In seeking to suppress search warrant records in the criminal probe, the attorney general’s office argues that some current and ex-state officials, appointees and lobbyists could be embarrassed if the records are made public.
Kelly House
Kelly House covers Michigan's environment for Bridge Michigan, with a focus on the Great Lakes, climate change, industrial pollution, water quality and wildlife. She joined Bridge in March 2020 after reporting for the Oregonian, where her coverage earned national honors and sparked efforts to better protect Oregon's natural resources. Kelly holds a master's degree in environmental law from Lewis & Clark Law School and a bachelor's in journalism from Michigan State University.
Kelly grew up in Harrison and is based in Lansing.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan tribes, state reach tentative deal on Great Lakes fishing access
Under the deal, which is awaiting consideration by a federal judge, tribal fishers could use gillnets in more places to cope with declining whitefish populations. Recreational fishing interests argue that could leave fewer fish for them.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Democratic control of Michigan puts climate change action on 2023 agenda
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has made climate action a priority for the coming legislative session. From renewable energy standards to EV regulations, here are several items that could be on the table.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Flint water crisis charges dropped against former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder
Snyder’s is the latest of eight dismissals in the Flint criminal case, after the Michigan Supreme Court rejected the legal path Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office used to secure indictments.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan lawmakers OK recycling reform. Critics call it ‘burning hot garbage’
A major recycling reform package is changed at the last minute to allow for a ‘chemical process’ that heats trash into ‘post-use polymers.’ Environmentalists hate the changes.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Anger over National Guard air training plan over Grayling and the Thumb
The proposal would allow big increases in military aircraft presence over some areas, including training maneuvers as low as 300-500 feet above the ground, drawing the ire of homeowners and environmental groups.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Senate may vote on long-awaited recycling reform. Which one is unclear.
The tediously-negotiated package aims to boost Michigan’s recycling rate. But ahead of a possible Wednesday Senate vote, industry groups are pushing last-minute changes that have environmental groups crying foul.
Posted inMichigan Government
Bridge, Free Press seek court hearing to open Chatfield records to public
Bridge Michigan and the Detroit Free Press are asking a judge to reconsider an order that indefinitely blocks public access to records in the criminal probe of former House Speaker Lee Chatfield.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan hunters say 252,000 deer killed in firearms season with new rules
This year, for the first time, hunters were required to promptly report their deer kills, a move state wildlife managers say will help the state better manage Michigan’s growing herds.
Posted inMichigan Government
Dana Nessel obtains blanket shield of Lee Chatfield investigation records
After Bridge Michigan and the Detroit Free Press won access to documents that would shed new light on the criminal investigation against the former house speaker, Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office obtained a court order blocking release of virtually all records in the case.