Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s first term was defined by COVID. A Bridge analysis finds the facts are clear: Her orders spared lives, but did so at a cost to the economy and K-12 learning.
Mike Wilkinson
Posted inHealth and Welfare
CDC loosens COVID rules with new onus on people, not schools, businesses
The Biden administration bowed to the reality that COVID-19 is here to stay and most Americans are better equipped to fend off serious illness. The new rules place more emphasis on individual responsibility.
Posted inPolitical and Public Policy Information
Michigan primary takeaways: Big night for Trump, bad night for Black Democrats
Results are still trickling in from some parts of the state, but here’s what we know: It was a good night for Tudor Dixon and many other Trump-aligned candidates, while fears about reduced minority representation may have materialized.
Posted inHealth and Welfare
Laws banning sodomy, gay marriage on books in Michigan. Some fear what’s next.
Justice Clarence Thomas writes that laws legalizing same-sex marriage and contraception should be revisited. If federal protections end, old Michigan laws could take effect.
Posted inEmergencies and Risks (COVID-19)
Michigan closes gap on racial disparities in COVID-19 deaths
Early in the pandemic, Blacks accounted for 40 percent of all COVID-19 deaths. But efforts to address the gap led to health changes that lowered the rate to 14 percent — equal to their proportion of the state’s population.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
Michigan troopers vow reforms after study finds racial disparities in stops
Agency will add body cameras, other training. Study finds Black drivers three times as likely to be searched. Disparity in stops is the worst in Thumb.
Posted inPolitical and Public Policy Information
Michigan redistricting panel OKs three congressional maps; more tweaks likely
The state delegation could remain split. More maps could be coming as emotions turn raw during debate about Detroit districts.
Posted inPolitical and Public Policy Information
Few incumbents are safe in Michigan’s draft congressional district maps
Proposed maps by a citizen group redrawing political boundaries would pit several incumbents against each other and eliminate one of two majority-minority districts.
Posted inEmergencies and Risks (COVID-19)
Are your neighbors vaccinated? Michigan map shows rates by census tracts
A look at 2,700 neighborhoods reveals wide discrepancies by race, income level, education — but perhaps not political affiliation. The map comes as vaccination rates slow in Michigan.
Posted inEmergencies and Risks (COVID-19)
COVID is fading, but racial gap in deaths is back with force in Michigan
Black residents are dying at greater rates once again in Michigan in part because they are getting vaccinated at lower rates.