If you care about Michigan, please support our work.
Donate TodayQuality 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.
Articles
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
It’s tax day, Michigan. Take this quiz or face an audit
Okay, we totally lied about the audit. But it wouldn’t kill you to learn more about Michigan’s taxes and exemptions. Test your smarts with this quiz.
As measles outbreak spreads, Michigan anti-vaxxer group hits Lansing
Michigan health officials say 39 residents have contracted the highly contagious disease. But groups opposed to mandatory vaccines are asking lawmakers to preserve their freedom on whether to vaccinate children.
Rich cities lose out as Wayne County cuts waste in programs to help poor
For years, Wayne County was slammed over its handling of community development block grant funds. Now, the county is changing how it distributes money in hopes of steering more toward poor cities and reducing costs.
The federal shutdown hit Sleeping Bear Dunes. So volunteers rushed in.
Michigan’s majestic national park had to shutter its visitor’s center and curb popular snowshoe hikes. But a hardy group of park angels is hauling trash, cleaning toilets and helping maintain the park during the shutdown.
Federal shutdown gets real in Beer City: Michigan summer ales in jeopardy
This year’s new seasonal brews may never hit the shelf, and some smaller breweries along West Michigan’s “Ale Trail” fear their openings may be at risk. Thanks, Washington!
As cities rush to sell off utilities, Wyandotte boasts 3 city-run systems
Cities across the nation are selling off utilities to raise cash for other needs. But Detroit’s downriver neighbor still runs its electrical, water and cable systems, sparking community pride.
Canada geese are as annoying as hell. In Alpena, that’s a death sentence.
Pooping, squawking and bullying, Canada geese are back from the brink of extinction and irritating much of Michigan. Alpena has a big surprise for them.
In Charlevoix and Petoskey, pricey housing leaves businesses without workers
Picturesque views of Lake Michigan draw tourist crowds but push out the workers who make shoreside cities run.
Message from marijuana country: We love legal pot. Will Michigan?
For three weeks, I traveled the marijuana highway from Colorado to California and up to Washington. Most like the taxes pot provides and shrug off worries about legalization. But it’s not a cure all.
Support legal pot in Michigan? Know the latest health risks (and benefits)
The latest research shows pot is less dangerous than tobacco or alcohol, but it’s not without health risks. Here is what you should know before Michigan votes on legal weed.
More pot and lower taxes if Michigan marijuana vote passes this fall (slideshow)
The Michigan marijuana initiative would allow customers to possess more pot and pay lower taxes than most states that legalize recreational marijuana. Bridge compares state laws.
What’s legal, and what isn’t, under Michigan recreational marijuana plan (slideshow)
Legalizing recreational marijuana would not mean a free-for-all. Here are the legal limits if the measure passes in November.