IJP Newsletter

Gretchen Whitmer’s selection as DGA vice chair raises new speculation about her political future and whether she’ll pursue a 2028 presidential run.

Wondering why data centers are suddenly everywhere in the news? We’ll break it down. Plus, why the backlash isn’t falling along the usual party lines and what Michigan can learn from how voters in other states have responded.

Michigan’s latest economic forecast points to a “short-term pause.” But, University of Michigan economists expect a rebound in 2027, potentially giving the next governor a well-timed boost.

Michigan Republican lawmakers have asked the DOJ to oversee the state’s 2026 elections, claiming a conflict of interest as Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson runs for governor. The move heightens tensions over election management ahead of a high-stakes election year.

After a new task force report urging an overhaul to the court funding system in Michigan was released this week, state lawmakers will consider how to end the reliance on fines and fees from defendants. Plus, bipartisan bashing of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and a second plea deal in ex-Speaker Lee Chatfield’s corruption case.

Michigan legislative leaders passed a confusing mix of stopgaps this week to address the 1.4M Michiganders losing federal food aid due to the ongoing government shutdown.

A corruption case tied to Lansing politics continues to raise questions about transparency, campaign donations, and oversight at the state Capitol. Plus, the U.S. Supreme Court could, once again, take up the legality of same-sex marriage.

Facing backlash over the state’s new marijuana wholesale tax, Michigan lawmakers are looking into new regulations that could stabilize the overcrowded cannabis market. Plus, Detroit Metro Airport says no thanks to Kristi Noem’s “partisan video” on federal government shutdown.

Michigan's new marijuana wholesale tax sparks lawsuits over constitutionality after Governor Whitmer signs $80 billion budget as industry argues tax violates voter-initiated 2018 law. Plus, Attorney General Dana Nessel thinks “it’s only a matter of time” before President Donald Trump sends National Guard troops to Michigan.

In the early hours of October 3rd, after months of delay and posturing, the Michigan Legislature passed a bipartisan state budget—two days after the constitutional October 1 deadline and more than three months past the statutory July 1 target. Governor Gretchen Whitmer says she will sign early next week.