One of four Michigan residents are nonwhite. Two of 14 state representatives in Congress are people of color. As district maps get redrawn, advocates seek a greater voice.

Futures for Frontliners gave essential workers in the early months of the COVID pandemic a shot at free community college. Some are on campuses, but many more have yet to complete financial forms that would free them of tuition payments.

On July 29, Bridge Michigan environmental reporter Kelly House will moderate a Zoom discussion with environmental experts on the impacts of climate change in our state and the role of environmental justice in combating its effects

The state is pushing to get more residents to pursue a college degree. The pandemic appears to still be hobbling those efforts, particularly among poor and first-generation students.

In traditional Bangladeshi families, the lines between caretaker and those in their care are blurred as children often translate communications to parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Likewise, caretakers may be well into their 50s and are charged with looking after small children and aging parents alike.

Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf, who contemplated seizing voting machines, is now using a private investigator for an investigation of claims that local clerks say have been repeatedly debunked.

Two GOP lawmakers say their plans cut bureaucracy and save millions of dollars. Some worry, though, that any reform that shifts care to the private sector or distant agencies will compromise vulnerable patients.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau indicated fully vaccinated U.S. visitors could cross the border starting in mid-August if Canada’s “positive path” on vaccinations continues. Michigan residents with cottages in Canada are hopeful but wary.

Michigan’s increase in drug overdose deaths in 2020 wasn’t as high as the national average, but 2,743 people died across the state — a 16 percent rise over 2019.

The deadline is looming for those who’ve been flagged for receiving pandemic unemployment benefits. Step one: Don’t panic. Step two: Complete the process and be ready to appeal.

The state is considering closing beaches and issuing fines, noting that some swimmers are ignoring danger conditions. But surfers and other sports enthusiasts live for rough waves, and want the state to more narrowly tailor any order.

Lawyers want a sizable cut of the proposed $641 million deal, noting the risks they took and millions of dollars of expenses in litigating the class action. The debate highlights continued conflict over what justice looks like for battered Flint residents.