Skip to main content
Michigan’s nonpartisan, nonprofit news source

We need your vote!

During this important election year, Bridge readers like you know that high-quality journalism like ours is more critical than ever. There’s a lot on the line, and we’re working daily to deliver the information you need to prepare you for November’s election. Can we count on your vote of confidence in our newsroom? Donate today!

Pay with VISA Pay with MasterCard Pay with American Express Pay with PayPal Donate

Land O Links

"Knowledge is the small part of ignorance that we arrange and classify" -- Ambrose Bierce, 19th century American writer.

* Owners of charter boats and ferries all around the Great Lakes are either having to curtail their passenger loads or upgrade their fleets to comply with a new federal standard on weight. "The rule went into effect last December. It requires boat owners to consider that the average person weighs 185 pounds, updating the 160-pound estimate set in 1960.":

http://greatlakesecho.org/2012/06/22/weighty-issue-heftier-passengers-cut-great-lakes-tour-boat-ferry-capacity/

* In 2011, Michigan's economy grew faster than Utah's and Massachusetts'. In fact, Michigan's growth rate of 2.3 percent placed it No. 6 among the states:

http://money.msn.com/investing/states-with-fastest-growing-economies#scptid

* "Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas estimates that within the city of Chicago, there’s a stunning $63,525 in total local government liabilities per household." Chicago may be the promised land for lots of recent Michigan college graduates, but this review of the city's health should give them pause:

http://www.city-journal.org/2012/22_2_chicago.html

* "The job of police officer also isn't anywhere near the most dangerous job in America. If we include traffic fatalities, the job of police officer will in some years rank among the 10 most dangerous in America. But take away car accidents, and it doesn't come close," writes Radley Balko.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/radley-balko/police-fatality-statistics-2012_b_1619725.html

* "WALLY is a planned 26-mile north-south stretch of commuter railway spanning from downtown Howell to Ann Arbor. The rail line would run on existing track largely owned by the Great Lakes Central Railroad. The end point in Ann Arbor, however, is yet to be determined. Track ownership changes on the city's north side to the Ann Arbor Railroad, which has objected to providing passenger service." Just another tricky detail when it comes to passenger rail. Imagine an interstate highway with exit ramps controlled by private citizens.

http://www.concentratemedia.com/devnews/WALLY0200.aspx

* The Associated Press rounds up the effects of the Affordable Care Act in Michigan. One you may not have heard much about: "Around 7,000 small businesses get federal tax credits for offering health insurance to their employees."

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-06-28/health-care-law-already-has-had-effect-in-michigan

How impactful was this article for you?

Only donate if we've informed you about important Michigan issues

See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:

  • “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
  • “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
  • “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.

If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!

Pay with VISA Pay with MasterCard Pay with American Express Pay with PayPal Donate Now