A scandal that rocked the Department of Veteran Affairs will change the way northern Michigan veterans receive healthcare, according to an in-depth investigative report in this week's Northern Express, The Ticker's sister publication.

Reporter Patrick Sullivan spoke with Charles Lerchen, director of the Department of Veterans Affairs Benzie/Grand Traverse/Leelanau, about what Lerchen describes as "a major change in the way the VA provides medical care for the veterans." Individuals who've been forced to travel downstate for care could soon benefit from a new law making it easier for veterans to seek local options. Funding has also been approved to double the size of the Traverse City veterans clinic, an expansion that could begin next spring and be completed by the end of 2015. Finally, an agreement with a Beaver Island healthcare clinic could allow that community's 90 veterans to receive care on the island rather than having to travel off-site. Read more in VA On the Verge of Change in this week's Express online or in print.

This week's issue also features a behind-the-scenes look at an upcoming Wizard Of Oz-inspired original production called The Oz Project coming to Traverse City's InsideOut Gallery, a Q&A with PBS host and author Tom Daldin (Under the Radar Michigan: The First 50) - and much more! Check out the Northern Express online, or pick up a free copy at one of more than 600 distribution spots across 13 counties. And, stay connected throughout the week on Facebook.