Michigan unemployment fraud now at $8.5B. Legislators have more questions.
By Paula Gardner (Bridge Michigan) With pandemic-related unemployment fraud now estimated to reach at least $8.5 billion, Michigan officials and legislators continue to spar over whether the state agency in charge of payments is fixing longstanding mismanagement. Also unclear is whether more fraudulent payments will be uncovered, how much of the reported fraud is criminal […]
For Michigan parents, a “hellscape” of nasal swabs, missed work, and fury
By Ron French (Bridge Magazine) Betsy Beaudoin panicked for a moment when she and her son got to the bus stop near their Novi home Thursday morning. Was this the no-bus-service day for her fifth-grader in Novi Community School District, which runs buses just four days a week due to a driver shortage? Or was […]
A new year, a new spirit at River Raisin Distillery.
There is always something to celebrate at River Raisin Distillery. After being open a little less than 18 months, Joe and Krista Jarvis are working on their second original spirit — and that is something they want to celebrate with plenty of fanfare. “We are SO excited to be releasing our agave spirit,” Krista said. […]
“Running for More 2021: Focused Forward” fundraiser for the CRC
It’s said that sequels rarely live up to the original, but Nick Weidmayer is running to prove them wrong. And he may have done that this year. In 2019, Nick had a “secret” personal running challenge, to end the year on a good note — or as he put it, finish one year before moving […]
Live viewing of “Kiss the Ground” film on Friday at Acorn
This Friday, January 14, from 6 to 8 pm, the Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD) is proudly partnering with Acorn Farmers Market & Café for a live showing of “Kiss the Ground,” the movie narrated by Woody Harrelson. Released in September of 2020 on Netflix, this full-length documentary sheds light on a “new, old approach” […]
A new look for the Eineder Funeral Home — Manchester Chapel
A new awning at the entrance to the Manchester chapel of Eineder Funeral Home has put an exclamation point on almost two years’ worth of decor changes and updates since the Jeff Eineder family took over the Borek-Jennings Funeral homes in Manchester and Brooklyn. COVID-related supply chain issues as well as worker shortages have made […]
Skating party set for January 16
The Manchester Men’s Club ice rink is open for use. The Men’s Club will host its annual ice skating party from noon-4 pm on Sunday, Jan. 16 at the ice rink in Wurster Park. Everyone is invited to attend and there is no charge. Hot dogs and hot chocolate will be available while supplies last. […]
Road salt threatens Michigan lakes and rivers. Can an alternative take hold?
By Kelly House (Bridge Michigan) Road salt is threatening the Great Lakes’ famous fresh waters and creating even bigger problems for the inland rivers, lakes and aquifers – not to mention your car’s undercarriage. But decades of experiments with other options, from beet- and corn-based deicers to sand and chemical mixes, have yet to yield […]
Michigan superintendent: With schools closing, let’s address teacher shortages
By Ron French (Bridge Michigan) A teacher shortage growing for years in Michigan has exploded in recent months, with some schools forced to temporarily close or switch to remote learning because of a lack of bodies to lead classrooms. Teachers who test positive or are exposed to COVID-19 are out of school for up to […]
Fearing more losses, Michigan restaurants hit pause as COVID strikes staff
By Paula Gardner (Bridge Michigan) Exhaustion. Resources stretched thin, just like staffing. Uncertainty. Michigan’s restaurants fighting to get through the pandemic look back on nearly two years of disruption that, if they’ve survived, took them to the brink. Now they’re starting 2022 with not just more of the same: Thanks to record-high cases of coronavirus, their […]
