Judge: Michigan gyms can reopen Thursday despite Whitmer coronavirus order
By Jonathan Oosting (Bridge) LANSING — Gyms and fitness centers across Michigan can reopen June 25, a federal judge ruled Friday, saying Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration failed to provide scientific evidence justifying the continued closure despite declining COVID-19 case counts. Whitmer plans an immediate appeal, according to a spokesperson, who argued keeping gyms closed longer than […]
Michigan jobs go unfilled when workers make more from unemployment
By Paula Gardner (Bridge) A curbside job fair near Grand Rapids on Wednesday tried to make it easy for 50 companies to fill open positions. Applicants could interview from their cars, and in some cases, might have been able to start work the next day. “Right now we have 270 jobs that we could fill […]
In Michigan nursing homes, a no-win choice between infection and isolation
By Robin Erb (Bridge) Alzheimer’s disease has shrunk the world around him, but Jerry Zeiger — Vietnam veteran, former engineer, and hobby woodworker — is still soothed by the touch of the woman he took out on a first date over a simple cup of truck-stop coffee. “I guess I was so enthralled by him, […]
Enbridge Line 5 shut down after anchor support incurs ‘significant damage’
By Kelly House (Bridge) Enbridge Energy has shut down the Line 5 petroleum pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac following “significant damage” to an anchor support on the lakebottom pipeline, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Friday evening. In a letter Friday to the Canadian company’s CEO, Al Monaco, Whitmer expressed dismay about the damage, which Enbridge reported […]
Michigan colleges aren’t seeing coronavirus enrollment drops they feared
By Sophia Yoon (Bridge) Michigan colleges aren’t seeing the coronavirus enrollment drops they feared — at least not yet. Officials at many universities and colleges in the state had worried that students — particularly incoming freshmen — would take gap years or enroll in online courses at local community colleges rather than move into dorms in the […]
Jigsaw puzzles show off ‘love and pride’ in Michigan — and its history
By Paula Gardner (Bridge) Stay-at-home orders in the early months of the coronavirus pandemic left people wondering how to fill their time. The resulting national puzzle shortage proved fruitful for the state archivists entrusted with images of Michigan’s past. They’re not just preserving the state’s past at the Michigan History Center in Lansing. A group of state […]
Despite legal battle, Michigan tribe remains hopeful for recognition
By Meghanlata Gupta (Bridge) Lansing resident Paul Parkey knows he’s Native American, and the federal government isn’t going to change his mind. Parkey’s tribal community, the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, has spent decades petitioning the United States to be formally recognized as a tribal nation, with no luck. There’s more at stake for […]
For now, Michigan is a success story in flattening the pandemic curve
By Robin Erb (Bridge) Once one of the hardest-hit states, Michigan has – at least for now – managed to flatten the coronavirus curve in a way that is drawing national attention. And while health officials warn that the deadly virus could come roaring back if residents let their guard down, the trends are encouraging. […]
Newly retired teacher still making a difference
After an interrupted school year, Kathy O'Mara wanted to do up her "last day of school" the right way. So on June 12, the day that should have been the last day for teachers and students, all students, alumni, staff, and community members were invited to do a drive-by parade starting at 11:45 in the […]
Four school board seats up for election on November ballot
Every two years, the Manchester Community Schools Board of Education holds an election for its 7-member board. This year, four seats are up for election--those belonging to Tom Mann, Chris Fegan, Jeremy Koch, and Karen Rothfuss. And at least two of those board members are not running for reelection. Contacted via email, Jeremy Koch stated […]
