If Opening Day were today, only 1,000 fans would be allowed in Comerica Park to watch the Detroit Tigers. That may change soon.
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
Whitmer releases policy on confidential payouts. Critics say it’s lip service.
Facing criticism over a $155,000 payout to her former health director and other severances, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issues an executive order saying the deals can continue but must be based on a “reasonable” belief they’ll save taxpayers money.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan GOP: No transgender athletes in girls’ sports. Critics: Shame on you.
Michigan is among 20 states mulling bills that would bar transgender athletes from competing on girls’ school teams. Critics call the measures a “disgusting” attack.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan moves to allow first-time drunk drivers to expunge conviction
Bipartisan legislation advanced Wednesday to allow expungement after three years, but it faces opposition from sheriffs, prosecutors and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers.
Posted inMichigan Government
Gretchen Whitmer signs COVID spending, vetoes help for Michigan businesses
Some $1 billion in federal funding remains unspent, as Whitmer vetoes funding for small firms as well as Republicans’ efforts to weaken her pandemic powers.
Posted inMichigan Government
Frank Kelley, Michigan’s longtime attorney general, dies at 96
The Democrat served 37 years and was known for his consumer advocacy and influencing some of Michigan’s most important government transparency laws.
Posted inMichigan Government
FBI informant: Facebook led me to infiltrate plot to kidnap Gretchen Whitmer
In stunning testimony, a militia member-turned-informant says the only thing keeping militia members from storming the Michigan Capitol last year is their realization they could just walk in with their guns.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan lawmakers back transparency reform. Will Mike Shirkey let it happen?
Open records reform has the votes. It has momentum following an outcry over Gov. Whitmer’s secret payments to top aides. But the Senate majority leader has blocked similar legislation before.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan passes $4.2B COVID relief, after Whitmer, GOP play loose with facts
The Legislature advances a coronavirus plan after weeks of hyperbole and outright misinformation about how it would impact everyday Michiganders. We separate truth from exaggeration.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Gov. Whitmer pledged transparency. Now she defends secret deals.
The Democratic governor ran for office to ‘make state government more open, transparent and accountable.’ She’s now in a firestorm over deals that paid $241,000 to two former top aides to keep quiet.