This year, Michigan Radio's reporting took us all across the state investigating issues from sexual assault scandals, to the effects of gentrification, to fallout from the Flint water crisis.
Here are some of our most important Michigan stories of 2017:
Michigan State University and Larry Nassar
In September 2016, sexual assault allegations against Michigan State University sports doctor Larry Nassar went public. Throughout 2017, Michigan Radio followed the case by reporting on the court process and MSU’s response, as well as interviewing victims.
- The day a young gymnast tried to tell MSU about sexual abuse
- TIMELINE: A long history of abuse by Dr. Larry Nassar
- MSU has "no plans" to release internal review into Larry Nassar
- No longer alone, some of Nassar's accusers find support together
The Macomb County Jail controversy
After a March 2017 report found major problems within Macomb County courts and jails, Michigan Radio reporter Sarah Cwiek decided to dig a little deeper, and what she found was shocking evidence of Macomb County’s systemic problems.
- Report proposes total system overhaul for Macomb County jail, courts
- 18 people have died in the Macomb County Jail since 2012. This is one woman's story.
- People are dying in Macomb County's overcrowded jail. What role do courts play?
Following up on the Flint water crisis
Three years after the Flint water crisis began, Michigan Radio continued to follow the city’s attempts to recover -- from a failed mayoral recall, to lingering health effects.
- These are the 15 people charged for their connection to the Flint water crisis
- Taxpayer tab on Flint legal battles is $15.5 million and rising
- Flint daycare, preschool aims to mitigate effects of lead exposure
- Flint City Council will talk behind closed doors Friday about judge's deadline on water contract
- Flint voters decide next month if they want to recall their mayor
Next steps in Detroit’s “revival”
While many are praising Detroit's "renaissance,” major problems remain and could affect the city’s future.
- Mental Health Authority's botched CEO search brings attention to its spending practices
- In Detroit, a lopsided mayor's race still reveals divisions
- Experiments in reviving Detroit neighborhoods
- Crime in Detroit neighborhoods: Expanding the Green Light initiative
- Piecing together care for the growing number of Detroit’s senior citizens
- Why Detroit is "ground zero" for surge in land contracts
The housing boom in Grand Rapids
As Grand Rapids bounces back, it’s housing market has skyrocketed. But as Michigan Radio reporter Dustin Dwyer discovered, many residents are being left behind.
