Bridge Michigan@BridgeMichigan

A nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan news site focused on facts. Our free newsletter is more consistent and complete than tweets. Subscribe: bridgemi.com/signup

 Michigan, USA
bridgemi.com
Joined August 2011
Upset over LGBTQ books, a Michigan town defunds its library in tax vote bit.ly/3BCBT3S

Upset over LGBTQ books, a Michigan town defunds its library in tax vote - Bridge Michigan

Voters in Jamestown Township, near Grand Rapids, rejected a renewal of an operations millage for the community’s public library Tuesday, leaving the library’s future in doubt. Those leading the...

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‘I am certainly not dead!’ Living voters contradict Michigan GOP fraud claims bit.ly/3m2VrD1
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Michigan lawmakers OK early voting, conversion therapy ban, Juneteenth holiday bit.ly/3PlGcr0

Michigan lawmakers OK early voting, conversion therapy ban, Juneteenth holiday - Bridge Michigan

Flurry of Democratic legislation also includes mandatory lead testing for young children, alcohol sales inside college stadiums and reforms to prevent child abuse.

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Democrats retake Michigan House with special election wins bit.ly/4aBYCfb
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Jonathan Oosting is Michigan Journalist of Year; Bridge wins top digital site bit.ly/3u8tEHj
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Michigan teachers say they’re ignored in Lansing. Now, they’re in charge. bit.ly/3iCWxK8
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Three ex-governors agree: Michigan should certify election for Joe Biden bit.ly/3kO9HiA
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Michigan State professor details terror of mass shooting in Room 114 bit.ly/3jUmKVn
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Michigan set to become 22nd state to ban conversion therapy for LGBTQ youths bit.ly/3COj2Cb
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GOP leaders: We’ll abide by popular vote, won’t give Michigan to Trump bit.ly/32Khjwm
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Thanks @Fahrenthold. We've been hustlin' for Michigan. Please support local nonpartisan, nonprofit news organizations like Bridge. DONATE: bit.ly/Donate-to-Bridge

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David Fahrenthold
@Fahrenthold
18 Nov 2020
The folk at @BridgeMichigan have done a heckuva job over the last few days.
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Despite big election victories, @MichiganDems remains a distinct minority in the state Legislature – despite picking up over half the votes cast - thanks to #gerrymandering. “Democrats won every statewide election, (but) still could not even get a tie." ed.gr/4gjv
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‘I have been indicted,’ says suspect in Michigan vote machine tampering probe bit.ly/43IPCQX

‘I have been indicted,’ says suspect in Michigan vote machine tampering probe - Bridge Michigan

Attorney Stefanie Lambert says she has been indicted in plot to illegally examine vote machines in an effort to prove 2020 election was rigged against Donald Trump. Others under investigation include...

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Trump fatigue looms large in west Michigan, once a conservative stronghold bit.ly/4gRkIOb

Trump fatigue looms large in west Michigan, once a conservative stronghold - Bridge Michigan

West Michigan has swung to Democrats in recent years, embodying the seismic political realignments precipitated by Donald Trump’s rise. Can he – and other Republicans – win back local voters?

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University of Michigan being probed on claim it falsified student grades bit.ly/3X6crwu
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Birmingham student didn’t do classwork, was sent to juvenile detention bit.ly/2OrdQuM
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The progressive attorney general @dananessel clearly disagrees with her conservative predecessor @SchuetteOnDuty. bit.ly/2DayZ6N
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The Rudy Giuliani ‘circus’ has left Lansing. The reviews are bad. bit.ly/3lC4Wc3
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Matt Maddock, a Trump favorite, ousted from Michigan GOP caucus bit.ly/3rT8KMb
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Bridge Michigan honored as national ‘unsung hero’ for unbiased news coverage bit.ly/3H1u8qk
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Two heirs bought Midland dams as a tax shelter. Tragedy followed. bit.ly/3deUqV6
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Voters chose Gretchen Whitmer to lead Michigan another four years, re-electing the Democratic governor who guided the state through the COVID-19 pandemic and vowed to fight "like hell" for abortion rights. More: bit.ly/3TkNVnG
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Opinion | Michigan ‘red flag’ laws infringe on due process and don’t work bit.ly/3mcM0XB
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Gov. Whitmer signs law allowing Michigan to pass stricter environmental rules bit.ly/3rFJcEY

Gov. Whitmer signs law allowing Michigan to pass stricter environmental rules - Bridge Michigan

The new law repeals a 2018 Republican-backed law that prohibited the state from setting stronger environmental standards than the federal government.

