Success is rare, but possible: Here’s what to know to get up to $1,000 back for pothole damages in a system skewed against drivers in Michigan.
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
Where to file a pothole damage claim in Michigan for state, county roads
If you believe you’re eligible for compensation for highway-related repairs on Michigan roads and want to file a claim, here’s a rundown of the agencies that typically handle them.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan pothole claims system is a mess: Four easy fixes (and a costly one)
Michigan has bad roads and a weak system to reimburse drivers for damages. There are plenty of easy solutions, like raising the $1,000 cap, extending the claims period. Is there political will to change?
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan denies almost all pothole repair claims, despite billions in damages
Deteriorating roads cost drivers a total of $4.3 billion per year, but a reimbursement system for damages is skewed against drivers. Damage caps, deadlines and high burdens of proof mean most claims are denied.
Posted inMichigan Government
Trial to weigh if Michigan legislative maps discriminate against Black voters
A three-judge U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals panel determined nine state legislative districts would proceed to trial over claims the district maps violate the Voting Rights Act.
Posted inMichigan Government
Audit: Michigan civil rights agency slow to investigate discrimination
State auditors found the Department of Civil Rights took on average 3 times the recommended time to resolve complaints. Some complaints were never even reviewed, ending up instead in an abandoned junk email folder.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan film incentives: The Sequel! Lawmakers propose new tax credit
Supporters of reviving film incentives say the legislation is a better deal for Michigan than the program that was axed in 2015. Detractors liken the proposal to a “Hollywood handout” that won’t move the state forward.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Republican activists face misdemeanors for fights at GOP meetings
Kelly Sackett, Melissa Pehlis and James Chapman have been charged with multiple misdemeanors for altercations at two separate GOP meetings in Clare.
Posted inMichigan Government
Nine fake electors arraigned in Michigan: What to know about the case
In all, 16 Republican activists are facing felonies on charges they submitted false paperwork asserting Donald Trump won Michigan in an effort to keep him in the White House.
Posted inMichigan Government
Two House Democrats survive mayoral primaries in Warren, Westland
If both Reps. Kevin Coleman and Lori Stone win their races for mayor in November, the Michigan House would be temporarily tied 54-54.