MDOT is warning that 100+ Michigan bridges are at high risk of closure by 2035 without more money—fueling GOP claims that Gov. Whitmer prioritized ‘corporate welfare’ over roads. A Mackinac Center analysis says the state has already paid out about $670 million through the SOAR program—largely to five EV/renewables projects—with zero ‘qualified’ jobs reported so far. The Whitmer/MEDC side says those factory projects are long-term and still ramping.

A Michigan Court of Claims judge has ordered Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to respond within 10 days to a lawsuit accusing her of refusing to call a special election for the long-vacant 35th State Senate seat. Seven mid-Michigan voters are seeking a writ of mandamus to force an immediate election, arguing the district’s ~270,000 residents have gone 200+ days without representation. Whitmer’s office hasn’t commented.

Get the full scoop inside the VIP Freedom Fam! See all of the stories Justin is looking at today..