Happy New Year and welcome to 2025. It’s a new year, and a new legislative term is beginning in the Michigan House of Representatives. Last term the Democrats held a trifecta – they controlled the House, Senate and executive branch. This term the Republicans have control of the House.

There will be 58 Republicans and 52 Democrats sworn in on January 8, 2025. With the Republicans in control of the House, residents can expect gridlock.

A heavily partisan Republican or Democrat agenda will likely not make it through the legislative process. This is not necessarily bad for residents. It will force both sides of the aisle to work together if they want to make Michigan a better place.

But one thing is certain. Michigan Capitol Confidential will cover what is happening in Lansing. We will also continue to focus on local reporting, investigative stories, and issues that affect Michigan residents. 

That’s where our readers can partner with us.

We always appreciate it when our readers reach out to us and engage. In fact, some of our most important and informative stories developed because of tips from our fellow Michiganders.

We encourage our readers to reach out with tips and information that might help us report on issues that matter.

Sometimes the tips do not lead to a story, but don’t let that discourage you. Often valuable information is provided. Your tips are always welcome and appreciated.

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It is the end of another productive year for Michigan Capitol Confidential. As investigative journalists and government watchdogs, we constructed stories that ranged from the seat of state power in Lansing to local governments in Michigan.

CapCon provides a top ten list annually to inform readers of its most popular stories, based on views. Here are the top stories of 2024:

Foster family charged by Nessel were plaintiffs against her in 2019: A family was once involved in a lawsuit against Attorney General Dana Nessel. Five years later Nessel decided to criminally charge the parents with child abuse.

Michigan vehicle owners would have to opt out of park passes under House bill: Legislation introduced in 2024 would automatically charge vehicle owners for a recreation pass to state parks and other facilities when annually registering vehicles. It would have required owners to jump through hoops to opt-out.

General Motors, Bedrock want Michigan taxpayers to foot $250M for RenCen redevelopment: Shortly after General Motors laid off workers, it asked taxpayers to foot the bill to tear down the Renaissance Center.

No free lunch: Students aren’t embracing Michigan’s no-cost school meals: Although Gov. Gretchen Whitmer decided to make state taxpayers cover the tab for meals served at public schools — even for the wealthy — there has not been a substantial increase in school meals chosen by students.

School curricula to stay hidden from parents, high court rules: The Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the state’s open records law does not require school districts to give parents curricular material held by teachers.

State superintendent asks Michigan lawmakers for home school registry: The state’s highest education official called for lawmakers to require parents who homeschool to register with the state.

Mystery company to take $259M from Michigan taxpayers: The state and Mundy Township, near Flint, created an agreement to give $259 million in taxpayer money to an undisclosed company.

Don’t redirect pension funds: Whitmer plans to take $670 million meant to pay down pension debt and spend it elsewhere.

After UAW strike, Ford promises equal and opposite reaction: Ford Motor Co. may open manufacturing plants in other states after a UAW strike. The union president threatened the auto company’s reputation if it did not acquiesce to demands.

Michigan to wage war on oil and gas companies: The state’s attorney general announced plans to sue oil and gas companies over their purported role in fostering climate change.