Michigan Government

Democrats say too much money is spent on prisons. Republicans, prosecutors say bills to allow inmates to petition for lighter sentences, earn credits for early release could free ‘dangerous criminals.’

State attorneys said in court documents the Edenville dam owner knew of flaws back in 2010 but took no action. Instead, he spent money on a sawmill and nearly $500,000 on a music festival.

At the Mackinac Policy Conference next week, Gretchen Whitmer will announce a commission to develop policy recommendations to jump-start population growth, reimagine road funding and improve public education.

Flush with federal cash, Michigan and its largest communities have announced nearly 900 separate projects that do far more than simply help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

A panel also weighed raises for governor, attorney general and other lawmakers but held off due to public perceptions. One member says he’s ‘embarrassed and ashamed’ by Michigan’s pay.

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

The justice says he hopes being open with his challenges helps others.

Democrats promised to reform campaign finance. So far, the only major bills they've introduced would allow payroll deductions to union political action committees.

The bill now heads to the House. If approved, Michigan would join at least 20 states and Washington D.C. in passing laws to ban race-based hair discrimination.

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

Michigan officials will have billions of dollars less to work with than initially expected when crafting the state budget this spring. But economic forecasters predicted Friday that the state is in a decent spot.

State officials admit they never sought bids for a Clare health complex because they determined it was intended to go to the former aide of a high-ranking official.

A onetime aide to Michigan’s former House speaker is now under investigation by the state, which has already spent $10 million on the project.

The yearly estimates are not without flaws, but underscore Michigan’s continued population crisis.

The parents of Oxford High School shooter Ethan Crumbley are appealing a Court of Appeals decision that concluded they could stand trial for allowing their minor son access to firearms.

Employers can’t discriminate against someone for getting an abortion under a law signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Wednesday.

Democrats say a 2018 law barring state rules that are stricter than federal regulations undercuts state regulators’ ability to address pollution issues. Business groups fear repealing the measure could have unintended consequences.

A massive freighter gave Belle Isle Park visitors a surprise after running aground on the eastern shore of the island.

A Michigan House bill would let 19 and 20 year olds work in the recreational marijuana industry.

Call it ‘payback’ or politics as usual, but campaign records show that labor groups increased donations to Democrats this spring as they advanced a host of pro-union laws.