Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Northern Michigan

Friday, January 04, 2013  State officials working on fixing problem

Monday, August 08, 2011  Thousands of college students need to find a new way to pay for their food this school year.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011  After winning $2 million jackpot, a downstate man continues to get food assistance.  Do you think people who win a lump sum of money should have to pay back any welfare they've received?

Friday, May 06, 2011  A state senator is calling for a crackdown on what he calls abuse of the state's food assistance program.  He says people are using their Bridge Card's at vacation hotspots such as Hawaii, Florida and even on cruise ships.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011  How much taxpayer money did the state spend to send a letter to hundreds of thousands of residents to let them know they would see a $1 increase in their bridge card benefits? A viewer wondered. We found the answers and the motivation behind it in this Fact Finder.

Thursday, December 02, 2010  You win the lottery, but can't claim your millions in prize money. That's what a handful of lawmakers would like to see happen if you get state welfare.

Friday, September 18, 2009  State Representatives Wayne Schmidt and Kevin Elsenheimer are asking the Michigan Auditor General to check into the status of college students who receive assistance from the Michigan Bridge Card.  The program currently provides cash and food assistance for those individuals who qualify.  College students are eligible for the food assistance portion but that's where the question of abusing the system comes into play.