Good news: Michigan has new voting equipment. Bad news: No system is secure, and state procedures make it harder to catch tampering.
Michigan Government
Citizens cannot do their job of running their government if they don’t know what their public servants are doing.
Michigan’s 2018 infrastructure report card: D+
The state earns a near-failing grade for its roads, water and other infrastructure from civil engineers, with virtually no improvement since 2009.
Where they stand: Michigan governor candidates’ infrastructure policies
From roads to drinking water, Michigan doesn’t spend enough money on upkeep. What would candidates to succeed Rick Snyder do to make long-term fixes, and how would they pay for it?
Where Michigan governor candidates stand on ‘red flag’ gun bills
Bridge asked Michigan candidates for governor if they support “red flag” legislation, that would allow police to seize firearms from ag person deemed dangerous before they commit violence.
Will Florida school shooting nudge Michigan to pass ‘red flag’ gun laws?
A Republican committee chair promises to give a good look to stalled bills to allow relatives and police to petition courts to temporarily remove guns from those who pose risks.
Chaos in Traverse City, as county government wrestles with pension debt
Grand Traverse County is searching for its fourth administrator in three years as county workers go to war over benefit cuts. Could the political upheaval be a bellwether for other distressed communities?
Michigan cities and counties haunted by retiree liabilities
While the political chaos playing out in Grand Traverse County is bizarre, it’s a harbinger of local troubles throughout the state.
Search Michigan counties for the biggest budget shortfalls
Using new state data, Bridge ranks each of Michigan’s 83 counties on how they are handling retiree debt, taxes and revenue.
Want info on Michigan governments? Get out your wallet and prepare to wait
Michigan’s open records laws remain more barrier than gateway. Government officials, though, say they’re besieged by requests.
Map: Use this tool to get information from Michigan governments
Interactive map allows residents to file electronic Freedom of Information Act requests in southeast Michigan