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 […]
It’s pothole season, and Michigan’s are among the nation’s worst, study finds
by Zahra Ahmad (Bridge Michigan) Some Michigan counties are amid one of the worst pothole seasons in years, pushing road crews to work overtime to make repairs. Substantial rains in February followed by freezing temperatures created a mess on roads. Melting snow and ice seep into pavement, freeze, expand and thaw, then open holes in […]
Angry Up North: scars linger after Michigan school mask mandates end
By Ron French (Bridge Michigan) CHARLEVOIX—Tuesday’s meeting of the Health District of Northwest Michigan board of directors hadn’t started yet, and it was already crowded and overheated. Someone opened a window and a 25-degree breeze swept past about 30 people sitting together wearing facemasks, and wafted toward another group of 30 — mostly on the […]
Michigan Supreme Court weighs whether law bans LGBT discrimination
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge Michigan) LANSING — The Michigan Supreme Court could soon decide whether the state’s civil-rights law guarantees broad anti-discrimination protections for gay and transgender residents. In a rare move, Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel personally appeared before the court Wednesday to defend the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, which in 2018 issued an […]
Ypsilanti’s Haab’s Restaurant ends 87-year run, another institution gone
By Paula Gardner (Bridge Michigan YPSILANTI—The songs of Frank Sinatra still came through the speaker in the lobby of Haab’s Restaurant on Friday afternoon, but this time his crooning about good-byes hit closer to home. Unlike a regular weekday, the inner door was locked. Behind the glass, the counter was empty. And the phone lines kept […]
What Michigan can do as global report details ‘closing window’ on climate
by Kelly House (Bridge Michigan) Climate change is irreversibly damaging global ecosystems, economies and human health and wellbeing, according to a landmark report published Monday, and experts say Michigan won’t emerge unscathed. Monday’s report, authored by a team of scientists from around the globe, outlines the risks of continued dependence on fossil fuels, and warns […]
Michigan Republicans to Whitmer: We dare you to veto income tax cuts
By Jonathan Oosting (Bridge Michigan) LANSING – Michigan’s Republican-led Senate on Thursday gave final approval to a $2.5 billion plan that would cut individual income tax, expand senior relief and create a child tax credit but force unspecified spending cuts in future years. The election-year proposal now heads to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, putting pressure on the […]
