Quality of Life

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.

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.

Bridge suggests a list of Michigan-centered nonfiction and fiction books that will help you lean into or mentally escape from the coronavirus pandemic.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

With the beginning of Michigan’s firearms deer hunting season this Friday, Nov. 15, here are some reminders to help avert tragedy.

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.