Michigan K-12 students will be banned from using smartphones during instructional time starting this fall. Here’s what to know about the new law signed Tuesday by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Jordyn Hermani
As part of the Capitol team, Jordyn Hermani covers state policy and politics, tracking the Legislature, the state budget and elections. Before joining Bridge, she wrote for MLive as its statewide politics and culture reporter and for Gongwer Michigan as its state House reporter.
A 2018 graduate of Central Michigan University, Jordyn lives in Lansing with her husband and two cats.
Posted inHealth and Welfare, Michigan Government
Unpaid medical debt? Michigan may soon limit how creditors can come after it
Lawmakers want to crack down on how and when hospitals and debt collectors can recoup unpaid medical debt under a two-bill package The bipartisan effort wouldn’t stop debt collections all together, but, if passed, would prevent actions like foreclosure or wage garnishment It’s unclear whether the package will be taken up in the Republican-led House. […]
Posted inMichigan Government, Police & Public Safety
ICE denies targeting schools as Michigan lawmakers eye restrictions
As Michigan lawmakers debate banning ICE enforcement at schools, the agency on Thursday denied claims stemming from recent arrests in Ypsilanti.
Posted inPolice & Public Safety, Political and Public Policy Information
ICE in Michigan: More arrests, detainees and protests
Amid national debate over deportation tactics, here’s what to know about ICE and Border Patrol enforcement in Michigan.
Posted inEducation, Michigan Government
Michigan nears school cellphone ban. What to know
Michigan House OK’s ban on using smartphones in public and charter schools across the state. Students could still carry ‘dumb’ phones without access to TikTok.
Posted inMichigan Government
What Garlin Gilchrist’s switch means for Michigan governor, SOS races
Jocelyn Benson is happy Garlin Gilchrist is no longer running for governor. Democrats already running for secretary of state aren’t happy he’s joined their race, arguing the post is ‘not a consolation prize.’
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan helps employers build housing in Detroit, Kalamazoo as fund runs dry
Michigan housing agency awards final $3.2M remaining in employer-assisted housing dollars for projects in Detroit and Kalamazoo.
Posted inMichigan Government, Political and Public Policy Information
Michigan EV fees spike under road funding deal, now nation’s highest
Michigan has nearly doubled electric vehicle registration fees for 2026 as part of last year’s road funding deal, which triggered an overlooked provision of state law. As EV drivers call foul, a legislative fix seems unlikely.
Posted inMichigan Government
After ‘chaotic’ year, Michigan leaders eye transparency, literacy, taxes
Michigan’s top legislative Democrat wants to expand the Freedom of Information Act in 2026. The top Republican wants to cut property taxes. In an election year, can anything get done?
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan’s minimum wage is going up in 2026. Here’s why
Michigan’s minimum and sub-minimum wages will increase on Jan. 1, 2026. Not everyone is happy about that.