Demolition crews in August took down the old powerhouse at the Brown Bridge Dam near Traverse City. This is part of a larger project to remove two dams and modify a third on the waterway. Bridge photo contributor John Russell reports that the powerhouse was built in 1922; was 33 feet above the waterline; and […]
Bridge Staff
Bridge’s mission is to inform Michigan citizens about their state, amplify their views and explore the challenges of our civic life.
Posted inTalent & Education
Dexter, Dearborn are among next stops in education townhall series
Michiganians from Grand Rapids to Birmingham, Dexter to Dearborn have opportunities in the next few weeks to discuss K-12 education and reform as part of the Center for Michigan’s ongoing townhall series on the topic: WHEN: Sept. 20, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. WHERE: LINC Community Revitalization, Inc., 1167 Madison SE Grand Rapids RSVP: Emberly […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Guest column: Michigan, you don’t know everything about manufacturing
By Jim Danielski/Career Planning Specialists What … somebody recognized that manufacturing in the U.S. isn’t dead? That maybe, just maybe, the much touted service sector may actually be a byproduct of manufacturing? Many of us, including me, believe that manufacturing will make a comeback – only it won’t be in the form of the “factory” […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Hoekstra's ad isn't 'worst,' but distortions used earn foul, says Michigan Truth Squad
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Meet the Parents” Who: Hoekstra for Senate What: Internet video Truth Squad call: Foul Questionable statement: “How about that Debbie Stabenow? Never met a tax increase she didn’t like … worst senator Michigan has ever had. “ These are broad generalizations, including a personal attack on Stabenow, that the video and […]
Posted inMichigan Government
New ads on Canada bridge carry same old problem, Truth Squad rules
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: Multiple ads on bridge question Who: The People Should Decide What: Television ads Truth Squad call: Flagrant foul Questionable statement: “The bridge to Canada. $500 million just in interest payments. And with hidden costs — up to $8 billion.” The source of these claims is an Aug. 12 study commissioned by […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Democrats slip up on couple of points about Bolger, Truth Squad rules
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “End Jase Bolger’s Reign” Who: Michigan Democratic Party What: Web video Truth Squad call: Foul. Michigan Democrats have ramped up attacks on the House Republican speaker since revelation of a secretive scheme between Bolger and Grand Rapids House Democrat Roy Schmidt to have Schmidt file as a Republican minutes before the […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Guest column: A small town keeps growing its own
By Maurita Holland When Roger Chard steps onto the stage to sing and I take the piano bench in southeastern Michigan, the audience generally numbers in the hundreds. This month, we will perform in my hometown, Manistique, for about 30 people. The attendees, enticed by the promise of Swedish desserts and coffee, along with an […]
Posted inTalent & Education
Education talks set for GR, Novi, Birmingham, Novi
Michiganians from Grand Rapids to Birmingham, Novi to Flint have opportunities in September and October to discuss K-12 education and reform as part of the Center for Michigan’s ongoing townhall series on the topic: WHEN: Sept. 11, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Dickinson Elementary, 448 Dickinson St., SE, Grand Rapids RSVP: Nan Evans — […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Democrats get fouls for some 'hits' on Hoekstra, Truth Squad rules
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Hoekstra’s Greatest Hits” Who: Michigan Democratic Party What: Internet ad Truth Squad call: Fouls Questionable statement: “Restricting Women’s Access to Health Care … (Pete) Hoekstra wants to ban birth control & allow insurance companies to deny coverage for mammograms & pre-natal tests.” The Michigan Democratic Party ad criticizing Republican U.S. Senate […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Guest column: Children 'maimed' as Michigan chases latest biz fix for schools
By Scott Baker In late spring, Bridge Magazine looked at data on college readiness in Michigan. It prompted a question: Did the data analyzed by Bridge Magazine take into account poverty levels and their negative impact on student achievement? There are reams of research (i.e. Berliner 2009, Turkheimer 2003) demonstrating this. How will (another) new […]