Can Michigan’s forests survive climate change? One researcher is finding out
by Emilio Perez Ibarguen (Bridge Michigan) As Michigan’s climate warms, tree species like red pine and eastern white pine may no longer thrive here. Their native regions are moving north faster than forests can keep up with. That could have devastating consequences for Michigan’s $26.5 billion timber industry and rob the state of the ecological services the […]
Opioid crisis cost Michigan $38 billion in 2024, new analysis finds
by Ron French (Bridge Michigan) Opioid use cost Michigan $38 billion last year in lost productivity and wages, along with the cost of criminal proceedings and treatment, according to a new comprehensive analysis. And if lost quality and years of life were factored into the equation, the cost for Michigan would balloon to nearly $162 […]
Michigan drunk driving arrests plunge. Impairment remains deadly threat
by Mike Wilkinson (Bridge Michigan) Drunk driving arrests in Michigan continue to fall, dropping 4% last year and 28% since 2014, according to new state police data released this month. Across Michigan, there were 25,318 arrests for drunk driving in 2024, down 1,090 from the 26,408 in 2023. In 2014 there were almost 10,000 more DUI arrests — 35,060. […]
Michigan’s economy: ‘Constant uncertainty’ sparks fear, hope for stability
by Paula Gardner (Bridge Michigan) Michigan was among just 11 states whose economies grew in the first quarter of 2025. That revelation from the Federal Reserve offers a glimmer of positive news for a state facing a laundry list of economic challenges. But there’s a catch: We barely made the cut, eking out a 0.19% increase in […]
Michigan petition summer: What to know about voting, tax, wage proposals before you sign
by Simon D. Schuster (Bridge Michigan) LANSING — If you’re heading out to a festival, concert, farmers market or other public event this summer in Michigan, there’s a good chance you’ll be greeted by petition circulators seeking your signature. At least six petition drives are underway or could be soon by groups seeking a spot […]
As ICE detention center opens, ‘dangerous times to be an immigrant in Michigan’
by Lauren Gibbons (Bridge Michigan) Hundreds of miles from any international border or federal immigration court, a rural Michigan village on the outskirts of the Manistee National Forest will serve as a temporary residence for thousands of detainees awaiting a final decision on their legal status in the US. As President Donald Trump’s administration ramps […]
Bird moving ban has some worried swimmers will be itching for relief
by Eli Newman (Bridge Michigan) Duncan Lawrence saw the full ramifications of cercarial dermatitis — better known by its dreaded nickname “swimmer’s itch” — after his grandchildren experienced the allergic reaction firsthand at his cottage near Roscommon. The three school-aged kids came out from playing in Higgins Lake and within hours were pockmarked with little red welts […]
Michigan Dreaming Bucket List: Staying in a lighthouse is fun, but work, too
Laura Herberg (Bridge Michigan) The current Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse on Michigan’s Thumb opens for public tower climbs a couple times a year. But, as volunteer assistant lighthouse keepers, Donna and Dennis Phillips get to go places where the public isn’t allowed. Normal visitors have to stop short of the part of the lighthouse tower […]
Great Lakes scientists discover new lifeform microbe, name it ShipGoo1
by Emilio Perez Ibarguen (Bridge Michigan) When a team of scientists and sailors studying Lake Erie algae blooms docked their ship in Cleveland last autumn, they expected a short stop to fix a noisy rudder. Instead, they discovered a new life form aboard the research vessel R/V Blue Heron. Grease that oozed from the rudder […]
Michigan gives boost to summer boating with $3.8M for local marina projects
by Janelle D. James (Bridge Michigan) Just in time for summer, several Michigan communities are receiving state funding to upgrade their public boating facilities and expand recreational boating opportunities. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced this month it has awarded $3.8 million to 11 communities for a dozen projects, including dock upgrades, marina repairs, engineering studies and […]
