Quality of Life

It’s a lonely but rewarding life, growing trees in northern Michigan and selling them nationwide. But a shortage this year means many farmers sold out early and are heading home for the holidays for the first time in years.

The scaled-back social services bill could still be vital to Michigan home care workers.

The Michigan Historical Commission has begun reviewing historical markers to weed out inaccuracies and omissions that don’t tell the subject’s full history, including the roles played by Blacks and Native Americans. The process may get messy.

Taylor held a parade Thursday for its team, which won the Little League World Series, and found pride in its own generational love for the game.

Shelters emptied last year. Now one mid-Michigan shelter is near capacity. Officials say owners are having to give up their pets because they can’t afford them.

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.