Lindsay VanHulle

In the fierce debate over regulation of Airbnbs and other short-term home rentals, Michigan legislators are bringing adversaries to the table, including groups representing local government, hotels and the real-estate industry.

Lack of affordable housing is spreading beyond seasonal workers. It’s now hurting manufacturing and healthcare firms trying to attract workers. Local leaders want Lansing to help incentivize developers to build more affordable projects.

Democratic lawmakers say shootings in California, Texas and Ohio show the need for legal tools to seize weapons from people who pose an urgent danger. State Republicans have yet to sign on, with due process rights a sticking point. 

Voters in Grand Traverse County want to recall Inman after his indictment on federal charges for alleged bribery, extortion and lying to FBI agents while in office. His attorney says he will consider an appeal on the recall petition’s approval.

The lawsuit, filed in 2016, alleges that the state violated the Headlee Amendment to the Michigan constitution in how it calculates state spending to local governments. Depending on how the case ultimately is resolved, experts say the lawsuit could have significant impacts on both state and local government funding.

Republican plaintiffs argue the independent, voter-approved commission violates their First and 14th-Amendment rights by forbidding some people with political ties from serving. They want a federal judge to stop the state state officials from seating the commission.