Good morning reader, Michigan public health advocates hailed the FDA’s plan to ban menthol cigarettes, calling it a milestone in the effort to curb tobacco, particularly among African American smokers, who overwhelmingly smoke menthol brands. In other news, Central Michigan University finds itself again in the unwanted spotlight, with a federal civil rights agency looking into the racial implications of the school’s decision to shut down its men’s track and field team and revive its men’s golf program. College is supposed to be the best four years of a young adult’s life – that’s the marketing pitch, anyway. But like many COVID college students, Bridgette Bauer of Michigan State University missed much of the fun amid isolation and other pandemic protocols. She’s left wondering how a 21-year-old could feel so old. A rare species of butterfly – so rare it can only be found in Oakland County and in Manitoba, Canada – is the focus of a $57-million federal effort to save it from extinction. Folks are still getting COVID, but approved treatments for infection are now broadly available across Michigan. We can point you to 66 sites where you can get tested and then handed treatment medication at the same time. That’s important because treatments must be taken within a short period after symptoms to be effective. And Michigan’s independent redistricting commission keeps meeting, with no apparent end in sight, though its map work drawing state political maps appears done. Thanks for reading Bridge Michigan, please consider a donation to our nonprofit newsroom. - David Zeman See other newsletter options smoking FDA menthol cigarette ban hailed as triumph, especially for Black health Michigan advocates and health experts say the ban could have a significant impact on improving public health, but particularly for African American smokers, who overwhelmingly favor menthol cigarettes. But some Black advocates warn of unintended consequences. Your donation is matched! You read our newsletters because we deliver stories that matter to you and to our state. Will you help us keep delivering for Michigan in this important election year? Donations to our spring campaign are matched by the Herrick Foundation! Donate here Central Michigan University faces civil rights probe for cutting track team A federal civil rights agency is looking into why CMU ended men’s track and field and then revived its men’s golf program. University President Bob Davies said a tight budget (track costs more to run than golf) not racial bias was the reason. At Michigan State, graduation haunted by ‘what could have been’ without COVID The pandemic didn’t hospitalize or kill as many college students as it did their grandparents, but it still left a mark on “the best four years of your life.” A rare butterfly makes its last stand in Michigan. Feds bank $57M to save it The Poweshiek skipperling is an endangered butterfly species with only two remaining populations that are teetering on the verge of extinction. Got COVID? Michigan has 66 one-stop shops that both test and treat Once suffering a shortage of COVID-19 treatments, the state now has an abundance of them, as well as clinics and pharmacies to dispense them — critically, at the same time you are diagnosed. Michigan’s redistricting panel’s future uncertain, even though maps long done Michigan’s citizen commission is still meeting — and getting paid. How much longer? Nobody knows. Twitter Facebook Website Instagram Email Too many Bridge emails? Update your preferences Never want another Bridge email? Unsubscribe here This email was sent to: Cb31450@gmail.com Copyright © 2022 The Center for Michigan • 220 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48197