Derek Melot News Today

Joan Bauer thought she was through with politics.

Bridge Michigan publisher and founding chief executive officer, John Bebow, is retiring at year’s end. He will serve as an adviser to Bridge and the Center for Michigan for two years. This is his account of how Bridge’s rapid growth.

A new proposal by the Ottawa County Board’s Planning and Policy Committee could reimburse county employees for Concealed Pistol License fees and training, believed to be a first in the state.

One of Michigan’s most politically conservative counties is weighing whether to spend taxpayer dollars on handgun training and concealed carry permits for its 1,200 employees.

In September 2011, Bridge Michigan was founded with a simple mission: To provide passionate and rooted Michigan readers with honest, fact-driven journalism on the state’s diverse people, politics, and economy. Ten years (and a pandemic!) later, we’re happy to report that we’ve kept that promise.