Governor Whitmer

It's been a tough week for Michigan’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. We broke down what's happening with some political experts. Also, the effort to keep invasive carp out of the Great Lakes gets a major funding boost in 2022. And, we get the details on another voting-related ballot drive announced just today.

In her fourth State of the State speech, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer focused on policy goals with some bipartisan support. But how much comradery will Democrats and Republicans be able to find in an election year?

Listen to the governor's fourth State of the State address with full commentary by Rick Pluta (Senior Capitol Correspondent, Michigan Public Radio Network) and Laura Weber Davis (Executive Producer, Michigan Radio). Plus, an interview with Republican state Rep. Andrew Fink.

The governor said in a year-end press conference that much more is known about how to avoid and to treat COVID than at this time last year. She also said restrictions would be less effective now because it would further alienate people who continue to resist vaccination and other precautions.

The Mackinac Center filed FOIA requests with U of M for emails between several university employees and the governor’s office. The center says it wants to know more about the science and “data used to support the state’s initial lockdown orders and reopening plan.”

A Michigan Department of Health and Human Services COVID safety press conference that Governor Whitmer did not attend. Mel Tucker's potential payday ahead of MSU-OSU football clash. Tragedy unveiled at Faster Horses music festival. The impactful legacy of Detroit architect Nathan Johnson. A cocktail for Turkey Day with the Cheers! team.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer talks about the state’s auto insurance overhaul, and vaccinations for Michigan children ages 5 to 11.

The group of about 4,000 toxic chemicals is used widely in a variety of products and manufacturing. Some rivers and drinking water sources in Michigan have been contaminated by PFAS.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer vetoed two election-related bills Friday that were sent to her by the Republican-controlled Legislature.

The GOP-controlled Senate pushed through a bill that would add further ID requirements for absentee ballots and prevent government officials from mailing out unsolicited absentee ballot applications.