Michigan’s Republican-led House and Democratic-led Senate aren’t seeing eye-to-eye on much. They’ve agreed on just six bills through the first six months of 2025, by far the slowest start in the past two decades.
6 laws in 6 months: Michigan’s divided Legislature off to slowest start in decades
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Opioid crisis cost Michigan $38 billion in 2024, new analysis finds
Lost productivity, wages and the cost of police and courts reveal the far-reaching impact of substance use disorder in Michigan.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Bird flu has killed at least 18 Michigan eagles this year. More deaths feared
Highly pathogenic avian influenza is having a deadly effect on Michigan’s eagle population. A 2022 outbreak reduced breeding pairs. Now cases are going up again, and researchers are watching for a second wave.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
What the federal spending bill means for Michigan climate, EVs
Experts told Bridge Michigan that if the bill passes, utilities will likely slow their investments in renewable energy and prolong their reliance on natural gas, while automakers may again extend EV production timelines.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan rural hospitals at risk under Trump’s ‘beautiful’ bill, experts say
The ‘big, beautiful bill’ could spell big trouble for Michigan hospitals, according to experts, who say rural facilities could be forced to scale back services or even close because of Medicaid cuts.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan drunk driving arrests plunge. Impairment remains deadly threat
Arrests for drunk driving are down 28% in Michigan since 2014, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s happening less. Police say staffing issues are limiting their patrols.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Can Michigan’s forests survive climate change? One researcher is finding out
As climate change pushes the native growing range of Michigan’s most economically productive trees further north, one MSU researcher is hoping to discover genetic traits that could help them survive in hotter climates.
Posted inMichigan Government
Trump admin withholds more than $156M for Michigan school programs, educator training
The federal government is withholding more than $6 billion in education grants — including more than $156 million for Michigan — to ensure they align with President Donald Trump’s priorities
Posted inMichigan Government
No deal: In blow to schools, Michigan’s divided Legislature misses budget deadline
Michigan law required lawmakers to finalize a state budget by July 1. They didn’t. That’s bad news for schools, who are making their own spending decisions without knowing how much money they’ll get from the state.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan Senate backs Mackinac Island in ferry ‘monopoly’ fight
The Michigan Senate approves legislation allowing Mackinac Island to regulate all aspects of ferry service — including prices.