U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Steven Rhodes gave 15 ordinary Detroit retirees, appearing without lawyers, an opportunity to appear at the city’s bankruptcy trial to voice their objection to the restructuring plan.
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
Michigan primaries – where democracy goes to die
Primary voters in Dickinson County will go the polls Tuesday; probably in the same sedan. A county-by-county guide to voter apathy in Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Government
See how YOUR county (doesn’t) vote
Go to Bridge’s voter turnout map to see how your county turns out to vote in past primary elections
Posted inMichigan Government
The three worst political ads of 2014
Among dozens of ads this election cycle, a trio earned Michigan Truth Squad’s dreaded “flagrant foul” citation.
Posted inMichigan Government
Even with no opposition, is Proposal 1 in trouble?
Support from Republicans and Democrats. More than $8 million in spending. No organized opposition. Why is the public skeptical?
Posted inMichigan Government
A Republican civil war plays out in Michigan
Michigan GOP primary foes wage a battle of ideas and tone, echoing similar struggles within the party in Washington and elsewhere.
Posted inMichigan Government
A primer for a primary with national themes
Close races, marijuana referendums, a southeast Michigan mass transit tax proposal and a statewide business tax issue highlight the Aug. 5 ballot.
Posted inMichigan Government
Obamacare giveth, but courts could taketh away
A federal court case could set the stage for the repeal of Obamacare tax credits, and drastically raise health-care costs for 250,000 Michigan residents. A final decision is likely a year away.
Posted inMichigan Government
Q&A: Home is what you make it
There are many cities that can be improved with planning that turns public spaces into the heart of those communities. Michigan’s “placemaking” chief explains how.
Posted inMichigan Government
Emergency manager or emperor? Why Michigan’s law stirs contempt
Michigan has one of the most aggressive receivership laws in the nation, giving emergency managers extraordinary power in distressed communities, but leaving hard feelings in their wake. Other states have had a smoother ride by involving elected leaders in turnaround plans, rather than shuttling them to the sideline.