MICHIGAN BRIDGE Good morning reader, Politico published an early draft of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that would overturn Roe v. Wade. The impact of a such a ruling would be immediate in Michigan, which has a 1930s-era law that criminalizes the procedure that would go back into effect upon Roe's lapse. Bridge explains the extraordinary ramifications for Michigan.

Flint and Benton Harbor have drawn the headlines, but water systems are faltering in towns big and small, poor and more affluent, across Michigan, Kelly House reports. There’s plenty of blame to share, from the local officials reluctant to raise rates or taxes to pay for the upkeep, to the state itself, which has failed to give regulators authority to ensure such spending.

In a companion story for the Great Lakes News Collaborative, Lester Graham of Michigan Radio explains how policies have placed smaller, more rural towns at greater risk of suffering a water crisis.

In other news, the average Michigan student leaves college with $36,000 in loan debt. With the Biden administration poised to offer some form of loan help, Bridge lays out what a student loan forgiveness program could mean for Michigan residents.

And did we mention that an otter has been spotted in the Detroit River? Our friends at Great Lakes Now tell the story of the recent sighting of a river otter near the Ambassador Bridge after an absence of more than 100 years, a hopeful sign for a healing watershed.

Thanks for reading Bridge Michigan. Please consider donating to our nonprofit newsroom.

- David Zeman

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Leaked Supreme Court ruling would overturn Roe, upend Michigan abortion law Politico published a leaked draft late Monday of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling by Justice Sam Alito that would overrule Roe v. Wade, finding that there is no right to abortion in the U.S. Constitution. Such a decision would have a huge impact in Michigan.

Water woes loom for Michigan suburbs, towns after decades of disinvestment Michigan cities rich and poor, big and small have been delaying maintenance on their water systems for decades. Now, even wealthy towns are suffering the consequences of past reluctance to pay for water system upkeep.

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! Good morning reader, Politico published an early draft of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that would overturn Roe v. Wade. The impact of a such a ruling would be immediate in Michigan, which has a 1930s-era law that criminalizes the procedure that would go back into effect upon Roe's lapse. Bridge explains the extraordinary ramifications for Michigan. Flint and Benton Harbor have drawn the headlines, but water systems are faltering in towns big and small, poor and more affluent, across Michigan, Kelly House reports. There’s plenty of blame to share, from the local officials reluctant to raise rates or taxes to pay for the upkeep, to the state itself, which has failed to give regulators authority to ensure such spending. In a companion story for the Great Lakes News Collaborative, Lester Graham of Michigan Radio explains how policies have placed smaller, more rural towns at greater risk of suffering a water crisis. In other news, the average Michigan student leaves college with $36,000 in loan debt. With the Biden administration poised to offer some form of loan help, Bridge lays out what a student loan forgiveness program could mean for Michigan residents. And did we mention that an otter has been spotted in the Detroit River? Our friends at Great Lakes Now tell the story of the recent sighting of a river otter near the Ambassador Bridge after an absence of more than 100 years, a hopeful sign for a healing watershed. Thanks for reading Bridge Michigan. Please consider donating to our nonprofit newsroom. - David Zeman See other newsletter options Leaked Supreme Court ruling would overturn Roe, upend Michigan abortion law Politico published a leaked draft late Monday of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling by Justice Sam Alito that would overrule Roe v. Wade, finding that there is no right to abortion in the U.S. Constitution. Such a decision would have a huge impact in Michigan. Water woes loom for Michigan suburbs, towns after decades of disinvestment Michigan cities rich and poor, big and small have been delaying maintenance on their water systems for decades. Now, even wealthy towns are suffering the consequences of past reluctance to pay for water system upkeep. Your d




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


Many rural towns have neglected drinking water systems for decades As some rural towns lose population and government funds shrink, some drinking water systems are one failure away from crisis.

Student loan forgiveness could help 1.4 million in Michigan. What to know Residents owe a total of $51 billion in Michigan. Here’s a primer on what we know so far about a plan to forgive some — or all — of that debt.

River otters return to the Detroit River, sign ecosystem is healing Photograph confirms return of otters to Detroit River.

2022 Michigan petition drives tracker: What to know about election proposals Voters could face more than a dozen ballot measures on everything from minimum wage and criminal justice to elections and abortion. Here’s what you need to know.

Coronavirus Tracker | Positivity rate hits 10 percent; hospitalizations inch upward Click on the table below to see our full Michigan COVID-19 dashboard.

Many rural towns have neglected drinking water systems for decades As some rural towns lose population and government funds shrink, some drinking water systems are one failure away from crisis.

Student loan forgiveness could help 1.4 million in Michigan. What to know Residents owe a total of $51 billion in Michigan. Here’s a primer on what we know so far about a plan to forgive some — or all — of that debt.

River otters return to the Detroit River, sign ecosystem is healing Photograph confirms return of otters to Detroit River. 2022 Michigan petition drives tracker: What to know about election proposals Voters could face more than a dozen ballot measures on everything from minimum wage and criminal justice to elections and abortion. Here’s what you need to know. Coronavirus Tracker | Positivity rate hits 10 percent; hospitalizations inch upward Click on the table below to see our full Michigan COVID-19 dashboard.