Michigan’s rivers are back from the brink — and play a pivotal role in state life. From dams to fish and pollution to development, they face a host of challenges that Bridge is exploring in a summerlong series.
Northern Michigan
Posted inBusiness Watch
Amid tax pressure, competition, marijuana may move out of rural Michigan
A flooded market has driven down cannabis prices, forcing consolidation of the industry. A new state tax could expedite those changes, and small towns will feel it most.
Posted inBusiness Watch
After years of struggles, Michigan cherry industry pushes for better future
Michigan’s cherry industry has fallen on hard times. A new marketing campaign and better collaboration will turn things around, growers hope.
Posted inMichigan Government
Lawmakers give Mackinac Island control of ferry rates. Neighbors aren’t happy
Just in time for Memorial Day, lawmakers side with the tourist hotspot in its war with ferry operators. Mackinaw City and St. Ignace oppose the move.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan plans to reissue Line 5 permit amid federal review, court fight
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy preliminarily approved a water quality permit that will allow Enbridge Energy to discharge millions of gallons of wastewater per day into Lake Michigan during construction of a pipeline tunnel.
Posted inQuality of Life
Fruit blossoms expected this weekend in northern Michigan
This weekend could make for prime fruit blossom viewing as warming temps Up North cause colorful blooms.
Posted inMichigan Government
Advocates: ICE denying medical, legal access at Michigan detention center
A federal immigration detention center in northern Michigan is denying adequate medical care to detainees and limiting their access to attorneys, immigrant advocacy and civil rights organizations allege.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Northern Michigan ice storm debris could mean dangerous fire season
Dry timber buildup from last year’s ice storm has fire officials bracing for a riskier-than-average fire season. But early season impacts are trending below average.
Posted inQuality of Life
Detroit fuels Michigan population gain. See new Census numbers for your town
Detroit added more than 5,000 residents for the second year in a row, but some other communities lost ground, according to new US Census estimates. Use our searchable database to look up your town.
Posted inBusiness Watch
A victim of its popularity, Petoskey struggles as home prices hit $1 million
With half of its homes occupied only a few months of the year, Petoskey is facing a housing crisis for year-round residents.
