News
Civil asset forfeiture bill clears Senate
Legislation requiring a conviction before law enforcement officials could seize money, cars or other property passed the Senate on Wednesday by a bipartisan 36-2 vote. State Sens. Kim LaSata (R-Bainbridge Twp.) and Paul Wojno (D-Warren) voted no. The bicameral commitment to reform the state’s civil asset forfeiture process has been one of the earliest hopes […]
AG asked to review GOP action modifying paid sick time, minimum wage initiatives
State Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) wants the Michigan attorney general to take another look at last year’s GOP legislative maneuvering to weaken ballot initiatives on minimum wage and paid sick time. In a letter to Attorney General Dana Nessel, Chang requested an official opinion. The lawmaker wrote that the GOP-controlled Legislature’s moves last year to […]
Top lines from Whitmer’s first State of the State
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had her share of zingers, applause lines and a corny joke or two — pretty standard fare for a first State of the State speech. She also didn’t shy away from progressive rhetoric on how Michigan is falling short on education, climate change, equal pay and LGBTQ rights, which did not earn […]
Whitmer declares Snyder era over — except on budget deadlines
Without mentioning his name, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer took former Gov. Rick Snyder and Republicans who worked with him to task in a sweeping State of the State address that touched on fixing Michigan roads, cleaning up drinking water and improving schools. Snyder defined himself as a governor of “relentless positive action.” Whitmer’s criticism Tuesday night […]
Leaders grade gov. speech on jobs, auto insurance, education and more
There was no shortage of people giving their takes on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s first State of the State speech on Tuesday night, including the man she jokingly referred to from the rostrum as “Mr. Julie Calley.” Former Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, who’s married to current state Rep. Julie Calley (R-Portland), has appeared with Whitmer at […]
Photo Gallery: Whitmer’s first State of the State address
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gave her first State of the State address Tuesday night in the Michigan House chamber after almost a month and a half in office. Here are some of the moments from her speech:
Biden remembers ‘amazing soul’ of John Dingell as hundreds mourn
Former Vice President Joe Biden remembered his friend, the late John Dingell Jr., as an “amazing soul” and “a master” during a 90-minute public mass held Tuesday in Dearborn. “There are only a few who I looked up to and admired what they did. … John Dingell was the man,” said Biden at a service […]
Bet on roads? Tribes could lose in gambling plan
Despite repeated failure, a bill has resurfaced that would inject $60 million of Native American gambling money into the state’s crumbling roads. Early this session, state Rep. Jeff Yaroch (R-Richmond) introduced House Bill 4093 that would use casino revenue shared with the state to help pave Michigan roads. The same bill failed to gain traction […]
How 25 years of charter schools have changed Detroit
Charter schools have been a part of Michigan’s educational landscape for the last quarter-century. While they still inspire intense debate to this day, there’s no doubt that charters have had a significant impact in the state, particularly in Detroit. It was 1994 when charters first came on the scene in Michigan. A lot has changed […]
Ulbrich: Some charter authorizers are ‘cashing in and making tons of money’
The State Board of Education has hit the ground running this year, launching a search for a new state superintendent of public instruction and hiring Ray & Associates. Interim leader Sheila Alles, who had served as chief deputy superintendent, replaced the late Brian Whiston, who died last year after a bout with cancer. In […]
On this day in 1965: Feds seek Dearborn mayor after racist mob attack
U.S. marshals sought to arrest segregationist Dearborn Mayor Orville Hubbard on this day in 1965 for failing to show up for an arraignment. The charge: Hubbard, who was white, withheld police protection in a racial incident, according to the feds. The incident occurred on Labor Day 1963 after a mob was enraged by false rumors […]
Gov. to skip SOS happy talk tradition, focus on roads, schools
Michiganders have come to expect that once a year, their governor will appear on TV and put a happy face on the state of our state. That’s the way it’s been, by and large, for the last 16 years, under both Democratic former Gov. Jennifer Granholm and GOP former Gov. Rick Snyder. While both leaders […]