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.
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.
Posted inQuality of Life
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!
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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.
Posted inQuality of Life
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Posted inQuality of Life
Traverse City grows as local workers search for a place to call home
Michigan towns that rely on tourism like Traverse City are flourishing. But high housing costs paired with low wages leave many local workers scrambling for a place to live.