Once a frontier town dominated by agriculture, Morenci now finds itself on a new frontier, with the scent of pot wafting through its streets. Despite reluctance from “conservative farm folks,” most support the financial boost the industry has brought.
Riley Beggin
Former reporter for Bridge.
Posted inMichigan Government
The answer to swelling jails? Stop jailing so many folks, Michigan report says
A high-level report unveiled Tuesday recommends sweeping changes to Michigan’s criminal justice system to reduce the number of people sent to jail. The group found that far too many inmates are people of color or have mental illnesses.
Posted inMichigan Government
Larry Inman recall effort is dead again, after Michigan nixes signatures
The Michigan Bureau of Elections has determined a group seeking to force a recall election against state Rep. Larry Inman didn’t meet the threshold of 12,201 signatures.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Supreme Court urged to release Bill Schuette emails on private accounts
A liberal advocacy group argues the state is unjustly refusing to give up government emails the group requested in 2016. Current Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office has picked up Schuette’s defense, citing technical concerns with the suit.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan to allow cellphones in all courts, striking down local bans
Lawyers and advocates argued that cellphone bans create barriers to justice, while some judges raised concerns over court chaos.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Three Michigan Superfund sites among backlog of unfunded polluted sites
Projects in mid-Michigan, northern Michigan and Macomb County remain at a standstill without the money to get started.
Posted inMichigan Government
New year, old problems: Six issues Michigan leaders vow to tackle in 2020
As they return to Lansing this week, Michigan’s leaders are faced with tough questions on how to improve roads, education, skilled trades and more.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Gov. Whitmer on tough first year: ‘I did what I said I was going to’
Gretchen Whitmer came into office promising big fixes to roads and schools. But with a Republican Legislature, the Democrat’s first year is ending with few big victories.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Supreme Court won’t rule on GOP minimum wage, sick leave changes
The Court determined that it lacks jurisdiction to issue an opinion on the constitutionality of the “adopt and amend” strategy employed by Republican lawmakers in last year’s lame-duck session.
Posted inMichigan Government
Mike Shirkey: I’m open to changing Michigan’s third-grade reading law
Hearing concerns from educators, Michigan’s Senate Majority Leader says he’s considering changes to the law that could flunk 5,000 third-graders in May.