Robert Gordon out as Michigan health director, as COVID cases plummet
By Mike Wilkinson (Bridge) Robert Gordon, the director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, abruptly resigned Friday — the same day he ordered that restaurants could reopen to 25 percent capacity on Feb. 1. It’s unclear why Gordon resigned, with the former Obama administration official making the announcement on Twitter. “Today, I am resigning […]
New Buffalo officials worked through COVID election. One died, 3 infected
by Madeline Halpert (Bridge Michigan) Blair Connin-Richards said her three-year-old daughter Kinslee loved to sing “happy birthday” to her grandfather, David Richards, every time she saw him. Richards loved to listen. With a big smile, he would laugh and say “thank you,” like he was hearing it for the first time, said Connin-Richards, Richards’ daughter. […]
Gov. Whitmer unveils $5.6B COVID plan for Michigan, as GOP eyes fight
By Jonathan Oosting (Bridge) LANSING — Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last Tuesday unveiled a $5.6 billion COVID-19 “recovery plan” to expand vaccine distribution, help schools resume in-person instruction, and aid businesses and residents across Michigan. The plan, which relies almost exclusively on federal funding, sets up a potential showdown with Michigan’s Republican-led Legislature, where House […]
Joe Biden vowed to guard Michigan waters, create auto jobs. Can he deliver?
by Madeline Halpert (Bridge Michigan) Three days before the Nov. 3 election, President-elect Joe Biden arrived in Flint, alongside former President Barack Obama with a message for Michiganders. “We’ve got a lot of work to do,” he told the crowd at the drive-in event. “If I’m elected your president, we’re going to do it. We’re […]
Michigan to allow indoor dining at 25 percent capacity as COVID eases
By Mike Wilkinson, Paula Gardner (Bridge Michigan) Michigan’s indoor dining industry will be able to resume serving customers Feb. 1, although capacity will be capped at 25 percent — with a limit of 100 people — and doors will have to close at 10 p.m. The news was greeted with relief by the struggling industry, though […]
Michigan economy keeps beating predictions, thanks largely to stimulus
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge Michigan) Federal stimulus spending has limited economic damage in Michigan, online sales have exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines are going into arms, vehicle sales are rebounding and the state is climbing its way out of a “deep jobs hole.” That’s the word from leading economists, who told lawmakers that tax […]
Michigan cities must begin replacing lead pipes. But who has the cash?
By Kelly House (Bridge Michigan) It’s the first month of a 20-year effort to replace every lead service line connecting a Michigan home to a public water supply. Already, Jeff Lampi is predicting his city won’t meet the deadline. “I requested an additional 10 years, so that we don’t hit the ratepayers as hard as […]
Michigan defends COVID vaccine rollout; says it’s not as bad as data suggest
By Mike Wilkinson (Bridge Michigan) A top Michigan public health official defended the state’s vaccination rollout on Wednesday and said many more vaccines have been administered than reported. State epidemiologist Sarah Lyon-Callo told Bridge Michigan that the state is doing far better administering the vaccine and blamed reports to the contrary on its data system. […]
Michigan is divided. These 7 reforms can curb partisanship, fix government
By Jonathan Oosting, Madeline Halpert (Bridge Michigan) LANSING — Riots at the U.S. Capitol as the president refused to accept an election loss. Another impeachment. More arguments over COVID-19 regulations. An open carry gun ban and erection of security fences at the Michigan Capitol. Fresh off one of the most partisan years ever, 2021 is […]
Michigan restaurants frustrated by tentative Feb. 1 reopen date
By Paula Gardner, Jonathan Oosting (Bridge Michigan) Rosie Gunville looked ahead on Tuesday to the end of the state-ordered “pause” on indoor dining a few days later and placed a food order for her bar. Burger buns, produce, fresh meat and french fries all arrived Wednesday, within hours of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announcing that Michigan’s […]
