The days of politicians drawing their own district maps end Tuesday, when the citizen-powered, nonpartisan redistricting commission begins a series of public meetings.

Michigan school superintendents are 95 percent white and less than 4 percent Black. And while teachers are 77 percent female, superintendents are 77 percent male. State leaders say it’s hard to find diverse candidates. Minority leaders see other factors at work.

Her refusal to answer questions about who funded a private trip to Florida follow flaps about confidential severances and reluctance to release COVID-19 records.

The state’s battered restaurant industry hasn’t had a lot to offer workers during the pandemic. Now the industry is raising wages to compete with higher-paying careers, but owners say there still aren’t enough workers to fill jobs as summer approaches.

In Charlevoix, summer homes for wealthy visitors and the need for year-round housing will clash again this summer. Some housing advocates are trying new strategies to get around the problem that’s affecting the regional workforce.

Among other things, activists testifying on behalf of Republicans raise unproven claims that smartphone apps could use artificial intelligence to spy on their social media commentary about COVID.

A Republican reform would lock boxes at 5 p.m. on Election Day, rather than the day before. Clerks say that could make it hard to vote and create long lines.

One week after Gov. Whitmer tied lifting remaining restrictions to the benchmark, new modeling shows the state is months away from the milestone — which could amp up pressure to change paths quicker.

Fully vaccinated people won't have to wear masks at indoor gatherings, while masks won't be required at all in most outdoor settings.

The Mackinac Center argues schools are much better funded than typically is reported in the media.