Michigan is ‘the birthplace of the militia movement,’ but experts say the Wolverine Watchmen group linked to plots to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, target police and storm the state Capitol appears to be part of an increasingly extreme and conspiracy-minded antigovernment movement.
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
Two brothers charged in Whitmer plot photographed with guns at Capitol
Identical twins charged with terrorism were part of a rally against Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that spilled into the Capitol on April 30, state officials confirm. ‘We literally dodged death,’ one lawmaker says.
Posted inMichigan Government
Whitmer accuses Trump of ‘fomenting anger’ that fueled Michigan kidnap plot
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer thanks law enforcement, calls her alleged kidnap plotters ‘sick and depraved’ and accuses President Trump of egging on extremists. The White House accuses Whitmer of ‘sowing divisions.’
Posted inMichigan Government
FBI claims Michigan militia group tried to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Federal authorities arrest six men on allegations they tried to kidnap and put Whitmer on trial. They called her a ‘tyrant,’ echoing language of opponents of her COVID-19 restrictions.
Posted inMichigan Government
Fact Squad | Trump gets a lot wrong in Twitter beef with Michigan Gov. Whitmer
Michigan never closed churches and schools are open, contrary to President Trump’s tweet to Whitmer on Wednesday. But Trump didn’t get everything wrong: Auto manufacturers are expanding.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Gov. Whitmer: Unemployment benefits are at risk and GOP is dawdling
A Michigan Supreme Court ruling invalidating executive orders from governor also could jeopardize unemployment pay extensions. Tensions are flaring, with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer calling Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey an “anti-masker.”
Posted inMichigan Government
Confusion reigns in Michigan over masks, business rules after COVID ruling
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration moves to reimpose mask and social distancing rules through her health department. Republicans question if she has that right after a court ruling limited her power. Meanwhile, COVID is spiking again.
Posted inMichigan Government
Nessel won’t enforce Michigan Gov. Whitmer’s COVID orders after court ruling
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says a Friday court order means she will no longer enforce Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s emergency coronavirus orders. At least one local health department is issuing orders instead, but the Legislature is unlikely to adopt sweeping measures favored by the governor.
Posted inMichigan Government
GOP leader: No mask mandates, Michigan needs to learn to live with coronavirus
One day after Michigan Supreme Court rules Gov. Gretchen Whitmer can’t impose emergency powers during pandemic without input from lawmakers, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey says the panel is unlikely to agree to far-reaching restrictions. ‘The virus ultimately was going to win,’ he says.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Supreme Court rules Whitmer lacks COVID-19 emergency powers
A divided court declared unconstitutional a 1945 law Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has used to issue orders without input from the Legislature. The GOP declares it a ‘great day’ and the fate of 120-plus orders from Whitmer are now in question.