Trans teens: We need to be heard, counted. In Michigan, the backlash is harsh
by Zahra Ahmad (Bridge Michigan) A gust of wind blew against Justice Prins’ face as her new black and orange New Balance sneakers pressed into the rubber track, and her arm stretched to reach the baton from the girl running toward her. “You got this,” Prins yelled before she grabbed the baton and bolted 800 […]
Michigan GOP legislative races test incumbents, and Trump’s influence
by Lauren Gibbons (Bridge Michigan) 32 of 44 legislative Republican incumbents seeking reelection face primary challenges Experts say Trump endorsement is big factor in down-ballot races, but not only factor Many of the most competitive primaries are in safe Republican districts Republican voters in a slew of Michigan legislative districts will be seeing more names […]
More Canada geese — and their poop — make Michigan home. Blame the heat.
by Zahra Ahmad (Bridge Michigan) More Canada geese are becoming full-time Michigan residents, opting to stay in cities over the winter rather than flying in their v-formation further south. Climate change is making Michigan’s winters milder, prompting some Canada geese to skip the trip south and take up residence on golf courses, lawns and parks. […]
How a Michigan college is leaning into culture wars to reshape education
by Isabel Lohman (Bridge Michigan) In a raging nationwide culture war over how schools teach history and race, Michigan’s tiny Hillsdale College is increasingly on the frontlines. A Christian school 15 miles from the Ohio border, Hillsdale has long been known for its conservative principles. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas called Hillsdale a “shining city […]
Mental health hotline 988 is now live in Michigan. What to know.
by Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) By calling or texting 988, Michiganders in mental health crisis can quickly access a trained counselor Calls are routed to crisis centers by the caller’s area code Experts say it provides an effective alternative to 911, which often gets police involved Michiganders in mental health crisis now have a short-cut […]
Whitmer won’t extradite abortion patients, doctors seeking care in Michigan
by Yue Stella Yu (Bridge Michigan) LANSING — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order Wednesday refusing to extradite abortion patients or providers who come to the state for reproductive care. “I cannot in good conscience participate in other states’ efforts to make it a crime to exercise a fundamental right or to punish health-care providers,” […]
‘They’re not prisons’ — Michigan schools try to balance safety, learning
by Isabel Lohman (Bridge Michigan) MASON — Williamston Community Schools Superintendent Adam Spina wants people to know the stress and anguish that students experience when they go through school lockdown drills. “This is a significant impact,” Spina said. “And if you haven’t seen it with your own eyes on students, it’s worth seeing: the seven-year-old […]
A recession is looming. Michigan business may not be ready.
by Paula Gardner (Bridge Michigan) Michigan will likely know by the end of July if the nation has entered a recession. Indications so far look like the answer will be yes. Gross domestic product — the overall value of goods and services produced — is falling for a second consecutive quarter, based on a dip in the forecasting model […]
Tudor Dixon to Kevin Rinke: I know you are desperate, but stop lying about me
by Zahra Ahmad and Jonathan Oosting (Bridge Michigan) Tensions are rising in Michigan’s Republican gubernatorial race, as one of the frontrunners, Tudor Dixon, on Friday issued a cease-and-desist letter to opponent Kevin Rinke, demanding he take down an ad accusing her of taking millions from opponents of former President Donald Trump. Dixon’s attorneys sent the order over […]
New University of Michigan President Santa Ono hailed for engaging students
by Isabel Lohman, Julia Forrest, & Paula Gardner (Bridge Michigan) ANN ARBOR — The University of Michigan has named Santa Ono — an outgoing leader in higher education, known for engaging students and advocating for mental health support — as its next president. Ono is currently president and vice chancellor at The University of British Columbia. He […]
