Gov. Gretchen Whitmer seeks to tamp down expectations that the economy will reopen next week, saying the state likely needs more time to avoid a second wave of coronavirus. Republicans have signaled an opposition to any extension.
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
Meet the Trump-loving group behind protest of Gov. Whitmer’s stay-home order
Once a minor player, the Michigan Conservative Coalition has worked its way into the mainstream of Republican Party politics by organizing voters who are fiercely loyal to President Trump. Hosting “Trumperware parties” and wooing women back to the GOP, it may be the most influential grassroots group you’ve never heard of.
Posted inMichigan Government
Whitmer laying off government workers as coronavirus hits Michigan budget
Michigan state budget coffers have been hit hard by the coronavirus, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s staff begin sending emails to state employees Wednesday announcing 10-day layoffs.
Posted inMichigan Government
Want Michigan to reopen soon? Stay home now, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer urges
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is urging Michigan residents to continue staying at home as the state’s coronavirus curve appears to bend and she develops plans to begin reopening parts of the economy by May 1.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan residents worry about going hungry as COVID layoffs surge, poll finds
More than 1 in 4 Michigan residents are worried about being able to put food on their table, and more than half of all laid-off or furloughed workers are unsure how they’ll feed their families, according to a new statewide poll conducted amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Posted inMichigan Government
Judge extends filing deadline for Michigan candidates, citing coronavirus
U.S. District Court Judge Terrence Berg ordered Michigan to extend Tuesday’s candidate filing deadline to May 8, halve signature requirements and provide candidates with an option to collect signatures electronically while social distancing.
Posted inMichigan Government
Gov. Whitmer, Midwest governors team up on plans to reopen state economies
The bipartisan team includes Democratic Govs. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Tony Evers of Wisconsin, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois and Andy Beshear of Kentucky, along with Republican Govs. Mike DeWine of Ohio and Eric Holcomb of Indiana.
Posted inMichigan Government
Government layoffs, service cuts start as coronavirus guts Michigan budgets
Local governments across Michigan are beginning to lay off and furlough workers as they brace for a “perfect storm” of increased spending demands and revenue shortfalls resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic that has ground the economy to a halt. The state — facing its own projected $7 billion hole — is in no position to help.
Posted inMichigan Government
Inside Michigan Gov. Whitmer’s coronavirus fight: ‘We know we saved lives'
First-term Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s national profile is rising, along with criticisms about her stay-at-home order and handling of the coronavirus. Internal documents show state workers spent weekends preparing but Whitmer acknowledges some regret: “If I could go back in time, would I have started stockpiling N-95 masks? Absolutely.”
Posted inMichigan Government
Gay rights group goes electronic in pandemic test of Michigan election law
Fair and Equal Michigan on Monday began collecting electronic voter signatures through what organizers contend is a secure and reliable online system. State election officials will have to determine whether they count.