The Secretary of State has rejected a Republican Party request for a list of people who volunteer to be poll workers that would include personal identifying information. 

The state says the GOP wanted home addresses, phone numbers, birthdates and medical or disability status—and that that information is exempt from disclosure as a “clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy.”

Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says sharing unredacted information could be used to target prospective poll workers based on party affiliation. She says sharing information that could be used to dox, threaten or harass would discourage citizens from volunteering to be election workers.

The Republican Party can appeal the state’s refusal. The state has also declined to share identifying information in voter rolls with the Trump administration. That position was upheld in court. 

Additional headlines for Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026

Gordie Howe crossing open to bikers, pedestrians Wednesday

On Wednesday, people will finally be able to walk and bike between Detroit and Windsor using the Gordie Howe International Bridge. 

The Detroit Greenways Coalition has created the Detroit/Windsor International Bike and Trail map. The map highlights biking and walking routes between the two cities. 

Coalition Executive Director Todd Scott says the view crossing the bridge is beautiful. “I know they already have high expectations, bicyclists and walkers, but I think it’s going to exceed those. It’s a smooth, beautiful, clear modern piece of infrastructure that I think is going to blow people away.” 

The bridge is toll-free for anyone who is walking or biking across the span; however, visitors still must go through customs.  

Michigan Supreme Court overthrows permit for Line 5

The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled against Enbridge’s oil and gas pipeline tunnel project that would run through the Straits of Mackinac. The “Michigan Public Service Commission” okayed the project to build the tunnel around the Line 5 pipeline after considering its possible environmental impact to the surrounding area. But the state’s highest court found Michigan environmental law requires a broader look at the impact continued operation of the entire pipeline would have. 

The issue now returns to the Public Service Commission for a new review. Enbridge is a financial supporter of WDET but has no input on its editorial decisions. 

Flint finishes inspecting water lines

More than a decade after the Flint water crisis began, city crews have inspected the last pipe connecting a home or business to the city water system for lead. The city has inspected more than 31,000 service lines since 2016 and replaced those made of lead or galvanized steel. 

Mayor Sheldon Neely estimates the inspections, replacements, and other improvements cost more than a billion dollars. 

Primary election today

Last but not least, it is Primary Election Day in Michigan. We will soon know who will move forward to compete for governor and congressional seats in November.

Wayne County voters also considered whether to expand SMART bus service, Highland Park narrowed its field of mayoral candidates and Detroit schools asked to tax businesses.

Check in with WDET and the Detroit Evening Report tomorrow for election updates. 

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Enbridge is a step closer to building a new oil tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac for its Line 5 after the state of Michigan approved permits for the project last week.

Line 5 runs 645 miles from Superior, Wisconsin, to Sarnia, Ontario, carrying crude and natural gas liquids. Most of it transits Michigan to reach Canada.

Enbridge and the state say a concrete tunnel would get the 73-year-old pipeline out of open water, where a rupture could spill into the Straits of Mackinac.

But the permit concedes some of what is at stake. Historic and cultural resources will likely be destroyed — the remains of tribal ancestors among them. Enbridge has to file a plan to lessen the damage. Environmental activists and Michigan tribal communities say that is not enough.

In a statement to The Metro, Enbridge said it respects the cultural and historic significance of the Straits and is committed to protecting cultural resources. The company said its surveys were directed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, that tribal representatives have been consulting parties in that process, and that more cultural survey work is scheduled for 2027.

The Straits are where the Bay Mills Indian creation story begins. They are also among the most productive fishing grounds for tribes exercising rights under an 1836 treaty.

Whitney Gravelle is a federal Indian law attorney and president of the Bay Mills Indian Community, which has vowed to fight back. She joined Robyn Vincent on The Metro to discuss why she calls the state’s decision a betrayal.

This story has been updated with a statement from Enbridge. -Ed

Enbridge is a financial supporter of WDET. The WDET newsroom observes a clear boundary between funders and editorial content, and does not serve the agendas of financial supporters.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

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