Amid tax pressure, competition, marijuana may move out of rural Michigan
A flooded market has driven down cannabis prices, forcing consolidation of the industry. A new state tax could expedite those changes, and small towns will feel it most.
Addiction counselor shortage hits Michigan hard: ‘We’re all struggling’
Michigan is facing one of the nation’s highest shortages of addiction treatment providers. Organization heads say the stress on providers created by the shortage, along with low reimbursement rates for services, is impossible to sustain.
Michigan college enrollment rate slips, despite $1B in state scholarships
New state data showing a 2025 college enrollment drop has some split on whether the state’s Michigan Achievement Scholarship is working to encourage more students to go to college.
Michigan prison sentences are growing. Revived commission to consider reforms
With prison terms growing, the Michigan Sentencing Commission met this month for the first time in decades. Members will review sentencing guidelines and recommend potential changes.
Property tax elimination proposal fails to make Michigan ballot — again
For the second time, AxMITax failed to collect enough signatures to force a statewide vote on a proposal to abolish all property taxes in Michigan.
Bridge Michigan News Quiz, May 22: Long weekend fun
Take a load off and enjoy these amazing questions about Michigan news.
After years of struggles, Michigan cherry industry pushes for better future
Michigan’s cherry industry has fallen on hard times. A new marketing campaign and better collaboration will turn things around, growers hope.
Lawmakers give Mackinac Island control of ferry rates. Neighbors aren’t happy
Just in time for Memorial Day, lawmakers side with the tourist hotspot in its war with ferry operators. Mackinaw City and St. Ignace oppose the move.
Bridge Michigan, BridgeDetroit rack up 33 Society of Professional Journalists awards
Bridge Michigan education reporter Isabel Lohman was nominated for Young Journalist of the Year, and BridgeDetroit’s founder, Stephen Henderson, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Detroit chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Great Lakes shipping lost third of season to ‘inadequate icebreaking’
The Lake Carriers Association said in a report that it lost 82 shipping days this year because the US Coast Guard failed to break enough ice. Despite repeated attempts, Congress hasn’t invested in a new icebreaker for the Great Lakes.
Michigan restricts buckthorn, other plants as landscapers cry foul
Advocates celebrated Tuesday after Michigan officials voted to ban or restrict six invasive plant species. Advocates said the decision helps the state catch up with neighboring Great Lakes states that already regulate many of the plants.
More Michigan students need AP classes, other rigorous coursework, report says
A new study says too many students aren’t prepared for postsecondary education, especially students who are Black, Latino, low-income, disabled and English learners. Rural students are also missing out.
What Mike Duggan’s exit means for Michigan governor’s race
‘I never ran to be a spoiler,’ Mike Duggan said after ending his independent bid for governor. Experts predict his departure will likely benefit the eventual Democratic nominee.
In school cafeterias, kids fight Michigan’s food waste problems
Michigan schools are increasingly adopting composting programs that divert food waste from the landfill while teaching students sustainability.
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