Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s first term was defined by COVID. A Bridge analysis finds the facts are clear: Her orders spared lives, but did so at a cost to the economy and K-12 learning.

As students and schools try to recover from the pandemic, Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Republican challenger Tudor Dixon have vastly different plans for how to improve Michigan schools and colleges.

Bridge Business Editor Paula Gardner moderated a discussion Wednesday with industry leaders on how inflation is affecting businesses, employees and consumers, as well as innovations to lessen its burden.

‘Little Bavaria’ draws 3 million visitors a year, fueling a robust rebound from pandemic restrictions. Its iconic restaurants and shops suffered financial disruptions similar to other towns. But leaders set aside politics and focused on winning back tourists.

Once again, the most absentee votes are in Democratic-leaning counties. All told, more than 1.7 million voters have requested them so far.

The redistricting commission was approved by voters in 2018, but left out of the budget.

It has never been more important to elect leaders who center policy squarely on health. To do that, addressing the climate crisis is essential.