budget presentation, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will propose new spending to expand preschool eligibility, hire more teachers and boost transportation funding to help 4-year-olds attend.
Posted inMichigan Government
Tax rebates planned by Gretchen Whitmer, Democrats as part of relief package
Governor and Democratic legislative leaders say ‘inflation relief checks’ could be coming soon to all Michigan taxpayers. Whitmer also plans to expand Earned Income Tax Credit.
Posted inTalent & Education
What is Michigan’s free pre-K program for 4-year-olds? Q+A with an expert
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to expand the state’s free preschool program to all 4-year-olds, regardless of income. An MSU researcher who studies the Great Start Readiness Program explains what makes it work.
Posted inTalent & Education
Gretchen Whitmer wants free preschool for all. But is Michigan ready?
Universal pre-K is good for kids and the economy. But it’s expensive and the state faces several hurdles, including teacher shortages and a lack of transportation options for the 4-year-olds.
Posted inMichigan Government
COVID-positive Democrat cast votes at Michigan Capitol, despite protocols
A spokesperson says the lawmaker adhered to social distancing, but the arrangement is drawing criticism weeks after Democrats took control of the Legislature.