Rep. Karen Whitsett of Detroit has often been at odds with leaders in her own party. While she supports abortion rights, she has reservations on several bills. And she warned leaders that other Democrats share her concern.

Yue Stella Yu
Detroit pays neighborhood groups $10M to curb violence. Will it work?
Buoyed by an influx of federal pandemic relief funding, the city is investing $10 million in small organizations — some of which labored for years to protect neighborhoods on shoestring budgets — on the new “ShotStoppers” crime reduction strategy.
Michigan Democrats eye more gun restrictions for domestic abusers
Thirty-three states have laws barring those convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor from owning guns. Michigan does not. The proposed law would also suspend access to firearms for people who are subject to a protection order.
Michigan to require most prison staff to wear body cameras
State lawmakers approved $7 million for the state Department of Corrections to buy body cameras for state correctional facilities — an effort prison reform advocates call a step toward greater prison transparency.
How to spend $81.7B: Michigan budget boosts funds for roads, parks, water
Democrats pass their first budget since taking over the Legislature, spending down a $7 billion surplus and largely adopting Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s priorities. Republicans call plan bloated.
Michigan poised to allow beer sales in college stadiums. What research says
Will fans get drunker and rowdier? Research is mixed. But one thing is for sure: Millions of profits are on the line.
Michigan Democrats want cities to decide how much private employers pay
Democrats, unions and local officials say legislation would give cities autonomy to set higher minimum wage, require paid sick leave. Republicans call the plan a jobs-killer.
Michigan lawmakers OK early voting, conversion therapy ban, Juneteenth holiday
Flurry of Democratic legislation also includes mandatory lead testing for young children, alcohol sales inside college stadiums and reforms to prevent child abuse.
Beer o’clock may beckon at Michigan college sports stadiums under new bill
Michigan lawmakers may soon allow universities to sell alcohol inside stadiums. Supporters argue the measure could help reduce pre-gaming among college students
Want better roads? Make it easier to open gravel mines in Michigan, unions say
A proposal to shift oversight of gravel mines to the state is back in the state House, pitting business and union leaders against environmentalists and township officials.