Dog virus has Michigan vets urging travel caution at holidays
by Kelsey Lester (Capital News Service, for Bridge Michigan) With holiday travel approaching, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is urging dog owners to be aware of a “mystery illness” that is sweeping the nation. The illness affects dogs’ respiratory systems, causing an unusual increase in coughing, sneezing, loss of appetite, eye and nasal […]
Michigan moves to protect health workers from assault, leaves a giant loophole
by Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) Those who lash out at Michigan’s health care workers could soon face tougher penalties. But some workers — including those who have been slapped, punched, bitten, spat at — say it doesn’t go far enough in an industry that reports some of the highest rates of workplace violence in the […]
More Michiganders relying on food banks during the holiday season
by Janelle D. James So many Michigan families are struggling during the holidays this year that some charities say the people they serve will have to get by with less. “We’re not going to have the same luxury that we had in past years,” said Chad Audi, president and CEO of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, […]
Michigan spreads word on free college. But are residents listening?
by Isabel Lohman (Bridge Magazine) College attainment rates are increasing in the Detroit region, but many are still unaware of state and federal programs that can lower the cost of tuition, according to a new education report. Those are among the “good news, bad news” findings from the Detroit Regional Chamber’s 2023 State of Education and […]
Cantaloupe recall: Six Michigan cases tied to salmonella outbreak
by Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) At least six people in Kent, Oakland, Wayne, Marquette and Kalamazoo counties have been sickened as part of a larger salmonella outbreak tied to Malichita and Rudy brand whole cantaloupes, according to Michigan officials. Across the United States, at least 230 people in 38 states have been sickened by the bacteria tied to fresh […]
Lawsuit could mean more pay for some Michigan caregivers, relief for families
by Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) Thousands of Michigan families soon might find it a bit easier to hire staff to support loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Under the terms of a federal lawsuit settlement, Michiganders in the publicly-funded Community Living Support program would receive an increase in state funding to $31 an hour. The money […]
Michigan State University names president. What to know about Kevin Guskiewicz
by Isabel Lohman (Bridge Michigan) Michigan State University named University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz as its next president. He has his work cut out for him. Members of the MSU Board of Trustees put aside differences long enough to vote unanimously Friday to appoint Guskiewicz — pronounced Gus-kuh-witz — as […]
As rain patterns evolve in Michigan, farmers adjust to droughts and deluges
by Stephanie Rauhe, Capital News Service (Bridge Michigan) LANSING – Seasonal weather patterns are changing and farmers are facing new challenges as a result, including how to handle their water management and irrigation practices. Dennis Kellogg, a crop farmer in Ithaca, has felt the impacts of increased rain and longer droughts. “When we get some […]
Whitmer signs energy bills to make Michigan use clean energy by 2040
by Janelle D James (Bridge Michigan) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed climate bills last Tuesday afternoon that will require Michigan utility companies to get 100% of their energy from clean energy sources by 2040. “Today’s package will help us make more clean energy right here in Michigan, reducing our reliance on foreign oil,” Whitmer said before […]
Whitmer signs Michigan election law overhaul that aims to prevent ‘chaos’
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge Michigan) LANSING — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday signed into law a sweeping series of election bills that supporters contend will boost democratic participation and prevent “chaos” in the event of disputed elections. Among other things, the new laws expand voter registration, criminalize poll worker intimidation, regulate political ads that use artificial intelligence […]
