Since 1974, Michigan State University's medical school has offered intensive training for rural primary care physicians
Quality of Life
Michigan is a great place to live. Bridge will report that fact often — and on potential threats to the assets that make it so.
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Five years later, state parks Recreation Passport a financial success
Michigan's state park system adapts to budget squeezes and changing values about the outdoors. But major costs kicked down the road.
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State park neglect
In just about every corner of Michigan’s state park system, there is evidence of the heavy price of years of deferred maintenance. Roads and parking lots cry out for patching and resurfacing, buildings need repair or replacement, as do decks, boardwalks and fishing piers. Water and sanitary sewer systems are aging. According to a 2014 […]
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Dreaming big: A walking trail spanning Michigan’s vast coastline
Could Michigan’s coast tracing the Mitten and Upper Peninsula be the centerpiece of a Great Lakes walking trail? At more than 10,000 miles, a proposed Great Lakes trail would be the world’s longest.
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A graying population poses challenges for Up North counties
High up on Michigan’s Mitten, arthritis is creeping into the fingertips. Michigan leads the nation with the most counties with a median age over 50.
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Up north poverty charts
Income disparity CharlevoixCheboyganEmmetStatewideMedian income (Top 5%) 317,930 241,494 374,282 270,710 Median income (Bottom 20%) 12,377 10,927 13,656 10,979 Difference 305,553 230,567 360,626 259,731 Disparity among MI counties (1=highest) 6th 18th 2nd Source :U.S. Census American Community Survey, 2009-2013 Aging population 2013 median ageRank among MI counties (1=oldest)2009-13 change in median ageRank among MI counties (1=aging fastest)Charlevoix45.9282.322Cheboygan48192.811Emmet43.5341.646Statewide37.739.11.4 Source: U.S. Census American Community […]
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Cringe over troubled water – Flint’s smelly dilemma
Flint calls on the state to clear up the city’s low-quality drinking water. Who is responsible for the city’s water problems?
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DNR yields to public and will not allow drilling under prized land at Hartwick Pines
A Bridge article revealing possible oil leasing under the virgin pines produced a backlash from environmental groups, and from the family that donated the land. The DNR says it may still allow drilling in other parts of the park.
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Oil lease proposed under 400-year-old virgin pines
The state may allow an oil lease under the largest stand of virgin white pine in the Lower Peninsula. Experts say drilling wouldn't harm trees. But critics fear a booming oil rig at Hartwick Pines State Park.
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How to comment on possible oil drilling under Hartwick Pines State Park
Revenue and jobs? Or undisturbed quiet? Make your voice heard on drilling proposals. Also, see if you live near a proposed drilling site.