Bridge Michigan

Progressives achieved significant success in Michigan primaries. Abdul El-Sayed, a U.S. Senate candidate, addressed supporters in Detroit during an election night event.

Michigan voters approved or rejected school millages and tax increase proposals during the primary election on August 4, 2026. Ballots were cast at Beech Woods Recreation Center in Southfield.

Abdul El-Sayed leads Haley Stevens in Michigan's Democratic Senate primary with partial vote counts, as the race reflects party divisions between progressive and establishment factions. Key vote-rich areas remain uncounted, and the winner will face Republican Mike Rogers in a general election toss-up race.

The Michigan Democratic Senate primary results feature Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens. The article is sourced from Bridge Michigan and Simon Schuster.

Michigan voters in the primary election are prioritizing economic concerns and a desire for political change. A polling location in Southfield, Michigan, was used for the August 4, 2026, election.

The article provides information about voting procedures for Michigan’s primary election. It is authored by Kathy Kieliszewski and published by Bridge Michigan.

Michigan’s Aug. 4 primary election will determine nominees for US Senate, governor, and Congress, with key races including a competitive Senate primary between Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens. The outcome hinges on voter turnout and the impact of external spending, while local races include data center votes and tax initiatives. Over 1.2 million voters have already cast ballots via absentee or early in-person voting.

Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens are campaigning in the Michigan Senate primary. El-Sayed spoke with supporters after a press conference and protest against a new data center in Saline Township.

Michigan residents aged 21 to 24 will be eligible for free community college tuition this fall through the Michigan Reconnect program, expanded for one year with a $25 million allocation in the 2027 state budget. Previously, the program was limited to those 25 and older.

Bridge Michigan offers a news quiz to provide a break from political ads, featuring 10 questions about the week's news in Michigan.

Michigan gubernatorial candidates addressed health care issues including affordability, Medicaid funding, mental health, and aging. Candidates emphasized medical price transparency, with Democrats advocating cost control regulations and Republicans promoting competition to reduce prices. Perry Johnson declined to provide detailed responses, citing tax reforms instead.

Bridge Michigan journalists hosted a virtual discussion with readers focusing on elections and the political divide. The event aimed to explore current issues affecting democracy in Michigan.

Bridge Michigan's Bridge Listens survey concluded, identifying top issues for Michigan's 2026 election based on reader input. The survey is described as unscientific.

Oakland County schools are seeking a new tax to bypass funding limits, with voters deciding Tuesday whether to approve the tax increase. Some residents oppose the proposal, citing concerns over additional taxes.

Bridge Michigan and WJR Radio are collaborating to share facts as part of an elections-focused initiative. The partnership aims to highlight government transparency promises from candidates.

Michigan's four gubernatorial candidates address education challenges, including childhood literacy and teacher training. Proposals include hiring literacy coaches, mandating phonics instruction, and adopting the LETRS training program. A 2024 law requires literacy training for teachers by 2027-28 and 2031-32.

Ads in Michigan’s US Senate race claim Abdul El-Sayed has a history of ‘disrespecting women’ based on past comments and sources, which his campaign calls ‘misleading and offensive.’ A fact-check found the cited examples, including policy critiques of Michelle Obama and Gretchen Whitmer, lacked explicit gender-based or misogynistic language. El-Sayed stated the ads have impacted his family, while opponent Haley Stevens denied the claims.

Bridge Michigan readers have identified the future of democracy and transparency as their primary concerns in an election year. The article highlights these issues as central to public discourse in Michigan.

Republican businessman Perry Johnson has self-funded nearly $30 million for his Michigan governor campaign, while Democrat Jocelyn Benson raised $5 million, including union donations, and holds a $6.4 million war chest. John James's GOP campaign and a pro-James super PAC received $3.2 million, partly from DeVos family donations. The primary between Johnson and James is set for August 4.

Bridge Michigan journalists travel across the state to report firsthand from communities, classrooms, shorelines, businesses, and public meetings. The article seeks funding support to sustain this travel and keep journalism close to the people and places behind the news.

