Rite Aid confirms exit from Michigan market with latest store closings
by Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) The final Rite Aid locations are officially slated for closing in a new set of bankruptcy documents. Notices of intent to close 38 Michigan stores were filed Aug. 2, 5, and 9, wrapping up the final list of Rite Aids locations in Michigan. “All stores in Michigan have been submitted on the […]
Worn-out caregiver? Not alone. 1 in 3 Michigan women aged 50+ care for others
by Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) More than 1 in 3 Michigan women 50 and older are caregiving for at least one person with a health condition or disability, according to state data extracted from a national survey. It’s a responsibility that — while it offers rewards and moments of joy and laughter — can exact […]
MSU has audacious goal: Cattle production that actually helps water quality
by Keith Schneider, Circle of Blue (for Bridge Michigan) LAKE CITY, MI – Two facts about Michigan agriculture are scarcely recognized outside the fences and beyond the drainage ditches of the state’s 45,000 farms. The first: farming is among the most technologically sophisticated industrial sectors in Michigan and every other state. Second: livestock farms are […]
Michigan primary results: Elissa Slotkin, Mike Rogers win U.S. Senate races
by Lauren Gibbons (Bridge Michigan) Democrat Elissa Slotkin and Republican Mike Rogers won Tuesday’s U.S. Senate primaries in Michigan, setting the stage for a high-stakes general election showdown between the current and former members of congress. With both candidates out to commanding leads in partial results, The Associated Press called the races at 9 p.m. […]
Michigan opens thousands of miles of trails to e-bikes with new policy
by Kelly House (Bridge Michigan) E-bike riders just gained access to thousands of miles of trials across Michigan. During a meeting of the state Natural Resources Commission on Thursday, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Scott Bowen signed a land use order dramatically expanding e-bike access on state-managed trails. DNR officials touted the new policy as a […]
In Michigan, criminal charges and election denying no barrier to ballot victory
by Hayley Harding, Votebeat (for Bridge Michigan) A self-proclaimed “constitutional sheriff,” a township clerk facing felony charges, and a county clerk candidate who wants to “hand count every ballot cast at the end of each voting day” sailed through their Republican primaries Tuesday, earning themselves spots on November’s ballot and likely victory. The results are […]
Michigan officials ask for federal disaster declaration for cherry industry
by Jenelle D. James (Bridge Michigan) Michigan is one of the top cherry producers in the world but state officials say crop production has been a “disaster” this year because of extreme weather patterns. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer submitted a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Aug. 2 requesting a federal disaster declaration, which could provide businesses in […]
What to know about Michigan’s pending minimum wage changes
by Paula Gardner, Jordyn Hermani, & Mike Wilkinson (Bridge Michigan) LANSING — Massive changes to the state’s minimum wage and paid-time-off laws will likely take effect in early 2025 following a ruling issued Wednesday by the Michigan Supreme Court. The ruling means more money in the hands of the lowest-wage workers, but business owners warn it could lead to business […]
Court sides with Michigan regulators in poop dispute with big farms
by Kelly House (Bridge Michigan) The Michigan Supreme Court this week sided with regulators in a lawsuit over manure pollution that could have had broad implications on the state’s ability to take measures to protect the environment. In a 5-2 decision on Wednesday, the court ruled that the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and […]
Desperate for child social workers, Michigan tries new tack: $20K for college
by Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) Michigan desperately needs social workers to take on some of the toughest and least coveted jobs in the field — protecting children from abuse and neglect, working with families in crisis, and developing strong foster families. Now the state’s offering students cold hard cash if they sign onto these roles. […]
