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. […]
Wanted: Teacher on remote Michigan island. Can’t leave in winter without plane
by Isabel Lohman (Bridge Magazine) BOIS BLANC ISLAND — School starts in a month. The kids are ready. The building is clean. Just one problem: This island’s four-student school doesn’t have a teacher. They may not get one, leaving the future of the about 90-year-old schoolhouse in doubt. School districts in Michigan and across the country have […]
Thousands of Michigan votes may not count in Tuesday primary. Here’s why
by Haley Harding, Votebeat (For Bridge Michigan) Every other August in Michigan, thousands of votes are rejected because the voters didn’t pay attention to the directions on their primary ballot, or didn’t understand them. The problem occurs when voters do something called “crossover voting,” where, intentionally or otherwise, they vote for candidates from different parties […]
Pump prices could drop in Michigan after EPA lifts summer-gasoline mandate
by Janelle D. James (Bridge Michigan) Drivers in Michigan and three other Midwestern states could see some relief at the gas pump in the coming days. The EPA has temporarily waived its requirement that retailers sell a cleaner-burning grade of gasoline during the summer months. The emergency fuel waivers apply to Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and […]
Whitmer signs record $83B Michigan budget. What to know
by Jordyn Hermani (Bridge Michigan) LANSING — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday signed the second part of a record $82.5 billion state budget for next year, which includes new money for housing, free community college and more In a statement released shortly after she signed a $59 billion general government budget bill in Detroit, Whitmer called […]
Meet Olympic athletes with Michigan ties
by Janelle D. James (Bridge Michigan) The 2024 Paris Olympics will begin Friday following the opening ceremony along the Seine. There are 16 days of competition between the opening ceremony on Friday, and the closing ceremony on Sunday, August 11. Athletes will compete for 329 gold medals across 32 sports. Scores of athletes competing in […]
Michigan hands-free driving law year one: 19,000 tickets, fewer crashes
by Jordyn Hermani (Bridge Michigan) LANSING — Michigan officials who last year banned cell phone use behind the wheel contend new state data shows the law is beginning to work: Distracted driving crashes are down. There were 305 fewer distracted-driving related crashes in Michigan in 2023 compared to the prior year, a roughly 2% reduction, according to […]
