Michigan lawmakers are considering bills to ban drivers from holding their phone while driving. They have bipartisan support.
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
Good news, lascivious lovebirds: Michigan dumps ban on unwed cohabitation
Called ‘foolish’ and ‘silly,’ a 1931 ban prohibiting unmarried couples from ‘lewdly and lasciviously’ living together is repealed by the Michigan Senate.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan ‘red flag’ gun reform plan heads to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
The push to establish a ‘red flag’ law in Michigan is the final piece of a three-pronged plan by Michigan Democrats to start addressing gun violence. It is opposed by some gun rights groups.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan brine brouhaha: Proposed limits for unpaved roads prompt dustup
The salty solution is killing the state’s precious waters, but efforts to cut back on spraying have met fierce opposition.
Posted inMichigan Government
In Michigan, an affordable housing ‘emergency’ looms
Democratic lawmakers and Michigan’s housing development authority are seeking a policy change that would allow developers to use tax increment financing for affordable housing projects. Supporters say it could help increase housing stock at a time when affordable options are in short supply.
Posted inMichigan Government
Former Michigan marijuana board chair, others face federal bribery charges
Rick Johnson, a former Michigan House Speaker and chair of the state’s short-lived marijuana licensing board, and three others have already entered into plea deals on bribery related charges, prosecutor says.
Posted inMichigan Government
Gov. Whitmer signs repeal of Michigan’s 1931 abortion ban
Repealing the long-dormant ban, which made providing abortions a felony, had was a top priority for Michigan Democrats.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Democrats in no rush to prioritize ‘fixing the damn roads’
Gretchen Whitmer made addressing the state’s crumbling roads a rallying cry in her first, successful run for governor. But the issue appears to be on the backburner for now as Democrats pursue other legislative priorities.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Republicans outraged by Donald Trump indictment, Dems mostly mum
As news spread Thursday that the former president had been indicted on charges related to payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, Michigan Republican officials cried foul while Democrats urged restraint.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Democrats transform Lansing, using GOP ploys they once condemned
With complete control of governance, Democrats passed a raft of liberal bills within their first 100 days. Republicans are annoyed, sounding much like Democrats from years past. Now comes the hard part.