As we glide toward the end of 2021, Bridge Michigan reporters look back on the stories that best encapsulated a frenetic news year.
Michigan redistricting
Posted inMichigan Government
New districts give Democrats chance to flip Michigan Legislature
Redistricting panel completes process that began in 2018 with constitutional amendment. But lawsuits over minority representation are likely.
Posted inMichigan Government
Congressional map adopted by Michigan panel gives Democrats 7-6 edge
Michigan’s two majority-Black congressional districts are eliminated. Eight of 14 incumbents would have to face off against each other or run in different districts.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan’s redistricting panel to make history with adoption of new maps
The state’s first-ever redistricting commission is about to adopt legislative maps for the next 10 years. But will they stand up in court?
Posted inMichigan Government
Here’s what the Michigan redistricting panel discussed in secret
Read the seven memos Bridge Michigan and other news outlets sued to make public. Most materials discuss the Voting Rights Act and drawing of majority-minority districts.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Supreme Court orders release of redistricting panel’s secret work
Bridge Michigan was among several media organizations that sued the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission for its failure to make public a private hearing and refusing to release secret legal memos related to its work.
Posted inMichigan Government
Critics say prisons give rural Michigan towns unfair edge in redistricting
Advocates call it ‘prison gerrymandering’ and say urban cities are denied truly fair representation because inmates are counted as residents of their prisons. Others say it’s not so simple.
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
Join Bridge Lunch Break discussion on Michigan redistricting
Capitol reporter Sergio Martínez-Beltrán will moderate a Zoom discussion with three experts on Jan. 26 about legislative maps that will last 10 years.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Supreme Court hears redistricting lawsuit over secret memos
The decision by the state’s top court will determine whether the public gets to see memos the redistricting commission used to help draw political boundaries.
Posted inMichigan Government
On eve of court case, Michigan redistricting panel says it has right to secrecy
In lawsuit response, the group contends that memos about minority representation are protected under attorney-client privilege, and releasing them is a ‘direct threat.’