What farmers want from Michigan’s next U.S. senator
by Lauren Gibbons (Bridge Michigan) A big shift is coming for Michigan’s farming industry at the federal level as U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, the longtime chair of the Senate’s agriculture committee, prepares to retire. As she winds down her final term and campaigns ramp up in a competitive race for her soon-to-be open seat, farmers and […]
The $670 million question blocking a Michigan budget deal
by Simon D. Schuster & Isabel Lohman (Bridge Magazine) LANSING — After Michigan spent years setting aside money for teacher retiree health care, majority Democrats are now at odds over who should benefit from $670 million in payments they contend are no longer necessary. The debate has delayed efforts to finalize a roughly $20 billion […]
In Michigan, cases of whooping cough hint at post-pandemic comeback
by Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) Michigan health officials are noting an increase in cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, in several counties — an increase that may tick back cases to pre-pandemic levels. As of June 15, 113 cases had been detected statewide — three more than the 110 cases seen for all of last […]
Rite Aid sends mixed messages as Michigan braces for more closures
by Paula Gardner (Bridge Michigan) Communities across Michigan are bracing for the impact of a wave of Rite Aid closings — which may affect all 185 stores in the state — as one of the largest pharmacies in the U.S. cuts costs in a fight for survival. The drugstore chain this week disclosed 12 Michigan stores slated to close as […]
Michigan medical students fight to make climate change part of curriculum
by Gabrielle Nelson, Bridge Michigan Climate change is no longer a “backburner” issue for medical students like Sierra Silverwood. It’s essential to understanding human health when new and greater health threats are emerging because of climate change. But integrating climate topics into an already “packed medical education” isn’t easy, said Michigan State University fourth-year medical student Silverwood. […]
Michigan braces for a heat wave. Here’s how to stay safe and cool
by Jenelle D. James (Bridge Michigan) Michigan is in the midst of experiencing its first heat wave of the year, as the first day of summer approaches. High temperatures, reaching the mid-to-upper 90s in some parts of the state, and humidity may cause it to feel like temperatures are nearly 100 degrees. The upcoming heat […]
Severe weather costs Michigan millions. Can funding meet demands?
by Jordyn Hermani (Bridge Michigan) LANSING — When tornadoes rolled through Kalamazoo County last month, Portage City Manager Pat McGinnis’ home was spared the worst of it. That couldn’t be said for the rest of the city, however, which bore the brunt of a 135 mph tornado, according to the National Weather Service. By the time winds […]
Why Michigan cows may hold key to stopping bird flu spread
by Jordyn Hermani (Bridge Michigan) LANSING — As bird flu continues to spread among Michigan’s dairy and poultry farms, state agriculture officials say tackling the spread in cattle has proven difficult due to an initial lack of biosecurity measures. But the state is stepping up those efforts as “a matter of business at this point,” […]
Michigan officials mull more access for e-bikes on state trails
by Gabrielle Nelson (Bridge Michigan) Electric bicycle use is expanding, welcoming a new group of riders to the bicyclist community. But under current Michigan state park policies, the bikes are banned from many trails. That could soon change. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has proposed a year-long pilot program that would open 3,000 miles […]
Prosecutor won’t charge hunter in southern Michigan wolf kill
by Kelly House (Bridge Michigan) No one will face charges for the January killing of an endangered gray wolf in southern Michigan. Calhoun County Prosecutor David Gilbert told Bridge Michigan he is declining to file charges after concluding that the hunter and guide involved in the killing honestly believed they had legally shot a coyote. Hundreds of miles […]
