The Michigan Supreme Court considers a rule to allow cellphones in all courts. One justice says cell bans are “callous” and “incredibly insensitive,” but others say allowing devices in courts would create security problems.
Riley Beggin
Former reporter for Bridge.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan term limits face court challenge from former lawmakers
A group is arguing in a new lawsuit that Michigan’s strictest-in-the-nation legislative term limits are unconstitutional.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Poisoned Michigan: How weak laws and ignored history enabled PFAS crisis
Michigan lawmakers said ‘never again’ after an agricultural mishap sparked one of the worst poisonings in history in 1973. But serious reform never came and some mistakes of that crisis are being repeated with the PFAS threat befouling state waterways.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
In a Michigan town with a toxic legacy, residents fought for decades to heal
In the town of St. Louis, a group of rabble-rousers ensured state and federal authorities didn’t forget their toxic legacy. The work is only half done, but could be a lesson for communities now battling PFAS contamination.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan’s PFAS cleanup costs are mounting. Taxpayers may get stuck with the tab.
When a chemical disaster strikes – as it did in the tiny town of St. Louis – bills mount far faster than polluters’ willingness to pay. It’s a lesson survivors of the crisis fear will repeat with PFAS, which Michigan already has spent tens of millions to address.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Letter suggests Bill Schuette shrugged off request to sue 3M over PFAS
As he left office, the former attorney general told Rick Snyder he couldn’t sue because the governor’s staff never greenlighted a lawsuit — even though Snyder himself requested the suit.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Graphic photos vivid reminders of horror of Michigan PBB chemical crisis
This slideshow shows how a 1973 mixup at a chemical company in St. Louis sparked an agricultural and health disaster statewide that still affects residents. Warning: Some photos may be upsetting.
Posted inMichigan Government
Liberal super PAC sues Michigan over voting restrictions
Priorities USA argues in two lawsuits that state laws prohibiting certain voter services unconstitutionally restrict the right to vote. A state Republican leader said the restrictions are important to discourage voter fraud.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan eyes reform to costly, confusing system of expunging criminal records
Republicans and Democrats seem to be on the same page — it’s time to give former offenders a second chance with new reform.
Posted inMichigan Government
Applications open for new Michigan redistricting commission. What to know.
Registered state voters can apply to serve on the commission until next June. Here’s what you need to do.