Tensions are boiling over as confrontations increase over Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s mask rule designed to contain COVID-19 becomes “the number one anxiety-producing pain point for retailers right now.”
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
As coronavirus cases rise, Whitmer halts plans to further reopen Michigan
Public health experts say they expected coronavirus cases to rise as Michigan’s businesses reopened but say they worry about COVID fatigue leading to more cases.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan calls on schools to have masks but no social distancing in class
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s school reopening plan has one surprising takeaway: Schools can choose whether or not to bring all students back to class at the same time, with no state requirement that forces schools to run classes in shifts.
Posted inMichigan Government
Gretchen Whitmer, Republicans strike deal to plug $2.2B Michigan budget hole
Michigan’s Democratic governor and Republican lawmakers announce budget deal for this fiscal year, but plenty of work could remain on an even bigger budget shortfall that is fast approaching because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Gov. Whitmer wants state ban on police chokeholds, other reforms
Michigan’s Democratic governor wants lawmakers to send her bills to ban chokehold use by officers and to classify “false, racially-motivated 911 calls” as hate crimes, she said Monday as protests over police brutality continued nationwide.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Coronavirus outbreaks tied to migrant farm workers in Michigan
COVID-19 is flaring up statewide among migrant workers. Experts say close quarters, crops that won’t wait, mistrust are perfect growing conditions for outbreaks.
Posted inMichigan Government
Big benefits, claims a ‘perfect storm’ for unemployment fraud in Michigan
Michigan officials aren’t saying how many cases of unemployment insurance fraud investigators have found so far, but roughly 58,000 residents have self-reported that someone stole their identity to try to claim benefits.
Posted inMichigan Government
Petition drives target Gretchen Whitmer. And she’s raising money off them.
Republican activists and organizers attempting to recall Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and limit her emergency powers are rushing to put petitions before voters this summer. But one effort has uncorked a law that lifts the limit for campaign donations.
Posted inMichigan Government
Nearly 12,000 Michigan workers unemployed since May 1 still await benefits
More than 11,800 Michigan workers who filed for jobless benefits between March 15 and May 1 have yet to be paid or denied, but the state unemployment agency said Tuesday it intends to clear that backlog by July 4.
Posted inMichigan Government
New Michigan auto insurance: savings for most, but Detroit still pays more
Insurer filings reviewed by Bridge show most drivers will save money under a reform law set to take effect July 2. But universal savings appear exaggerated and where you live still impacts what you will pay.