Michigan’s cherry growers impacted by a mild winter, early spring and heavy rainfall prompted the U.S. Department of Agriculture to declare 11 counties natural or contiguous disaster areas.
Rural Michigan
Posted inQuality of Life
In Michigan’s north woods, a search for Bigfoot and political common ground
At a Sasquatch conference in northern Michigan, experts preach tolerance, a willingness to engage with skeptics and keep an open mind — all lessons that could help in the leadup to Nov. 5 as easily as in the woods.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan needs doctors more than ever. More medical schools haven’t helped
Universities have aggressively expanded medical schools with the hope that could curb a looming doctor shortage. Instead, the shortage worsened as newly licensed doctors left Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Primary-care doctor shortages cut deep in Michigan's underserved areas
More than 1 in 4 Michiganders live in an area with a shortage of health providers. Primary care is among the worst hit.
Posted inMichigan Government
Alpena backs away from firing library board after sex-themed books are moved
The culture wars have led to compromise in northern Michigan, with a library moving books and county commissioners rescinding a threat to fire library board members.
Posted inQuality of Life
Michigan reports worst outbreak of viral disease in wild deer in 12 years
The state is experiencing the worst outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease among white-tailed deer since 2012. The viral disease is transmitted from midges and is often fatal.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan urges caution as dry conditions raise risk of wildfires
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking people to be careful as dry weather and high winds bring a higher chance of fire. The department has restricted burning in much of the region.
Posted inMichigan Government
In Michigan U.S. Senate race, could farm backing break Democratic control?
Farmers could be a key voting bloc in Michigan’s U.S. Senate race, where Mike Rogers and Elissa Slotkin are competing to replace a longtime agricultural ally.
Posted inThe Center for Michigan
Bridge Lunch Break will discuss deer hunting trends in Michigan
Bridge Michigan’s Kelly House and Janelle James will moderate a discussion about deer populations, regulations and changes in hunting seasons.
Posted inQuality of Life
Several Michigan campsites will be closed for renovations in '25. See list
Michiganders should prepare for some disappointment as they’re booking camping sites for next season. Over a dozen of the state’s campgrounds and day-use areas will be closed for some or all of the 2025 season.