Editor’s note: The litany of mistakes that caused lead poisoning in Flint’s drinking water – and responsibility for those gross errors – will be debated for years by investigators, lawyers, politicians, the media and the Michigan public. No one is exactly sure how many Flint residents – especially young children – experienced elevated blood lead […]
Michigan Government
Citizens cannot do their job of running their government if they don’t know what their public servants are doing.
Posted inMichigan Government
Felony charges filed against state, city employees in Flint water crisis
The state attorney general promises more will be held responsible for the city’s lead-tainted water, while singling out two DEQ employees, as well as Flint’s water-quality supervisor.
Posted inMichigan Government
24 Michigan hospitals were penalized for patient safety gaps. Is there a better measure?
A national ranking system financially punishes hospitals for high rates of hospital-acquired conditions, such as infections. But large, big-city hospitals say their poor scores can be misleading because they deal with patients more susceptible to complications.
Posted inMichigan Government
Citizens Research Council marks 100 years of putting government under its microscope
It’s one of the most influential groups you’ve never heard of. Born a century ago, its independent research still drives much of state policymaking.
Posted inMichigan Government
Candidates are gone, but economic woes remain for Trump, Sanders supporters
What happens when opposites attract? Many supporters of outsider candidates Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders find themselves agreeing on issues, but from very different directions.
Posted inMichigan Government
The governor and the mayor: Perceived snubs strain Flint recovery
As city and state officials race to resolve the lead poisoning crisis in Flint, communication problems cause headaches and hard feelings
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How Lansing can reduce crowding at state’s lone women’s prison
An epidemic of drug addiction has swollen the state’s sole women’s prison to near-capacity, leading to overcrowding complaints. Is there a better way?
Posted inMichigan Government
Flint report offers damning verdict on state emergency manager law
In a blunt report putting the blame for Flint’s water crisis squarely on state government, a task force finds that Michigan gives too much power to emergency managers and not enough voice to local residents in distressed communities
Posted inMichigan Government
Flint’s switch to river water left residents holding the tab
Beset by financial woes, Flint’s state-appointed leaders kept charging high rates to the city’s impoverished residents even though the switch to the Flint River sharply reduced city expenses
Posted inMichigan Government
Breaking: Report finds ‘environmental injustice’ in Flint water crisis; poor, majority-black population given inferior protection
The task force, appointed by Gov. Snyder, finds state agencies, including Snyder’s office, were "indifferent" to residents’ concerns. The report is also scathing on impact of emergency management law. Read the full report here.