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Michigan state parks system leads the nation in accessible recreation bit.ly/3RNfo3Y

Michigan state parks system leads the nation in accessible recreation - Bridge Michigan

Michigan now has more options for mobility-impaired people to access beaches and trails than any other state, after a yearslong effort to make parks more accessible.

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West Michigan library defunded over LGBTQ books wins tax support on 3rd try bit.ly/3u1ARwB
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Each year, Michigan’s notoriously bad roads cost drivers an estimated $4.3B. State law promises reimbursement, but denies almost all claims. We investigated the system and found it is skewed against drivers: (thread)
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Michigan blue wave foils GOP plans to enact voter ID, school choice this year bit.ly/3fYeEJb
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Kristina Karamo wants to invalidate mail-in ballots – but only in Detroit bit.ly/3WvJ5qL
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Romance author Nora Roberts helps save MI library defunded over LGBTQ books bit.ly/3Kv2IcL

Romance author Nora Roberts helps save MI library defunded over LGBTQ books - Bridge Michigan

Saying she was ‘appalled’ by the possible closure of an Ottawa County library, romance novelist Nora Roberts steps in with a $50,000 donation and a willingness to send more. Donations now exceed next...

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Michigan Proposal 3 fact check: No, masseuses won’t give abortions to minors bit.ly/3SwsIaM
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Donald Trump claims he ‘won’ Michigan in 2020 — and will again bit.ly/3zOnPWv
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Michigan personal income plummets to lowest in history compared to nation bit.ly/48GRmhh

Michigan personal income plummets to lowest in history compared to nation - Bridge Michigan

Michigan now ranks 39th in per capita income, a reflection of the state’s slow transition away from its blue-collar roots.

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ICYMI: The Michigan Board of State Canvassers on Thursday unanimously voted to place a ballot proposal to expand voting access on the November ballot. It could allow same-day voter registration and no-reason absentee voting. ed.gr/ztf4
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Fact Squad: Audit wouldn’t change outcome of Biden win in Michigan bit.ly/3nMGVAD
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Michigan Attorney General now involved in Lee Chatfield sex assault probe bit.ly/3oddomp
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ICYMI: The group that spearheaded Michigan's new paid sick leave law, which was adopted before it went to voters, says it will launch another ballot initiative in 2020 if the bill passes in its current watered-down form. #mileg bit.ly/2KZIwBb via @LindsayVanHulle
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Michigan Senate votes to repeal 24-hour wait for abortion, other restrictions bit.ly/48Y2pmD

Michigan Senate votes to repeal 24-hour wait for abortion, other restrictions - Bridge Michigan

Michigan’s Democratic-led Senate votes to repeal a series of abortion restrictions previously enacted by Republicans. But the bills could face a roadblock in the Democratic-led House.

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GOP investigation finds no Michigan vote fraud, deems many claims ‘ludicrous’ bit.ly/3zQU8PJ

GOP investigation finds no Michigan vote fraud, deems many claims ‘ludicrous’ - Bridge Michigan

Long-awaited investigation repudiates conspiracy theories and recommends Attorney General Dana Nessel launch probe of those who spread claims for personal gain.

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Dems allege forgery, fraud on GOP petitions for Michigan U.S. Senate seat bit.ly/3V3Zdkg

Dems allege forgery, fraud on GOP petitions for Michigan U.S. Senate seat - Bridge Michigan

Democrats demand a state investigation into “potential forgery and other fraudulent signature gathering tactics” by leading Republican candidates for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat.

