Growth of nontraditional school programs costs Michigan $260M, study finds
by Mike Wilkinson (Bridge) Declining enrollment in Michigan schools has led traditional districts and charters to create programs to offset the loss of students and funding, according to a report by the nonprofit Citizens Research Council of Michigan. The programs include offering two years of kindergarten, placing teachers in private schools, and creating online academies […]
Michigan districts make millions teaching home-schoolers karate and crafts
by Mike Wilkinson (Bridge) Michigan is paying tens of millions of dollars each year for home-schoolers to take classes in dance, karate, ice skating and other electives that critics say not only lack academic rigor but often amount to taxpayer-subsidized private lessons. State law allows public schools to offer elective classes to home-school students, which […]
Michigan primary 2020: Expect heavy turnout, long wait for winner
by Riley Beggin (Bridge) The nation will watch Tuesday to see whether Bernie Sanders can mount a comeback by winning the Democratic primary in Michigan, a crucial swing state. Buckle in for a long wait. Results will come later than usual, as local clerks juggle a surge in absentee ballots, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson […]
For weary Michigan seniors, a retirement in name only
by Robin Erb (Bridge) At age 62, Linda Braden felt like someone had wrenched her life from her — her home, her career as an accountant, and her circle of friends. Forced to retire years before she’d planned, Braden returned to the home where she was raised in Waterford to care for her aging parents […]
Michigan adopts new PFAS standards over industry, farmer objections
by Riley Beggin (Bridge) LANSING — A decade after PFAS chemicals were first discovered in Michigan’s waters, the state has approved rules dictating the highest levels of the contaminant allowed in drinking water systems. It’s the first time in the state’s history it has set its own enforceable maximum contaminant levels that regulate chemicals in […]
Michigan’s big bet on small tech fell flat. Now the $250M bill is due
By Jonathan Oosting (Bridge) LANSING — A decade has passed since Michigan borrowed the last $250 million for a $450 million venture capital initiative that hoped to spur the creation of futuristic, high-tech startup businesses. Now, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has been handed the bill, even though some of those companies have since left Michigan. The […]
Michigan schools scramble to plan for a potential coronavirus outbreak
By Ron French & Robin Erb (Bridge) Michigan schools are scrambling to build plans for what to do if a student or community member is diagnosed with the potentially deadly new coronavirus. School districts around the state are meeting with county health departments and preparing protocols that address everything from potential school closures to continuing […]
Michigan group rushes to get graduated income tax on 2020 ballot
By Jonathan Oosting (Bridge) LANSING — A new group led by Democratic activists wants voters in November to decide whether Michigan should switch to a graduated income tax, a measure that would likely face opposition from conservatives and business groups. The proposal from Fair Tax Michigan would amend the state constitution and direct officials to replace the […]
Michigan primary 2020: What you need to know, where to vote, absentee rules
By Riley Beggin (Bridge) Michigan voters will head to the polls March 10 in the first major election since the state approved sweeping new voting rights in 2018. From presidential candidates to local millages, there will be plenty of options for voters to consider. So what do you need to know? We’ve got you covered. Who […]
Thousands want to draw Michigan’s political districts. Most are white men.
By Jonathan Oosting (Bridge) LANSING — More than 6,000 applicants already have volunteered to serve on a new independent redistricting commission that will redraw Michigan’s political boundaries for 2022 elections and beyond. A narrow majority of early applicants claim to be political independents, which excites officials. But most applicants are white and male, demographic imbalances […]
