Michigan Moves Phones Out of Class — And Politics Actually Worked

Michigan lawmakers pulled off something rare in an election year: agreement.

A bipartisan vote moved cell phones out of K–12 classrooms with almost no backlash — a sharp contrast to how education and public safety debates usually unfold.

That moment of cooperation doesn’t last.
Power politics quickly reenter the frame:
Why banning phones succeeded where other reforms stall
How election-year incentives are already reshaping Lansing
Why Donald Trump’s endorsement now outweighs local leadership
What an oversight investigation reveals about morale and leadership inside the Michigan State Police
How an independent governor bid could scramble the 2026 race
Guest: Rep. Matthew Bierlein (R), Vice Chair, House Oversight Committee

🔔 Subscribe now for weekly episodes that cut through the noise and put your questions front and center:    / @wkarnews  

WKAR and PBS are nonprofit, non-commercial public media. We serve the public, not shareholders, by providing free, trusted, educational content that strengthens communities and democracy.

WKAR Social Channels
Facebook:   / wkarofficial  
Instagram:   / wkarofficial  
Website: https://www.wkar.org/

🧡 💔 Federal cuts tried to quiet Michigan’s voice. But with your help, it won’t be silenced. Help WKAR Close the Gap and keep trusted news alive.

👉 Donate to WKAR today!
https://www.wkar.org/otr