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Dana Nessel: There’s ‘clear evidence' to charge fake electors loyal to Trump bit.ly/3ItuHdI
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Michigan may spend big on passenger trains, eying service to Canada, Up North bit.ly/3IDLJFi

Michigan may spend big on passenger trains, eying service to Canada, Up North - Bridge Michigan

Federal and state money is beginning to pour into studies, new lines and improvements. Plans could still be a ways off, though.

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Panel to keep young people in Michigan includes one person under 40 so far bit.ly/447ggE8
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Michigan mom sues for disability in latest U.S. legal battle over long COVID bit.ly/3u3geAF

Michigan mom sues for disability in latest U.S. legal battle over long COVID - Bridge Michigan

Kelsey Warshefski, 41, said she’s suffered years of seizures, mini-strokes and fatigue. She can no longer run, work or romp with her son. She’s among a growing number of patients suing after disabi...

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Opinion: Sixteen states have banned conversion therapy, the controversial practice of trying to turn LGBTQ youth to embrace heterosexuality. It’s time for Michigan to join them, says state Senator @MalloryMcMorrow. bit.ly/2YzvKP8
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DTE Energy ghostwriting comments to push $456 million rate hike bit.ly/3A7icCV

DTE Energy ghostwriting comments to push $456 million rate hike - Bridge Michigan

As regulators review DTE Energy's $456.4 million rate hike request, businesses' comments appear to be written by the utility itself.

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Opinion | Michigan parents have right to know what their children are taught in school bit.ly/3PKmVPI
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Bridge’s Lauren Gibbons honored for investigation into juvenile court fees bit.ly/4d0ZPy5
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Michigan voter rolls inflated by 500K. State says it’s no issue. GOP disagrees bit.ly/3UbBhKY

Michigan voter rolls inflated by 500K. State says it’s no issue. GOP disagrees - Bridge Michigan

Automatic voter registrations with driver license renewals has caused voter registrations to soar. Republicans have sued, but the state says the litigation is part of an effort to sow distrust.

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Bridge Michigan expands again, hires two editors, Capitol reporter bit.ly/42KIrsM

Bridge Michigan expands again, hires two editors, Capitol reporter - Bridge Michigan

Leslie J. Allen and Jonathan Oosting join editing ranks and Jordyn Hermani starts work on Capitol team, the latest in steady growth for Bridge.

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How to vote early in the November election in Michigan bit.ly/2FPTtqw
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Oxford High students push gun reforms in Michigan: ‘Things need to change’ bit.ly/3Lw0QR9
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They were at the Capitol riot. Now, these Michigan Republicans want your vote bit.ly/3vncZ2m
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Michigan AG, police to probe false election fraud claims after GOP report bit.ly/3wBHcKZ
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Michigan 2020 Election Tracker: @dananessel may pursue sanctions against @realDonaldTrump campaign attorneys and allies including Sidney Powell for “intentional misrepresentations” in lawsuits seeking to overturn Michigan election results. bridgemi.com/michigan-govern… v

Michigan Politics Tracker | Whitmer calls for $150 million investment in local parks - Bridge...

This continuously updated post includes details of Michigan's elections, campaigns, politics and voting news.

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Michigan makes history, requires filtered water in all schools, daycares bit.ly/3FpWZ6i

Michigan makes history, requires filtered water in all schools, daycares - Bridge Michigan

New law mandates for filtered water bottle filling stations or faucets in all schools and daycare centers by 2026.

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Climate change is erasing Michigan winters, taking our heritage with them bit.ly/48E9Qhy

Climate change is erasing Michigan winters, taking our heritage with them - Bridge Michigan

Lost winters like 2024 may soon be the norm. That threatens so much of what makes Michigan unique, from ice fishing and snowmobiling to cross-country skiing and just traipsing in the snow.

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After Michigan students clog campus polling places, election officials look for a better way bit.ly/3GtLInl
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Schools outraged that bars can open in Michigan, but not winter sports bit.ly/3iSHeIX
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Michigan flatlining on jobs: No job growth expected through 2030 bit.ly/44iNRuk

Michigan flatlining on jobs: No job growth expected through 2030 - Bridge Michigan

Which comes first — job growth or population growth? Unfortunately, Michigan struggles with both.

