Astrid Code, Author at Bridge Michigan

Michigan getting millions more to aid opioid battle

Astrid Code — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 19:02:00 +0000

The state’s opioid settlement funds – now totaling nearly $1.8 billion — need to be used wisely, experts say. (Bridge file photo)

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/bridgemi.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/harm-reduction.jpg?fit=300%2C200&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/bridgemi.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/harm-reduction.jpg?fit=780%2C520&ssl=1" />Thanks to new settlements with opioid manufacturers, Michigan will get $178.5 million more for its drug fight. But is it enough?

Michigan program aims to expand benefits for child care workers

Astrid Code — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 18:49:00 +0000

Staff members at Little Blessings Learning Center in Lansing are eligible to receive low-cost benefits through a state pilot program. (Dale Young/Bridge Michigan)

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Nearly four out of five child care workers in Michigan don’t receive benefits. A $4.4 million pilot program from the state hopes to change that.

Feds investigating U-M, WMU over scholarships for 'Dreamers,' minorities

Astrid Code — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 19:53:55 +0000

Western Michigan University and the University of Michigan are among five universities being investigated for scholarships allegedly violating Title VI antidiscrimination law. (Left: Photo via Susan B Sheldon/Shutterstock; Right: Josh Boland/Bridge Michigan)

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Civil rights probes of scholarships for undocumented and minority students are the latest in the Trump administration’s targeting of public universities.

Sugar Loaf ski resort may get new life as public recreational area

Astrid Code — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 21:13:48 +0000

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The Leelanau Conservancy announced plans to provide public access to Sugar Loaf, which has been abandoned since 2000. (Courtesy of Leelanau Conservancy)

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After 25 years, Leelanau County residents and visitors would finally be able to hike, bike and sled on the slopes of an abandoned ski resort.

Michigan bars offer booze-free options for the ‘sober-curious’

Astrid Code — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 18:38:56 +0000

Many restaurants and bars in Michigan now feature nonalcoholic cocktails, or ‘mocktails,’ on their menu. (Asha Lewis/Bridge Michigan)

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Alcohol sales have declined in the past year. The response from bar owners? Boozeless brunch, NA beers and mocktails.

Michigan lawmaker wants a cursive comeback

Astrid Code — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 20:14:44 +0000

Students practice both printing and cursive handwriting skills in the six to nine year old’s classroom at the Mountaineer Montessori School in Charleston, W.Va. Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Bob Bird)

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A student practices printing and cursive handwriting skills. A bill in the Michigan House would require the Department of Education to develop or adopt a list of cursive instruction programs. (AP Photo/Bob Bird)

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A recently reintroduced bill in the Michigan House would encourage cursive instruction in public schools.

Michigan doctors urge vaccination as measles cases hit national record

Astrid Code — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 19:52:46 +0000

Vials for the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are displayed at a clinic in Lubbock, Texas, on Feb. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Mary Conlon)

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Michigan’s public health experts are urging parents to keep their children updated on vaccinations to prevent more outbreaks. (AP Photo/Mary Conlon)

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Michigan has 18 confirmed measles cases in a national spike of the vaccine-preventable disease.

As Michigan scrambles to improve literacy, school librarians are losing their jobs

Astrid Code — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 16:10:08 +0000

Librarian Christine Beachler reads to students at Bushnell Elementary in Lowell. Beachler serves as the librarian for six schools in her district. (Courtesy of Christine Beachler)

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Most Michigan schools don’t have a full-time librarian. They’re required in Mississippi, where reading scores are higher.

Michigan Senate backs Mackinac Island in ferry ‘monopoly’ fight

Astrid Code — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 21:23:05 +0000

in St. Ignace, Mich. on Thursday, June 12, 2025. (Josh Boland | Bridge Michigan)

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Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry is owned by The Hoffmann Family of Companies, which has a monopoly on ferry services to the island. (Josh Boland/Bridge Michigan)

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The Michigan Senate approves legislation allowing Mackinac Island to regulate all aspects of ferry service — including prices.

Swatting away more mosquitoes lately? Michigan’s heat wave may be to blame

Astrid Code — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 18:40:57 +0000

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Michigan’s mosquito season peaks in July and August, just in time for Michiganders to head outside. (Photo via Tsyb_Oleg/iStock)

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Rainfall, record-breaking heat contribute to mosquito surge in Michigan.