Gretchen Whitmer came into office promising big fixes to roads and schools. But with a Republican Legislature, the Democrat’s first year is ending with few big victories.
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
On day he’s impeached, President Trump implies John Dingell may be in hell
The president talks jobs and impeachment during a rally in Battle Creek. But some Republicans say he should apologize for implying that a longstanding congressman from Michigan may be in hell.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Republicans poised to bypass Whitmer, ban abortion procedure
Leaders in Michigan’s Republican-led Legislature are awaiting petition signatures that will allow them to ban a common abortion procedure without signature from Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who opposes the measure.
Posted inMichigan Government
Mike Shirkey: I’m open to changing Michigan’s third-grade reading law
Hearing concerns from educators, Michigan’s Senate Majority Leader says he’s considering changes to the law that could flunk 5,000 third-graders in May.
Posted inMichigan Government
Welcome to Michigan, President Trump. About that economy you promised …
Jobs and wages are down in most of the 12 counties that switched support from Barack Obama to Donald Trump in 2016, but voters say they have confidence in the president and the economy.
Posted inMichigan Government
Congrats on budget, Michigan. It does little to fix state’s biggest problems.
Michigan’s divided government finally passes a budget. It barely addresses the state’s bad roads, middling schools and expensive colleges.
Posted inMichigan Government
Jury acquits Larry Inman of lying to FBI; mistrial on other counts
A Traverse City state representative who sent a union asking for donations for a vote is acquitted of lying to the FBI, but jurors can’t reach a verdict on the most serious charges.
Posted inMichigan Government
'It's always about the money': Larry Inman bribery case goes to jurors
Michigan state Rep. Larry Inman’s fate is now in the hands of jurors, who are considering whether the third-term Republican lawmaker is guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt” of extortion, bribery and lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Posted inMichigan Government
Larry Inman trial highlights blurred lines and boozy underbelly of Michigan politics
Testimony in state Rep. Larry Inman’s criminal trial for alleged extortion and bribery has showed unsavory side of Michigan’s political system. And Thursday, the case forced one of the state’s most powerful lawmakers to take the stand.
Posted inMichigan Government
Feds: Union solicited by state Rep. Larry Inman worked to recall him
The trial began Tuesday for Rep. Larry Inman (R-Williamsburg) on charges of allegedly soliciting a bribe, extortion and lying to the FBI.