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Quality of Life
Michigan is a great place to live. Bridge will report that fact often — and on potential threats to the assets that make it so.
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15 anti-racist Michigan books to get you through the holidays and quarantine
There are plenty of reading lists circulating these days with books that address race and current tensions in the United States. These books with Michigan ties provide context and understanding.
In Michigan, a Thanksgiving served with loss, anger and Zoom prayers
How do you give thanks at a time when it feels like there’s so little to be thankful for? Bridge readers say they’re finding ways to celebrate, even if they’re apart.
Trump demonizes refugees. Biden wants more. Whose plan will Michigan back?
President Trump has cut refugees and curtailed foreign guest workers. Joe Biden wants to restore higher admissions for people seeking to escape persecution in other countries. Michigan has a stake in which candidate prevails.
Will Postal Service botch election in Michigan? It’s unlikely, experts say.
Despite fears that absentee ballots would be delayed and uncounted, few are complaining about local mail delivery, officials say. In fact, the U.S. Postal Service acquitted itself fairly well in a test set by Bridge to mimic mail-in ballots.
As Michigan reopens, workers find that child care centers still closed
A recent study found that half of Michigan’s licensed child care centers and homes remain closed, a huge impediment to getting the state’s economy moving again. And access to child care was a big problem in the state even before the pandemic.
Despite legal battle, Michigan tribe remains hopeful for recognition
The federal government says they’re not a Native American tribe. Don’t tell that to the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.
13 Michigan books to get you through the stay-at-home order
Bridge suggests a list of Michigan-centered nonfiction and fiction books that will help you lean into or mentally escape from the coronavirus pandemic.
RV owners, a Michigan nurse, and the coronavirus that brought them together
She’s caring for those with coronavirus. They were looking for a way to pitch in. The pandemic is bringing out the best in Michiganders.
Northern Michigan to downstate residents: Stay home during coronavirus!
The mayors of Traverse City and Petoskey, and plenty of local residents, are putting out the unwelcome mat to people who own second homes in the region.
Michigan adjusts to strange, empty world of coronavirus lockdown
From empty streets to locked stores, Michigan residents awoke Tuesday morning to a state desperately trying to slow the spread of a potentially deadly virus.
How to survive coronavirus lockdown: Tips for Michigan from San Francisco
Life under a stay-home order is new to Michigan, but San Francisco residents have been living under similar orders since March 17. Read how one resident is coping.
In photos: In one week, coronavirus upends life in Michigan
In one week, life has changed dramatically in Michigan, as the coronavirus has put life on hold, caused a rush on grocery stores and forced the closure of many public businesses.
Michigan’s brain drain is back, as best and brightest leave state
New Census numbers show Michigan is still growing, albeit slowly. The bad news is a rise in migration to other states. Charts and maps tell the story.
11 safety tips for deer firearms hunting in Michigan
With the beginning of Michigan’s firearms deer hunting season this Friday, Nov. 15, here are some reminders to help avert tragedy.
Michigan hunters thought they shot deer, squirrels — they hit other hunters
While accidental shootings are down in Michigan, a review of hunting incident reports reveal some common mistakes that can lead to hunters shooting themselves or others.
What went wrong in the shootings of three Michigan hunters last year
Matthew Boeck was shot on the far side of a bait pile. Justin Beutel was killed as he field dressed a buck. Chong Moua Yang survived a secret war in southeast Asia only to die at the base of his tree stand.
‘You just react’ — Hunter deaths shadow opening of Michigan firearms season
Last year, three hunters were killed in the opening days of deer firearms season, which begins Friday. As hunters return to Michigan’s woods, the shootings illustrate how quickly a human life can be lost.
Michigan to Democrats: Tariffs hurt, but we aren’t sold on Medicare for all
A few days before the second round of Democratic presidential debates, a new poll by the Detroit Regional Chamber shows confidence in economy and worries about tariffs.
Payday blues: Rural Michigan and the quick-cash debt hole
With interest rates that can top 400 percent a year, payday lenders sprout in small-town Michigan. Bipartisan legislation in Lansing would rein in lending practices, but there’s no guarantee it will get a hearing.
How one Michigan credit union is helping ease customers from payday loans
After debt, a second chance for rural borrowers through a capped loan program and community education