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Huge wins for Democrats. They're poised to retake Michigan Legislature bit.ly/3Trl3Ky
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Fact Squad: No, Michigan Gov. Whitmer did not ‘defund the police’ bit.ly/2WSwY9Y
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Corporate subsidies cost Michigan $335M; 40% of deals create low-paying jobs bit.ly/43kslX8
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Thanks @nytimes for picking up our story! If you missed the original story on emails from Republicans discussing #Gerrymandering in 2011, here's our link: bit.ly/2A8AYKp
The New York Times
@nytimes
26 Jul 2018
Newly disclosed emails show Michigan Republicans angling to give their party a dominant position through gerrymandered maps nyti.ms/2A7p43v
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We read all Michigan election reform bills. Many would add hurdles to voting. bit.ly/3g28FAD

We read all Michigan election reform bills. Many would add hurdles to voting. - Bridge Michigan

New ID requirements. Ballot box regulations. Bans on paid postage for absentee ballots. Rules for challengers.  All told, the plans from Republicans would disproportionately impact Democratic...

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Ottawa County hires law firm that sought to void 2020 election bit.ly/3ZECbRB
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Indiana is beating Michigan by attracting people, not just companies bit.ly/3QAkn6l

Indiana is beating Michigan by attracting people, not just companies - Bridge Michigan

Indiana leads the Midwest in population growth. Michigan lags. What can we learn from the Hoosier state? That building cities and towns where young people want to live and raise families can bring...

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Michigan continues to bleed residents, losses to other states double in 2023 bit.ly/4fkKQzB
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Michigan admits underreporting 200K+ COVID-19 cases, many during worst wave bit.ly/48NEgiU

Michigan admits underreporting 200K+ COVID-19 cases, many during worst wave - Bridge Michigan

Michigan underreported total cases counts by 6%, the bulk of which came during the deadly omicron wave of 2021 and 2022. The state fixed the problem in October and blames a computer error.

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Amid outcry, solar farm owner says it no longer wants Michigan forest to expand bit.ly/4fHIaM8

Amid outcry, solar farm owner says it no longer wants Michigan forest to expand - Bridge Michigan

Michigan lawmakers are upset over a state plan to lease 420 acres near Gaylord for a nearby solar farm. Now, the company involved says it no longer wants the land.

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Michigan Republicans to push constitutional amendment requiring ID to vote bit.ly/3Bp7Grm
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Meet the judge keeping abortion legal in Michigan (for now) bit.ly/3QOcycm

Meet the judge keeping abortion legal in Michigan (for now) - Bridge Michigan

Elizabeth Gleicher had a history of liberal advocacy as a lawyer before joining the Michigan Court of Appeals. Colleagues also say she’s a hard-working, fair judge.

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Michigan's Proposal 2 from @NotPoliticians, a ballot measure to end #gerrymandering was supported by voters across the state, not just from Democratic strongholds. See our interactive map to see how your county voted. ed.gr/4jjp via @mwilk_Bridge
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Whitmer signs ‘red flag’ law, allowing Michigan judges to confiscate guns bit.ly/3MZ8iqR

Whitmer signs ‘red flag’ law, allowing Michigan judges to confiscate guns - Bridge Michigan

Michigan becomes the 21st state to allow ‘extreme risk protection orders’ allowing judges to temporarily seize guns of those deemed a danger.

