A new law signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer this week puts Michigan on track to have designated carpool lanes for the first time.
Lauren Gibbons
Lauren Gibbons covers state politics and government for Bridge Michigan, tracking the Michigan Legislature, elections and the impact of federal policy on the state. Before joining Bridge, she led Legislature and redistricting coverage at MLive and covered the state Senate for MIRS News. She has covered Michigan politics for more than a decade, winning awards for her political and criminal justice reporting.
A Lansing native who graduated from Michigan State University, Lauren is now based in Ferndale. Her party tricks include telling friends which political districts they live in without looking.
Posted inMichigan Government
Can a $20 million ad campaign attract more Michigan residents? Whitmer hopes so
The ‘You Can in Michigan’ ads are part of a $20 million marketing campaign to highlight job opportunities and benefits of living in Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Government
Bills adding ‘Obamacare’ provisions to Michigan law headed to governor
The legislation writes key tenets of the federal Affordable Care Act into state law and is supported by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Critics say the effort is unnecessary.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan eyes change to pothole claims law after Bridge investigation
Lawmakers push to ensure that drivers seeking damages from potholes on county roads have 120 days to file claims. The bills were filed the same day Bridge published stories showing how the system rarely reimburses motorists.
Posted inMichigan Government
Do Michigan’s political maps dilute power of Black voters? Trial will decide
An independent commission’s redraw of legislative maps following the 2020 Census faces scrutiny on claims it diluted representation for minority voters by extending Detroit districts into the suburbs.
Posted inMichigan Government
Lawsuit aims to disqualify Trump from Michigan ballot
The suit argues that the former president is ineligible to run again under a Civil War-era Constitutional clause barring insurrectionists from holding office.
Posted inMichigan Government
Former Michigan marijuana chair sentenced to 55 months for bribery
Rick Johnson, 70, was sentenced to serve 55 months in federal prison and fined $50,000 for seeking and accepting bribes while serving as chair of a now-defunct state marijuana licensing board.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan judges required to use preferred pronouns in court under new rule
A Michigan Supreme Court rule that goes into effect Jan. 1 will require judges and court staff to address attorneys and others appearing in court by their preferred pronouns, including they/them pronouns.
Posted inMichigan Government
How a federal government shutdown would impact Michigan
The U.S. government is teetering on the brink of a federal shutdown that would pause or delay many government services.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan House Dems OK election access measures: What the bills would do
Electronic absentee ballot applications and allowing military spouses to vote electronically were among the election reforms voted through the Michigan House Wednesday.