Michigan COVID cases rising, but vaccines make surge in deaths less likely
by Mike Wilkinson (Bridge) Even with coronavirus cases rising again in Michigan, the rollout of the vaccines appears to be paying off, as fewer older residents contract COVID-19, a Bridge Michigan analysis shows. That could result in far fewer deaths because those 60 and older have far higher mortality rates from COVID-19. “No doubt, we’re seeing […]
Michigan moves to allow first-time drunk drivers to expunge conviction
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge) Many first-time drunk or drugged drivers would have the chance to clear the conviction from their criminal record under bipartisan expungement legislation approved Wednesday by the Michigan House. It’s the latest in a criminal justice reform movement that has united Republicans and Democrats in Lansing. “People seeking this second chance have […]
Michigan free college tuition programs spread across the state
by Ron French (Bridge) Tuition-free programs are spreading across Michigan’s four-year college campuses, a movement that appears to have been sparked by two new and wildly popular free community college programs initiated recently by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Between the community college programs and tuition-free offers for some students at a growing number of colleges and […]
American Rescue Act makes Obamacare more affordable for Michiganders
by Robin Erb (Bridge) Health care coverage soon will get less costly for thousands of Michiganders under the Affordable Care Act, and it’s not just the needy who will catch a break. Tucked in the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan President Joe Biden signed Thursday are provisions that expand federal tax credits that increase subsidies […]
Gretchen Whitmer signs COVID spending, vetoes help for Michigan businesses
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge) LANSING — Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday signed a major new COVID-19 spending plan but vetoed $652 million in proposals from the Republican-led Legislature and rejected a bill that would limit her pandemic powers. Whitmer’s signature will authorize the state to spend at least $2.3 billion of the roughly […]
Should Michigan hunt wolves, cranes, moose?
by Kelly House (Bridge) Sandhill cranes are a nuisance to Michigan farms, Upper Peninsula wolves need more incentive to fear humans, and an “exploding” Isle Royale moose population must be culled lest they chew the island’s vegetation to the nub. Those are the views of rural Republican lawmakers who are calling for hunting seasons for […]
With far fewer houses, Michigan’s real estate market is ‘absolutely crazy’
by Paula Gardner (Bridge Michigan) Thinking about buying a house in Michigan this spring? Here’s some advice: Stop listening to your parents, grandparents, or friends who tell you that paying list price will always be too much. And get ready to compete with other buyers — probably a lot of them — who will start […]
Visitation resumes amid COVID in Michigan nursing homes — with limits
by Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) Michigan’s nursing home residents — many isolated and having not felt the touch of loved ones for nearly a year — are once again able to accept visitors, two at a time and under restrictions. The new Residential Care Facilities Order, enacted Tuesday, clears the way for visitors, even in areas […]
FBI informant: Facebook led me to infiltrate plot to kidnap Gretchen Whitmer
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge Michigan) It started with a Facebook recommendation. Dan, a 34-year-old Michigan man whose last name prosecutors are withholding for security reasons, testified Friday that he was scrolling the social media site last year when it suggested he join the Wolverine Watchmen group. An Army veteran and firearm safety instructor, Dan said […]
Recreational pot is nestling comfortably into small-town Michigan
by Ted Roelofs (Bridge Michigan) LOWELL—Judging by the day-long stream of traffic at a local marijuana shop, this small community in Kent County is all in on pot. “We’ll see anywhere from 450 to 800 people a day,” said Kyle Miller of Meds Cafe, as locals and customers from Lansing to Grand Rapids pulled in […]
