Michigan may not hit 70% vaccination rate until August, as demand falls
by Mike Wilkinson, Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) In recent days, both President Biden and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer have put a bullseye on 70 percent — a goal for adult vaccination rates that would signal a return to normalcy nationwide and end of COVID-19 restrictions in Michigan. It won’t be easy, as demand for inoculations in […]
Michigan began easing COVID mask restrictions on Thursday
by Sergio Martínez-Beltrán (Bridge Michigan) Starting Thursday, masks will not generally be required in most gatherings outdoors in Michigan, while fully vaccinated people can gather inside without masks, according to a new state order Tuesday. “The commitment by Michiganders to receive the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is allowing us to move toward a return […]
Scientists find more complexity in microplastics polluting the Great Lakes
by Sharon Oosthoek, Great Lakes Now (Bridge Michigan) Microplastic pollution has been building up in the Great Lakes for at least four decades, but our understanding of its impact on fish and other aquatic creatures is only just catching up. Now new research from the University of Toronto shows its harm to wildlife is due to […]
As northern Michigan warms, scientists bring tree seedlings from the south
by Kelly House (Bridge Michigan) CARP LAKE—On a blustery hillside near the tip of the mitten, Noah Jansen stooped to inspect the shagbark hickory saplings he spent months growing from seeds collected 250 miles south of here. It’s not a species commonly found among the maple, birch, cedar and white pines of northern Michigan. But […]
Michigan GOP relaxes ballot drop box reform. Critics say plan is still unfair
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge Michigan) Michigan Senate Republicans on Wednesday relaxed a proposal to bar voters from using absentee ballot drop boxes on Election Day, but faced continued criticism because the revised plan would still lock the boxes three hours before polls close. Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, defended his legislation as an attempt to speed results […]
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer links easing COVID rules to vaccines; Michigan GOP leaders balk at COVID vaccine incentives
by Robin Erb, Jonathan Oosting (Bridge Michigan) Restaurants can fill again, workers will head back to the office, and Michiganders can ditch their masks under the Michigan “Vacc to Normal” plan announced Thursday by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. But the governor is linking the loosening of emergency orders to how quickly Michigan residents are willing to […]
Shortage of paid caregivers keeps family members up at night, hoping for ‘something sustainable’
by Tracy Samilton, Michigan Radio (Bridge Michigan) Misty Evans stands in her client Ric’s living room in Midland, helping him pick out a record to play on the turntable. “Which one do you want?” she asks. Ric loves popular music from the 1950s, 60s and 70s. “Boy oh boy oh boy,” answers Ric. Music selection […]
Child tax credits are expected to start arriving in July. Here’s what to know.
by Nushrat Rahman (Bridge Michigan) Starting this summer, many American families are expected to get a financial boost in the form of direct monthly payments to support the cost of raising children. As part of the $1.9 trillion stimulus bill passed in March, Congress expanded the child tax credit so eligible families can receive $3,600 for […]
Renewing plates, licenses in Michigan can take months, despite promises
by Sergio Martínez-Beltrán (Bridge Michigan) For many, having to go to a branch of the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office is a headache. And during the pandemic, it’s only gotten worse. “Yeah, it’s … hard to get an appointment, especially online,” Teklit Okubai, 24, told Bridge Michigan as he waited outside one of Lansing’s Secretary […]
Lumber shortage a crisis for Michigan home builders and their customers
by Paula Gardner (Bridge Michigan) Builders aren’t the only ones wondering how high the skyrocketing prices for wood will go after they set new records weekly in April. “Normally, owning a lumber yard is not hip or cool,” said Doug Mans, president of Mans Lumber and Millwork, which operates four stores and a kitchen showroom […]
