1/29/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - Former U.S. Attorney Mark Totten announced Tuesday that he is ending his bid to replace the term-limited Dana Nessel as Michigan’s Attorney General.  The suspension of Totten’s campaign comes as a result of some unions endorsing another Democrat in the AG race.  Totten in a statement saying he doesn’t see a viable path forward in the race and is grateful for the support he has received. 

1/29/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - With a January 30th budget deadline just around the corner, proposed federal cuts could put nearly seven million dollars in nursing education and research funding at risk. The issue is raising concerns in Michigan, where hospitals are already facing staffing shortages, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The U-S House Appropriations Committee has moved to eliminate the National Institute of Nursing Research and most Title Eight Nursing Workforce Development programs. Ramona Benkert, dean of the College of Nursing at Wayne State University, says the cuts could jeopardize the pipeline of future nurse educators.

                    0:15  "The shortage for faculty is worse than the shortage for nursing. When you don't have funding to facilitate individuals to come back to graduate education to become nursing faculty – it worsens the downstream affects of fewer nurses coming out with an undergraduate degree."

Supporters of the proposed cuts argue they’re needed to rein in federal spending and shift responsibility for workforce training away from Washington, D-C and toward states, universities and health systems.

1/29/2026

MERCER - MECCA Trails in Mercer invites the community to its free, annual Candlelight Ski Snowshoe Hike on Saturday, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.This popular, decades-old event features a one-mile, illuminated trail for skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking (dogs welcome). A warming bonfire and the MECCA log cabin chalet (heated by a woodstove) will offer refreshments. Guests can roast hot dogs over a bonfire, and MECCA volunteers will be serving chili, cookies, and hot chocolate,” said Diane O’Krongly. The event is located at 4686N Fierick Road, about one mile off U.S. Highway 51. Turn onto Beachway, across from the Dollar General, and follow the signs. Bring family and friends for a memorable evening.