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Bridge Listens: The state of democracy, transparency in Michigan

by Lauren Gibbons July 27, 2026July 27, 2026

Bridge readers say they’re concerned about the future of democracy. We break down the facts, the research and what it all means for Michigan.

Michigan Environment Watch

Consumers Energy may drain part of Manistee River to investigate dam damage

by Kelly House July 24, 2026July 24, 2026

Recent spring floods damaged the tailrace downstream of the Hodenpyl Dam. Other nonfunctioning equipment at the dam has made inspections difficult.

Sparty runs onto the field with an MSU flag.

Talent & Education

Corporation aims to boost MSU sports revenue. Should it operate in secret?

by Kim Kozlowski July 23, 2026July 23, 2026

MSU’s secrecy around Spartan Media Ventures, a new for-profit corporation formed to raise money for sports programs, has some concerned — including members of the university’s own Board of Trustees.

Michigan U.S. Senate candidates, Abdul El-Sayed, left, and Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., are displayed on a television during a debate inside the spin room at WoodTV studios on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Mich

Michigan Government

Fact-check: Millionaire claims in Abdul El-Sayed, Haley Stevens Senate race

by Kelly House July 22, 2026July 23, 2026

Haley Stevens has repeatedly claimed to be the only non-millionaire in Michigan’s US Senate race. While she hasn’t proven the claim, Abdul El-Sayed hasn’t denied it, and past disclosures show he may be.

Gov Gretchen Whitmer at a podium, surrounded by Matt Hall, Winnie Brinks and others. Sign on podium says "Every kid eats, reads, succeeds."

Talent & Education

Whitmer makes ‘science of reading’ training mandatory for Michigan teachers

by Isabel Lohman July 21, 2026July 22, 2026

As Michigan struggles with low literacy test scores, leaders are putting in a new training requirement for elementary teachers.

Outdoors Life

How a 105-foot schooner is teaching teens the Detroit River’s story

by Ella Miller July 16, 2026July 20, 2026

The Detroit River Scholars program gives students in southeast Michigan hands-on experience on the water. Its goal is to break down barriers and help youth find a personal connection to the river.

Michigan Government

Michigan poised to close ‘revolving door’ for lawmaker lobbyists

by Jordyn Hermani July 16, 2026July 16, 2026

Michigan would create a two-year ‘cooling off’ period before lawmakers can become lobbyists under bills sent to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Critics have raised free speech concerns.

A shot of a mailer featuring Barack Obama.

Michigan Government

Fact check: Where does Barack Obama stand on Michigan’s Senate race?

by Lauren Gibbons July 15, 2026July 20, 2026

Ads show the former president praising Haley Stevens, but he’s not endorsed anyone in the Democratic primary. Is that misleading?

Jocelyn Benson is wearing sunglasses and campaign buttons speaks with another woman at an outdoor event, gesturing as they talk. Campaign signs and attendees are visible in the background.

Michigan Government

Jocelyn Benson: ‘None of my family is profiting from data centers’

by Simon D. Schuster July 14, 2026July 20, 2026

Democrat Jocelyn Benson is talking affordability as she runs for governor. But voters keep asking about data centers — and her husband’s role at a company working to bring a massive one to Michigan.