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Fed up with geese, Michigan abandons relocation efforts. Next up: killing them bit.ly/3ZogUxv
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New Michigan laws ban domestic abusers from owning guns for eight years bit.ly/40KHWxW
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#EXCLUSIVE: @GovWhitmer is expected to sign an executive order shutting down schools for the rest of the school year. DETAILS on testing plans and school funding here: bit.ly/2ygbES5
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Big money donors shunning Tudor Dixon, Michigan Republican ticket bit.ly/3fQSQPn
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Opinion | Stop expanding the damn roads and rethink MI’s transportation future bit.ly/3etM5CE
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Whitmer signs anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ residents in Michigan into law bit.ly/42i1xpz
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Replying to @BridgeMichigan @SchuetteOnDuty
In her first month, @dananessel has reversed or withdrawn from more than a dozen cases involving abortion, religious rights, #Obamacare environmental rules and other hot-button issues. bit.ly/2DayZ6N
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Michigan now has the highest COVID-19 rate in the nation, as the state reported 21,034 new cases on Monday, or an average of 7,011 for each of the past three days. More: bit.ly/MI-covid-tracker
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A Michigan doctor goes to Facebook over dying, unvaccinated COVID patients bit.ly/3EwvSVF
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Sister-in-law: Ex-MI House Speaker Lee Chatfield sexually assaulted me as teen bit.ly/33fZOqz

Sister-in-law: Ex-MI House Speaker Lee Chatfield sexually assaulted me as teen - Bridge Michigan

She said Chatfield groomed and then assaulted her when she was a 15- or 16-year-old student at a Chatfield family-run Christian school in northern Michigan where he taught. She said the assaults...

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Opinion | Let’s not flunk third-graders for low reading scores in a pandemic bit.ly/3estQLy
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ICYMI: Three weeks into office, new #Michigan attorney general @dananessel, a Democrat, has begun to roll back environmental litigation initiated by her Republican predecessor, @SchuetteOnDuty bit.ly/2RK7gUg
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Two major medical groups — Michigan Association of Family Physicians and the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics – Thursday urged universal masking in schools. bit.ly/MI-covid-tracker
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Opinion | Republicans are spreading disinformation about vaccine, face masks bit.ly/3xWuxm9
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Feral goldfish are menacing Great Lakes: We’re going to need a bigger bowl bit.ly/3N5KZek
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Michigan has spent $1B on EV, battery plants. So far, they’ve created 200 jobs bit.ly/3xbFlml

Michigan has spent $1B on EV, battery plants. So far, they’ve created 200 jobs - Bridge Michigan

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer bet big on five companies that promised $16 billion in investments and 12,000 jobs. The projects didn’t need to create jobs before getting the money, and now all are delayed or...

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Bridge won its 4th-consecutive Newspaper of the Year award from @MichiganPress Assoc. We won 30 prizes in all, including 5 1st-place awards in open-class competition against every paper in the state. Among them: MPA's prestigious Public Service Award. bit.ly/2TqEJAf
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Michigan strips UP clerk of election duty over planned hand count bit.ly/40p3SAk
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Mass transit wins big in new plan to retool Michigan corporate subsidies bit.ly/3yP4OlO

Mass transit wins big in new plan to retool Michigan corporate subsidies - Bridge Michigan

The Michigan Legislature seems ready to redirect much of its billion dollar incentive spending toward building more mass transit and other community projects. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appears open to...

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#Michigan #gerrymandering trial on for February; court cites ‘profound’ bias. A 3-judge panel decided there is enough evidence that Republicans orchestrated a “durable partisan gerrymander” over several election cycles. bit.ly/2zxMbBs via @joeltkurth
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In 2017, a widely admired elementary school principal, shot his 26 y/o son with cerebral palsy and himself near Grand Rapids. Michigan’s education system for the developmentally disabled ends at age 26, leaving parents at a loss for support and structure. ed.gr/mrs8
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First Person | Detroit poll workers are heroes of this election bit.ly/2TYqHaS
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GOP gerrymanderer: My maps fueled toxic politics that produced Trump bit.ly/3hQVEJ4
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Michigan per-capita income lags again; ‘it’s the lowest we’ve ever been’ bit.ly/4hgaF5z

Michigan per-capita income lags again; ‘it’s the lowest we’ve ever been’ - Bridge Michigan

Michigan is mired at 39th among states in income, continuing a long decline after once being among the top 10 in states, new data shows.

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Records: Michigan voting machines exchanged at mall, ‘manipulated’ in hotels bit.ly/3s5ryLg
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Michigan House speaker blasts lawmaker’s ‘blatantly racist’ social media post bit.ly/42ADqTn
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