Business & Economy

Proposed telemedicine rules could limit rural prescriptions

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TELEPRESCRIPTIONS: During the pandemic, doctors were allowed to prescribe controlled substances via telemedicine instead of face-to-face appointments. But that option may be coming to an end under a proposed rule by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. Doctors serving rural patients want to keep the telemedicine option. We talk to a medical director for the Thumb area, a University of Michigan health policy professor and the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan. By Samuel Blatchford. FOR ALL POINTS.

Business & Economy

Food banks see increased demand

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FOOD BANK SURGE: Additional federal food assistance for low-income people ended at the end of February, driving more people to turn to food banks and pantries. The assistance had been provided as part of federal relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Local food banks are feeling the pinch as an increasing number of low-income residents turn to them by Samuel Blatchford. We interview food bank administrators for Detroit, Lansing and Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Jackson, Lenawee, Hillsdale, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph counties. By Samuel Blatchford. FOR ALL POINTS

Business & Economy

Air travel demand is high post-pandemic 

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PLANES: Air travel is surging post-pandemic and so are prices. Michigan airport managers are among those nationwide attempting to handle what could be record demand this summer. At the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport, Delta Airlines is bringing in bigger planes with more seats. Flint’s Bishop International Airport reports increased demand since the airport became a hub for Allegiant Airlines. Travel experts recommend booking summer travel three months in advance. By Samuel Blatchford. FOR BUSINESS AND NEWS SECTIONS OF ALL POINTS

Business & Economy
Amtrak has rolled out 19 new Venture coaches on its three Michigan routes.

Amtrak rolls out new rail cars for Michigan routes 

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TRAINS: Michigan railroad passengers are getting an improved ride thanks to upgraded coaches on three Michigan routes. The improvements include wider aisles, free Wi-Fi and antennas on every car, fold-down dining trays, power USB ports on all the seats, reading lamps for each seat, triple capacity for bike storage and increased storage capacity for luggage. Nineteen new coaches have been in use for Michigan routes for a few months. The cars cost around $2.7 million each By Sam Blatchford. FOR ALL POINTS

Arts & Entertainment
A tent at Big Bear Lake State Forest Campground. Campground reservations remain strong.

Camping interest in Michigan stays strong after pandemic 

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CAMP: The pandemic spurred more campers to head to the state campgrounds. The popularity peaked last year but as Covid restrictions become more relaxed, people still are seeking campsites. We talk to the head of the DNR’s parks and recreation department and Ari Adler of Okemos, a dedicated camper. By Sam Blatchford. FOR ALPENA, LUDINGTON, HOLLAND, CHEBOYGAN, IRON MOUNTAIN, MARQUETTE, PETOSKEY, SAULT STE. MARIE, ST. IGNACE, TRAVERSE CITY and ALL POINTS.

Business & Economy
A MegaBus bus.

Megabus has mega plans for its return to Michigan

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BUS: A new alliance between Indian Trails in Owosso, Michigan’s largest private bus company, and budget national carrier Megabus restores Megabus service in the state with connections across the U.S. and Canada. Indian Trails destinations include St. Ignace, Detroit, Traverse City, St. Ignace, Cheboygan, Petoskey, Alpena, Iron Mountain, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Big Rapids. By Samuel Blatchford: FOR GRAND RAPIDS, PETOSKEY, HARBOR SPRINGS, TRAVERSE CITY, ST. IGNACE, BIG RAPIDS, ALPENA, IRON MOUNTAIN, DETROIT, PLANET DETROIT, LANSING CITY PULSE AND ALL POINTS.

Environment
John James Audubon.

Birding groups debate migrating from the Audubon name

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AUDUBON: Michigan chapters of the Audubon Society are wrestling with whether to keep or drop “Audubon” from the name of their local organizations. That’s because namesake John James Audubon, America’s most renowned bird artist, was an enslaver. The national organization’s board voted to keep the name, triggering three members to resign in protest. We hear from Traverse City, Grand Rapids and Oakland County chapters While John Jay Audubon was a renowned artist of birds, he also enslaved people. What do leaders and members of Audubon chapters in Michigan say should be done? By Samuel Batchford. FOR TRAVERSE CITY, WKTV, LEELANAU, DETROIT AND ALL POINTS.

Business & Economy

Here’s the scoop on Michigan pet waste removal 

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PET POOP: A growing number of Michigan pet owners are hiring poop removal companies to keep their yards and lawns clean. The poop picker-uppers do need to be vigilant about on-the-job dog attacks, however. We talk to owners of businesses in Fenton, Lansing and Brownstone Township. By Samuel Blatchford. FOR DETROIT, LANSING CITY PULSE, CORP! AND ALL POINTS.