Ten days into an emergency effort to restore water to Detroit homes, several hundred residents still remain without water and activists wants Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to enlist the National Guard to help in the effort.
Joel Kurth
As executive editor of impact, Joel Kurth oversees newsgathering, investigations, and coverage strategy at Bridge Michigan. He joined Bridge in 2017 after 17 years as an investigative reporter and editor at The Detroit News, where he led investigations that drove policy changes on water shutoffs and surgical instrument sterilization and resulted in criminal charges against government officials. He and his teams have won more than 60 state and national awards across a 30-year career in Michigan that has also included stints at newspapers in the Upper Peninsula and Saginaw. Joel also authors Bridge's popular weekly News Quiz.
Joel lives in West Bloomfield with his wife and two children.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Detroit off to slow start restoring water to homes as coronavirus hits
Detroit has turned water back on to fewer than 100 homes despite a program that slashes reconnection fees to $25. City officials say they are racing to solve phone and contractor issues they blame for the delays.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Detroit to offer $25 water restorations as coronavirus fears mount
Detroit is offering to turn back on water for $25 to halt the spread of coronavirus, and for 30 days, the state of Michigan will pick up the tab for those who can’t afford it, Mayor Mike Duggan announced.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Coronavirus fears renew calls for Gov. Whitmer to end Detroit water shutoffs
One day after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer denies a request for a health emergency in Detroit’s water shutoffs, activists again are seeking another one, saying that living without water could spread coronavirus.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Detroit says no proof water shutoffs harm health. Get real, experts say.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is unlikely to declare a state emergency to end Detroit water shutoffs, prompting debate about how much proof is needed about health detriments that researchers say are obvious.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Bernie Sanders calls Detroit shutoffs an ‘outrage,’ as city seeks more help
Citing a Bridge Magazine article, Sanders calls water shutoffs a ‘moral outrage.’ City officials say they want to expand relief efforts for thousands of impoverished residents with no running water.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Detroit wants to expand water help. Here’s how to avoid disconnections.
Detroit officials want to double the amount of help available for low-income customers facing water shutoffs. Most programs help those who aren’t yet disconnected.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
I hate to complain, but I haven’t had water in a year. A Detroit story.
After two years of decline, Detroit water shutoffs jumped 44 percent last year, as the city stopped water to 1 in 9 homes. Most stayed off a month or more, and nearly 10,000 homes still don’t have service.
Posted inSpecial report
Michigan could decide presidency. These are the facts that shape our state.
With the Michigan primary just weeks away, Bridge Magazine is unveiling its 2020 Fact Guide to help frame the debate and separate rhetoric from facts.
Posted inSpecial report
50 facts that frame Michigan, from health care and poverty to income
Michigan is often mischaracterized. Here are 50 facts about demographics, education, health care, the economy and government that shape the state.