Quality of Life

With campsites at state and national parks hard to book in a pandemic, creative property owners with very particular passions are renting out space through sites like Hipcamp and Tentrr. One official called it the “wild, wild West.”

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.

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.

It’s unclear how many families in the state will receive up to $300 per child every month through year-end. Officials hope it makes a dent in child poverty rates.

Video taken by a boater caught a dramatic glimpse of 200 feet of cliff dropping into the water at an iconic natural area. While it raises questions about the state’s battered shoreline, ‘erosion is always happening,’ a park official said.

More than 1 million state residents care for their relatives, but most are never trained. After losing two parents, a Farmington Hills woman has begun boot camps to teach others.

The total economic value of uncompensated elder care could be as high as $14.5 billion. And it’s getting worse. “We are in big trouble,” one says.

With pandemic safety mandates lifted as of July 1, Independence Day could be wild this year. Here’s what you need to know before you light those firecrackers.

There are more than 600 summer festivals in Michigan. Some are canceled, some are full-steam ahead as the state emerges from a year-long pandemic.

The extraordinary package expected to come to a U.S. House vote as soon as Tuesday provides months of economic protection to households across Michigan, too much say some critics. Here are some ways families, schools and businesses will be impacted.

In a year full of stress and nothing seemed normal, alcohol may have offered solace, as sales in some counties jump 50 percent, even with the closure of bars and restaurants.

Michigan is getting older, and there aren’t enough workers to care for seniors and those with disabilities. The coronavirus pandemic has worsened the situation, as few are willing to risk their health for menial pay.

Home health agencies are becoming creative to maintain health workers. Michigan agencies are boosting pay, while a New York City cooperative owned by workers could provide a model to a crisis that is deepening.

From the coronavirus pandemic and dam breaks, a presidential election and racial reckoning, this year really was like none other. Here’s a retrospective in photographs.

In a momentous year, protests broke out in cities throughout Michigan (and nationwide) against police brutality, income inequality and institutional racism. Bridge is revisiting some of its top articles about social justice.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.