Why it still matters whether Michigan K-12 students contract COVID
By Ron French When Michigan school districts forged plans this fall to open classrooms to students, there was little question it would lead to some spread of COVID-19. The question was: How much? And would it be manageable? More than six weeks into the school year, the answer, so far, falls somewhere between no problem […]
Coronavirus hits new high in Michigan. Is it a ‘blip’ or ‘surge’?
by Mike Wilkinson, Robin Erb (Bridge) Hospital and health officials increasingly are worried about a sustained surge of the coronavirus, with cases rising this week to their highest levels since April. The pandemic is moving to a new phase in Michigan — less deadly, but more ubiquitous, as it moves quickly throughout the state, from highly […]
Jocelyn Benson bans open carry of guns at Michigan polls on Election Day
by Riley Beggin, Jonathan Oosting, Ted Roelofs (Bridge) Guns will not be allowed at polling places on Election Day in November, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced Friday. According to new state guidance, openly carrying of guns is banned within 100 feet of a polling place. Concealed carrying of guns for permit-holders is allowed, […]
Michigan lawmakers expand unemployment benefits, pass business COVID liability
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge) Michigan’s Legislature worked deep into the morning Wednesday, as Republican leaders announced a deal with Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to continue expanded unemployment insurance eligibility and provide businesses with new legal protections against COVID-19 lawsuits. Unemployment insurance was among the most pressing issues of the marathon session, which saw the House work […]
After possible Ice Age discovery, group urges halt to Line 5 tunnel
by Kelly House (Bridge) As Michigan considers allowing Enbridge Energy to build a tunnel for its oil pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac, a group wants to halt the process, citing the possible discovery of archaeological artifacts near the pipeline. The recent discovery, first reported by Detroit Free Press, was made by a group, most […]
Proposal 1 ballot measure would change rules on Michigan parks fund
by Kelly House (Bridge) Lansing Parks and Recreation Director Brett Kaschinske is proud to oversee a system that boasts more parks per capita than almost every major U.S. city. But with 111 parks in the city’s ownership, he said, finding money to update and improve them has become a bigger priority than adding more land […]
Five men set to stand trial in the case in Whitmer kidnap case
by Mansur Shaheen (Bridge) Five men facing federal charges in the conspiracy to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will stand trial in the case, U.S. Magistrate Sally Berens decided Friday in a second day of hearings. Berens determined there was enough evidence for the case to go to trial based on encrypted chats and the September […]
State of Michigan not releasing details of kids’ coronavirus deaths
by Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press (Bridge) Michigan is among eight states nationally that have not released details about the number of children who’ve died from novel coronavirus since the pandemic began. The state Department of Health and Human Services told the Free Press on Tuesday that “fewer than five” children have died of COVID-19 or its complications […]
Wolverine Watchmen militia linked to Whitmer kidnap plot has Boogaloo ties
by Jonathan Oosting, Kelly House (Bridge) Michigan has deep ties to the militia movement, but experts say the Wolverine Watchmen group linked to plots to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, target police, and storm the state Capitol appears to be part of the increasingly extreme Boogaloo movement preparing for civil war. Alleged Wolverine Watchmen ringleaders charged […]
Michigan benefited from COVID stimulus and jobless aid. Now what?
by Paula Gardner (Bridge) Michigan emerged from the early days of the pandemic in better economic shape than many thought possible: Personal income increased, state tax revenue followed and state officials even were able to pass a budget with funding increases. Economists credit federal stimulus money and enhanced unemployment benefits among the reasons. But now […]