Unemployment recipients in Michigan must now report three work search activities weekly, starting July 19, under new rules part of bipartisan legislation signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The change phases in based on certification schedules, and failing to meet the requirement results in lost benefits. Maximum weekly unemployment benefits will also increase from $530 to $614 starting January 1.

Abdul El-Sayed called to defund the police in 2020 but has since distanced himself from the slogan. The article references Republican meddling in the context of his record.

Ashley Hoath's death at Michigan's Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility was ruled a suicide following an autopsy that cited acute aspirin. The facility faces growing scrutiny after four inmate deaths this year.

Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Matt Mencarini has joined Bridge Michigan as an accountability and data reporter. The appointment highlights his recognition as a Pulitzer-prize winning journalist in his new role.

The Michigan House must send nine blocked bills to Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's desk after the state Supreme Court declined to take up an appeal.

Bridge Michigan's July Issues Watch discussion, led by Deputy Editor Jonathan Oosting and reporters Ron French and Lauren Gibbons, focuses on the state of democracy during an election year. The virtual event continues the Bridge Listens Issues Watch series.

Bridge Michigan is expanding and hiring a deputy editor to oversee coverage and accountability reporting in one of Michigan's fastest-growing regions. The position focuses on west Michigan, as indicated by the reference to Downtown Grand Rapids in the accompanying photo.

Mallory McMorrow suspended her U.S. Senate campaign, leaving the Democratic primary between Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed. Her name remains on the August 4 primary ballot, and she pledged to support the primary winner against Mike Rogers in November.

Mallory McMorrow suspended her U.S. Senate campaign, leaving the Democratic primary between Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed. Her name remains on the Aug. 4 ballot due to already printed absentee ballots. Stevens and El-Sayed both responded to her exit, with Stevens emphasizing her strength as a candidate and El-Sayed criticizing party insiders for favoring Stevens.

Higher prices for ground beef, chicken, and pork chops are expected for Fourth of July barbecues due to ongoing inflation and rising production costs for farmers. The article cites Janelle D. James of Bridge Michigan as the source.

Michigan's July 1 budget deadline is approaching, but the Republican-led state House has canceled sessions, leading to uncertainty about whether a budget will be delivered to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on time. The governor's administration expresses doubt about meeting the deadline.

The article provides a nonpartisan voter guide for Michigan's 2026 elections, addressing how to combat misinformation through verified sources and laws against AI-generated disinformation. It also outlines resources for voters with disabilities, including accessible absentee ballot options and assistance guidelines.

A nonpartisan voter guide for Detroit's 2026 elections provides key dates, contacts, and candidate information to help voters prepare. The guide, created by BridgeDetroit in partnership with Bridge Michigan and Detroit Votes, outlines primary and general election timelines, including absentee and early voting dates, and lists statewide and countywide candidates.

Michigan’s emergency rooms are experiencing strain due to a broken Medicare system, according to an opinion piece. Dr. Brad J. Uren chairs the board of the Michigan State Medical Society.

Michigan's historic flooding has left homeowners deciding whether to sell or repair their damaged homes. Larry Lukich, a Black Lake resident, chose to repair his water-damaged cabin despite offers from buyers.

Michigan Senate Democrats are advocating for stricter regulations on data centers regarding energy use and worker conditions. Sen. Rosemary Bayer emphasized the need for legislation to address potential environmental and community impacts from data centers.

The Michigan Senate passed bills to establish automatic retirement savings plans for private sector employees lacking existing plans. The legislation is led by Democrats.

The article argues that Michigan lawmakers should prioritize a family-centered policy agenda. It is an opinion piece, and the Steelcase Foundation and W.K. Kellogg Foundation are noted as funders of Bridge Michigan, though they had no role in the commentary's selection or editing.

Michigan lawmakers advanced bills to mandate literacy training for teachers through a House committee. The legislation is set to move to the full House for further consideration.

Michigan drug deaths have decreased, but lawmakers are raising concerns about the allocation of opioid settlement funds. Lawmakers expressed worries over how these funds are being spent.