Democratic lawmakers are reviving efforts to remove long-dormant criminal penalties for consensual sex acts. Can they get it done in lame-duck?
Lauren Gibbons
Lauren covers state politics and policy for Bridge Michigan. Prior to joining Bridge's Capitol team, she worked at MLive, where she led coverage of the state Legislature and the redistricting process, and before that covered the state Senate for MIRS News. She has covered the ins and outs of Michigan politics for nearly a decade and has won awards both for her political coverage and her work documenting the Larry Nassar sexual abuse case. Lauren grew up in the Lansing area and graduated from Michigan State University, majoring in journalism and history. She lives in Ferndale, and her party tricks include Irish dancing and telling friends what political districts they live in without looking. Reach her at lgibbons@bridgemi.com or on Twitter @LaurenMGibbons
Posted inMichigan Government
Tensions, absences threaten Democratic agenda in Michigan lame-duck Legislature
House Democrats are poised to lose their majority — and one is threatening to stop showing up voluntarily if leadership doesn’t act on progressive bills.
Posted inMichigan Government
Dems eye cash bail, ‘second look’ criminal justice reforms in Michigan lame-duck
Big changes to how courts handle bail and a possible “second look” at prisoner sentences are among the major criminal justice reforms pending in the Michigan Legislature.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan poised to restrict guns at election sites under Democratic bills
Democrats kick off lame-duck session with votes to ban open-carry guns at polling places, expand hate crime laws and ease access to birth control.
Posted inMichigan Government
In Michigan House, time for Democrats is running out. What to expect
Republicans retook control of the state House on Tuesday, giving Democrats just weeks to pass their wish lists and pet projects. Expect a frantic finish.
Posted inMichigan Government
Elissa Slotkin wins razor-thin race for Michigan US Senate seat
Democrat Elissa Slotkin has won Michigan’s high-stakes race for US Senate, according to final vote tallies released Wednesday afternoon more than 15 hours after polls had closed.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan House flips to Republicans: Here’s how they did it
House Republicans took back control of the chamber in Tuesday’s election, flipping key districts in southeast Michigan and the Upper Peninsula while hanging onto competitive seats in Oakland County.
Posted inMichigan Government
New Michigan election rules aim to protect poll workers, streamline certification
Early voting, expanded absentee ballot options and other changes are in full effect for Michigan’s 2024 elections.
Posted inMichigan Government
You voted, now what? What happens to ballots in Michigan
The journey of a Michigan voter’s ballot doesn’t end when it’s cast. Here’s a crash course on how election officials handle ballots before, during and after Election Day to maintain election security and keep things organized.
Posted inMichigan Government
Gretchen Whitmer goes big for Michigan Democrats as GOP seeks check on power
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer isn’t on the ballot, but the election could define her final two years in office.