What Michigan schools could look like under Tudor Dixon, Gretchen Whitmer
by Tracie Mauriello, Chalkbeat Detroit/Bridge Michigan Tudor Dixon centers much of her campaign on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s pandemic policies, including for schools Dixon’s priorities range from core policy (3rd-grade reading) to culture-war issues (drag queens) Gretchen Whitmer is likely to promote first-term accomplishments on school funding, literacy When Michigan voters fill out their ballots for […]
Losses by Black candidates revive fears about Michigan redistricting
by Lauren Gibbons & Malachi Barrett (Bridge Michigan) A string of election losses by Black Democrats on Tuesday is reviving fears that minority representation in the Legislature could dramatically decrease next year because of redistricting. Currently, 20 Black lawmakers serve in the Legislature: five in the Senate and 15 in the House. The number could […]
Take two songs and call me in the morning: How hospitals use music to heal
by Roni Kane C.S. Mott opens new music therapy center in Ann Arbor Music therapy is becoming a force in Michigan, with 900 certified therapists (and counting) Recent studies show music therapy as an effective medical practice If things had worked out differently, Elizabeth Sheeren might be headlining shows on Broadway right now. Originally from […]
Michigan voted to block Airbnb bans but hits roadblock over local control
by Julia Forrest (Bridge Michigan) Kimberly Hammond has lived on a quiet street in Spring Lake Township for more than 20 years—until the “Love Shack” popped up next door. And what might be the title of a B-52’s classic was also the name of the new short-term rental disrupting the neighborhood. Renters were driving too […]
Michigan prison staffers quitting in droves. Will 5% raises make them stay?
by Ted Roelofs (Bridge Michigan) In two decades as a corrections officer, Georgiann Stan learned that long hours sometimes come with the job. But those occasional extended shifts early in her career in Michigan prisons are nothing compared to the grueling days she’s endured the past few years. “I’m a train wreck every day. I […]
A blow to Michigan Alzheimer’s patients after research fraud claim
by Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) The fight to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease faces yet another setback following allegations that a foundational study into the cause of the illness — the basis of years of research and billions of dollars in investment — may have been fraudulent. The revelations, published last week in Science magazine, are […]
Most threats made after Oxford were hoaxes. How should they be punished?
by Ron French (Bridge Michigan) School threats skyrocketed following the mass shooting at Oxford High School last November Most were hoaxes — middle schoolers looking to get out of class Prosecutors and courts favor counseling, probation, and community service over incarceration Late in the afternoon last Dec. 8, officials at Alpena Public Schools were alerted […]
Tudor Dixon wins Trump endorsement in bid for Michigan governor
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge Michigan) Former President Donald Trump is backing Tudor Dixon for Michigan governor, cementing her frontrunner status in the Republican primary just days before voters will decide the heavily contested race. Trump endorsed Dixon late Friday, calling her a “conservative warrior … ready to take on” Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who the […]
Judge delays Michigan minimum wage increase until at least February
by Yue Stella Yu, Paula Gardner (Bridge Michigan) A judge last week increased the Michigan minimum wage to $12 an hour and required businesses to offer paid sick leave. Those changes are now delayed, after the judge considered the ability of businesses and the state to adapt to new laws. A court fight over the […]
Michigan seeks to delay minimum wage, paid leave hike amid court appeal
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge Michigan) State attorneys are appealing a ruling that struck down 2018 GOP amendments to paid sick leave and minimum wage initiatives The state wants to delay enforcement of the original initiative language until the appeal is resolved Business groups argue rules could slow COVID recovery LANSING – Attorneys for the state […]
