Michigan’s COVID death rate wasn’t so bad, study finds
by Robin Erb & Mike Wilkinson (Bridge Michigan) Michigan was hit hard by COVID-19, there’s not much doubt of that. Based on population, the state suffered the 10th worst death rate of any state in the nation, leading to some of the criticism the Whitmer administration faced for its handling of the pandemic. But a comprehensive, state-by-state study […]
Michigan fishing license 2023: How much does it cost and how to apply
by Janelle D. James & Kelly House (Bridge Michigan) As hunting season comes to a close and open-water fishing season begins, Michigan residents can begin purchasing or renewing their fishing license. Adults are required to purchase a license to catch fish, amphibians, crustaceans and reptiles in Michigan; the license is valid through March 31 of the […]
Michigan Democrats transform Lansing, using GOP ploys they once condemned
by Lauren Gibbons (Bridge Michigan) Three months in, Michigan’s Democratic majority has transformed Lansing, checking off one progressive priority after another at a dizzying pace. Repealing Right-to-Work. Restoring prevailing wages. Removing an old abortion ban. Cutting taxes for low-income workers and seniors. Protecting LGBTQ rights. Passing gun reforms. Since the legislative session started in January […]
Lifesaving Narcan for drug overdoses approved for over the counter sale
by Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) The life-saving, opioid-reversing drug Narcan may soon be available at your corner gas station, grocery store or online in addition to pharmacies. On Wednesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Narcan — formally known as naloxone hydrochloride — for use without a prescription. The move should make the 4-milligram nasal […]
Michigan Democrats in no rush to prioritize ‘fixing the damn roads’
by Lauren Gibbons (Bridge Michigan) Michigan’s infrastructure is in bad shape, and recent estimates suggest the state’s roads, bridges, water systems and transit are only getting costlier to fix. But at least for now, the state’s Democratic leadership — including the governor who rode into office on a promise to “fix the damn roads” — […]
Michigan health care reimagined using dirt, worms and fresh veggies
By Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) YPSILANTI — Here on the southeast corner of the sprawling campus of a 537-bed teaching hospital, Will Jaquinde was busy among rows of salad turnips. He dragged a thick-wire hoe over the cool, black earth, slicing out weedy trespassers in these neat rows of seedlings. Overhead, the double-thick plastic of […]
Whitmer signs Right-to-Work repeal, prevailing wage restoration
by Lauren Gibbons (Bridge Michigan) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday signed bills repealing the state’s Right-to-Work law and restoring prevailing wage rates, doing away with Republican labor policies long despised by union groups. Taken together, the legislation would end a 2012 law that prohibits compulsory union dues or fees and restore a construction-industry “prevailing wage” law the GOP repealed […]
‘Abortion pill’ under legal scrutiny; what it means in Michigan.
by Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) State and national abortion providers say medical abortions can continue — but possibly at a less effective rate, even if a Texas judge strikes down a long-time FDA-approved pill now used in nearly every medication abortion. At issue are two drugs, commonly known together as the “abortion pill.” The drugs […]
Enbridge Line 5 tunnel project in Michigan delayed another 1.5 years
by Kelly House (Bridge Michigan) U.S. federal regulators say they need more time to scrutinize the environmental impacts of the proposed Line 5 tunnel, adding another year-and-a-half delay to a project that Canadian energy company Enbridge Energy originally vowed to complete next year. Instead, the years-long tunnel construction project won’t begin until at least 2026, […]
Michigan State University 911 calls: Students broke windows to escape shooting
by Yue Stella Yu (Bridge Michigan) NOTE: This account contains disturbing and graphic accounts of a mass shooting. It was updated late Friday to include new statements from MSU about the location of gunfire within Berkey Hall. LANSING — Shortly after shots were fired in Berkey Hall at Michigan State University, students and professors hid in […]
