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 […]
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,” […]
