Labor unions have pushed to repeal Michigan’s Right-to-Work law for nearly a decade. In 2022, they gave millions of dollars to Democrats who now have the power to make it happen.

Michigan’s governor hasn’t achieved breakthroughs on transparency and ethics reforms that she proposed in her 2018 campaign. But after winning re-election, Whitmer said she is ready to work with Democratic legislative majorities to get it done.

Democrats could breathe new life into the effort when they take control of the Legislature in January, but the path forward may be complicated by other legislative priorities. The bills include universal screening for K-3 students, specialized instruction and teacher training.

In seeking to suppress search warrant records in the criminal probe, the attorney general’s office argues that some current and ex-state officials, appointees and lobbyists could be embarrassed if the records are made public.

The state approved a 15-year tax break on Tuesday for the mill in Escanaba. The Swedish company that owns the facility is considering the site as a ‘cornerstone’ of its U.S. expansion into more lucrative packaging products.

Under the deal, which is awaiting consideration by a federal judge, tribal fishers could use gillnets in more places to cope with declining whitefish populations. Recreational fishing interests argue that could leave fewer fish for them.

The panel, which was unfunded by the Legislature in the current fiscal year, is seeking $3.17 million.

Frequent power outages and high bills have led Highland Park residents to seek options beyond DTE. Advocates say the city can create an independent grid, leaving it to control its energy distribution.

Democrats want to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit and repeal the pension tax. Doing so would impact more than 1 million households and cost the state $757 million in tax revenues.

A moratorium on residential water shut offs in Detroit runs out Dec. 31. Residents should apply for assistance programs to avoid shut offs.