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It's almost too obvious to say 2017 was a busy year in journalism. From the Women's March to rapidly changing immigration policies to environmental controversies, it felt like major news was breaking every day. To help sort through the chaos, Michigan Radio rounded up our most important stories from throughout the year.

Year in Review: The biggest political stories of 2017

Capitol Building in Lansing, MI
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Flickr - http://j.mp/1SPGCl0
The Capitol building in Lansing, Mich.

Between President Trump's first year in office and several major policy battles in Congress, national politics garnered many, many headlines this year.

And while Lansing may have had a slow legislative year, that doesn't mean Michigan wasn't affected by the goings-on in D.C.

Here are the political stories followed throughout 2017:

Michigan congressional members bow out

Three Michigan congressmen announced their retirement this year, although one definitely garnered more attention. After a number of sexual harassment allegations were revealed, John Conyers resigned in December. Democrat Sander Levin and Republican David Trott are simply retiring, leaving their seats without an incumbent in 2018.

Betsy DeVos becomes secretary of education

Donald Trump announced that Betsy DeVos, a Grand Rapids native and major GOP donor, was his choice for the secretary of education in December 2016. The Senate confirmation of DeVos was hotly contested, ending in a tie that had to be broken by Vice President Mike Pence.

The 2018 election begins

In 2018, Michiganders will be voting for: governor and lieutenant governor, all 14 Congressional seats, secretary of state, attorney general, and the entire state House and entire state Senate. Throw in some major ballot proposals, and it’s not surprising that the 2018 election really started in 2017.

New immigration policies affect Michigan

Two days after President Trump’s inauguration, his administration issued a travel ban against several Muslim-majority countries. Thus began a year of confusion and chaos within the immigration system, which often affected Michigan communities.

Emma is a communications specialist with the digital team at Michigan Radio. She works across all departments at Michigan Radio, with a hand in everything from digital marketing and fundraising to graphic design and website maintenance. She also produces the station's daily newsletter, The Michigan Radio Beat.