Online pharmacies aid rural health care but threaten Michigan drugstores
by Blace Carpenter, Bridge Michigan For the past five years, Alpena resident Selena Kenny has received a bulk supply of medication every three months from Express Scripts. Her Medicare Advantage plan labels mail-in services as its preferred pharmacy because it offers the lowest price for her blood pressure and cholesterol medication. “For most of the […]
U-M affirms Ypsilanti $1.2B computing center site; township officials vow fight
by Paula Gardner, Bridge Michigan The University of Michigan affirmed Tuesday it plans to build a $1.2 billion data center on 144 acres it purchased last year next to the Huron River in far eastern Washtenaw County, over local objections. The location on Textile Road allows a “world-class research facility” to serve the university and […]
As Michigan rolls out automated traffic tickets, new law blocks driver points
by Janelle D. James, Bridge Michigan Getting caught on camera speeding through a construction zone or blowing past a school bus stop sign could cost Michigan motorists hundreds of dollars, but it won’t cost them points on their driver’s license. A new law signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ensures automated traffic tickets can only result […]
Frog songs tell nonprofit some species may be declining in southeast Michigan
by Laura Herberg, Bridge Michigan At least two times a month in most of the spring and summer, Plymouth resident Larry Martin heads out into the woods to listen. He takes his border collie and walks without a flashlight. Once he’s within earshot of a body of water, he looks at a list of seven […]
Dem AG candidate Eli Savit: ‘Common sense’ to ban bump stocks, ghost guns
by Jordyn Hermani, Bridge Michigan DETROIT — Statewide bans on bump stocks and ghost guns would be “common sense laws I think that we can pass” in the Michigan Legislature next term, Democratic attorney general candidate Eli Savit said Friday. “From a legislative priority, I would like to see both of those considered once again […]
John James taps Rep. Jay DeBoyer as running mate in Michigan governor’s race
by Jordyn Hermani and Simon D. Schuster, Bridge Michigan LANSING — Michigan Republican gubernatorial candidate John James has selected state Rep. Jay DeBoyer as his running mate and choice for lieutenant governor. DeBoyer, R-Clay Township, was first elected to the state House in 2022 and previously served as the St. Clair County elections clerk. He […]
Rural Michigan in crisis: Too many governments that too few want to lead
by Ron French, Bridge Michigan PELLSTON — Fresh from retirement from United Airlines in 1996, James Gillett returned to the community where he was born, the quiet northern Michigan village of Pellston. He’d barely moved in when he was asked to join the village board. Within a year, he was village president. It was something […]
Jocelyn Benson, John James race may be eclipsed by interest in Senate campaign
by Simon D. Schuster, Bridge Michigan The gubernatorial contest between Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and US Rep. John James could be dwarfed by Michigan’s high-profile US Senate contest. Although the gubernatorial candidates will be literally on the top of the ticket on November election ballots, voter attention and ad spending likely will be […]
As Michigan ages, are we overlooking a critical type of caregiver – the friend?
by Robin Erb, Bridge Michigan It never occurred to Mary and Bill Hase not to care for their friend, Ed Niemi, just as they did for his late brother, who had multiple health problems, after the brothers’ mother died. “Maybe that’s why they call me a mother hen,” says Mary Hase, who helps the Munising […]
Michigan is spending $150M on one-time ‘educator’ bonuses. Here’s how it works
by Isabel Lohman, Bridge Michigan As Michigan ranks near the bottom on starting teacher pay, the state is once again providing money schools can use for teacher bonuses. The $150 million bonus pool included in the new $22.9 billion education budget could provide teachers and other school employees with a temporary boost in pay, but […]
