We're excited to welcome aboard our summer reporting intern, Liz Nass!

FREE READ: One of two prosecutors leading the failed Flint water criminal investigation was dead set on finding a way to keep the charges alive after the Supreme Court's dismissal of the cases, a document obtained by Gongwer shows. No log-in required. bit.ly/3wajqvq

ICYMI the most recent episode of MichMash, our podcast partnership with WDET 101.9FM, Emily Lawler coined a new term for what to call a first-time guest of the show, and we had some fun with that. Listen on any podcast platform or at gongwer.com/michmash.

New episode of MichMash! Zach Gorchow and Cheyna Roth discuss the RFK Jr. factor in the presidential race. Detroit Free Press Politics Editor Emily Lawler shares her insights and coins a new phrase for MichMash guests. Listen at gongwer.com/MichMash or any podcast platform.

Look for the latest episode of MichMash, our podcast partnership with WDET 101.9FM, to hit all podcast platforms as you wake up Friday. The guest is Detroit Free Press Politics Editor Emily Lawler.

The Senate voted Wednesday to require renewable energy projects without state funding to pay the prevailing wage over objections from Republicans who said the changes start a slippery slope in expanding the prevailing wage beyond public projects. bit.ly/44rTic8

Unspent funding for two grant projects that have attracted controversy would lapse back to the state under boilerplate language contained within a supplemental spending bill reported Wednesday the Senate Appropriations Committee. bit.ly/3whC58n

Thanks, Jessica!

Here's Gongwer Michigan's coverage by Lily Catherine Guiney of what Barrett and Hertel had to say on the economy, immigration, the FAFSA debacle, abortion and the Israel-Gaza war: gongwer.com/news/index.cfm…

Members of the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission spent more time bickering than mapping on Tuesday, but the body was able to complete a third map configuration for Detroit's Senate seats this week. bit.ly/3QsW0bj

Legislation that would make significant changes to the state's process for election recounts cleared the Senate along party lines, a move supporters said is needed to provide the most accurate voter counts. bit.ly/3Qq7RH3

Visitors to the Capitol could tour the inside of the building on weekends for the first time in recent years, once security and staffing considerations are worked out for a potential return to Saturday hours. bit.ly/3w5KXOy

Municipal leaders want the state to act to address housing affordability and the cost of tourism, but the legislation isn't ready for a vote. Yet. bit.ly/3Ws3BdU

The prosecution of a woman who had a concealed pistol without a license can proceed because state law prohibiting unlicensed concealed carry doesn't conflict with the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on firearms laws, a unanimous Court of Appeals panel ruled. bit.ly/4aVqVoV

A House subcommittee's move last week to end a requirement that providers for the state's preschool program contract with community-based providers for at least 30% of their allocation for new classrooms came under sharp criticism Friday. bit.ly/3xWB1Hw

Filing day fun on #michmash this week

The secretary of state's August primary candidate list shows that Peter Meijer has withdrawn from the U.S. Senate race. mielections.us/election/candl…

In a big surprise, Rep. Abraham Aiyash of Hamtramck withdrew from reelection. Aiyash, in an interview, appeared to signal interest in maintaining eligibility to serve up eight full years in the Michigan Senate. bit.ly/3Wgqrp2

The leaders of the House Dem and House GOP caucuses, Rep. Regina Weiss (D) and Rep. Bill G. Schuette (R), are the guests this week on MichMash, our podcast partnership with WDET 101.9FM. Co-hosts Ali Kasben and Cheyna Roth discuss the race for House control. Bill G. Schuette Regina Weiss for State Representative.

Legislation needed to extend the sunset on the current funding system for trial courts is on the path to the governor's desk ahead of its May 1 sunset, but the bill that would examine a new mechanism to fund the courts is dead on the House floor, for now. bit.ly/3w9doek