Michigan Democrats say Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s prominent role in the national convention points to her rising profile within the party and the electoral importance of the state, which Trump narrowly won in 2016.
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 inTalent & Education
What school restart deal means for Michigan parents, students and educators
A compromise schools plan approved by the Michigan Senate, and backed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, requires weekly check-ins between teachers and students, monthly board meetings to reaffirm instruction plans and offers some funding safeguards. Unions backed the deal, but some educators are upset it was rushed just before the start of school.
Posted inMichigan Government
Whitmer, GOP reach Michigan school restart deal over protests from educators
Michigan schools can restart this fall with online-only instruction but will be required to revisit that decision monthly and allow for parental feedback in public meetings under a new deal between Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and legislative leaders.
Posted inMichigan Government
GOP leader on Michigan budget woes: ‘We just need to suffer through it’
Michigan may not get any more help from the federal government as it seeks to balance a projected multibillion budget deficit by October, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing, according to the most powerful Republican in the state Legislature.
Posted inTalent & Education
Gov. Whitmer, GOP near deal on Michigan school reopenings amid pandemic
Michigan school districts would have the ability to choose in-person, remote or hybrid instruction this fall under a plan being negotiated by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Republican-led Legislature.
Posted inMichigan Government
Fact Squad | Peters ad accurately touts work for farmers, omits lack of success
A new campaign ad from Democratic U.S. Sen. Gary Peters highlights his work alongside Michigan cherry farmers fighting a flood of cheap Turkish imports. The ad is factual but glosses over that the fight hasn’t been successful.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan senator who got COVID didn’t wear a mask at anti-Whitmer event
Sen. Tom Barrett says he took “reasonable precautions” before he contracted the coronavirus, but less than two weeks before he was diagnosed, he didn’t wear a mask at a petition drive event that drew hundreds. Public health officials say there’s no indication that it caused an outbreak.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan health director: Blame me for COVID contract with political firm
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon on Thursday apologized and took responsibility for initially contracting with a political firm to conduct contact tracing at the height of the state’s COVID-19 crisis.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Gov. Whitmer isn’t Biden’s VP pick but will speak at convention
Joe Biden on Tuesday named Sen. Kamala Harris of California as his running mate to help take on Republican President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, ending speculation he could pick Whitmer or other candidates who had been vetted for the role.
Posted inMichigan Government
Fact Squad | John James skips details in ad claiming Peters ‘downplayed’ COVID
An attack ad from Republican challenger John James uses a 2-second clip and old attendance records to argue Sen. Gary Peters should have done a better job safeguarding against the coronavirus. In making the case, the ad omits some key facts.