Borrowing is getting more costly: What interest rate rise means for Michigan
by Paula Gardner (Bridge Michigan) Borrowing money for everything from mortgages and credit cards to other types of loans will cost more, as officials try to cool off the economy after inflation hit a 40-year high this month. The Federal Reserve announced on Wednesday that it is raising the interest rate on the fed-funds rate, which is the basis for […]
Report: Climate change threatens these 29 Michigan chemical sites
by Kelly House (Bridge Michigan) Climate change is likely to bring more catastrophes to Michigan, and a new federal report warns that 29 sites that use hazardous chemicals are in the pathway of worsening floods driven by a changing planet. The sites include a plastics manufacturer in Wyandotte, a sewage treatment plant in Jackson, an ice-cream […]
As pandemic wanes, Michigan confronts toll of isolation on homebound seniors
By Ted Roelofs (Bridge Michigan) A year ago, they were strangers. But in the lobby of an Ann Arbor assisted living home this month, 78-year Bobbie Jean Gill and University of Michigan senior Lizzy Rueppel met with a warm hug that revealed they’ve become fast friends. “It’s hard to explain, but it’s a special bond. […]
Two Michigan educators exiting this month, many others may soon follow
By Isabel Lohman (Bridge Michigan) There are only a few more months left in this school year, but veteran educators Ingrid and Tim Fournier say they can’t hold out until June. They are retiring at the end of March, citing what they see as growing public distrust of teachers, heightened student behavioral needs and general […]
Michigan OKs expanded bobcat hunting season over activists’ concerns
by Zahra Ahmad (Bridge Michigan) LANSING — Hunters and trappers can now kill bobcats in the southern Lower Peninsula in the fall. Over objections from animal activists, members of the Natural Resource Commission voted 7-0 on Thursday to create a bobcat season in nine more counties: Muskegon, Montcalm, Gratiot, Saginaw, Ottawa, Kent, Ionia, Clinton and […]
Whitmer signals likely veto on Michigan gas tax holiday
By Jonathan Oosting (Bridge Michigan) Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is urging Congress to suspend the federal gas tax amid a record fuel price surge but signaled Friday she is likely to veto legislation that would suspend the state gas tax instead. The Michigan House on Wednesday approved a Republican-sponsored plan to pause the state’s $27.2 cents-per-gallon gas tax for […]
How Michiganders can help and support Ukrainians while avoiding scams
by Bridge Staff (Bridge Michigan) The catastrophe in Ukraine has spawned a global response, with people donating to humanitarian efforts as more than 2 million Ukrainians have fled the country since the Russian invasion. Before making a donation, it’s important to consider two questions: First, is the charity you’re considering a legitimate, well-run organization or a scam? […]
Michigan groups rallying to help Ukraine amid Russia invasion
by Zahra Ahmad (Bridge Michigan) WARREN— Michigan security, refugee and cultural groups are organizing safe routes, shipping medical supplies and providing support to Ukraine as war with Russia escalates. Several organizers held demonstrations opposing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in the last few weeks. Among the organizers was Lesia Florchuck, president of the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Warren. […]
Whitmer kidnaping trial starts: ‘Second civil war’ or ‘crazy talk’?
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge Michigan) GRAND RAPIDS — Brian Woodman sat in the fourth row of a federal courtroom and struggled with the realization that his childhood best friend had grown up to advocate for a violent overthrow of government officials. “By brute f– – – force,” Adam Fox, the accused ringleader in an […]
Michigan House GOP tries election reform again, despite likely veto by Whitmer
By Yue Stella Yu (Bridge Michigan) LANSING—Michigan House Republicans are again pushing for election reform measures rejected by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in October — even though the proposals will likely be vetoed once more. House lawmakers on Thursday approved a series of proposals that would tighten voting rules and restrict ballot access. The measures would limit absentee […]
