More than 40 years after Michigan’s last tribal boarding school closed, the state is still struggling to come to grips with the practice that devastated generations of Native American families.

Bridge has obtained a tribal boarding school study the state put on a shelf. The $1.1 million report recounts horrific tales of abuse at schools intended to assimilate native children.

Bridge obtained a copy of the 300-page report into treatment at Michigan’s tribal boarding schools that was squelched by state officials. Among other recommendations, authors sought an apology and money to teach what was lost.

The author of a report into treatment at state Native American schools is accusing Michigan of trying to ‘whitewash’ history. Tribes are worried nothing will come of the inquiry.

Traffic deaths have jumped since the pandemic nationally, and even more so in Michigan.

There are 22 counties — mostly in northern Michigan or the Upper Peninsula — where under 60% of homes have broadband access.

Generational pride and everyday despair coexist on Michigan’s 44,000 farms, fueling a suicide rate five times the state average. In this year’s budget, Michigan ended funding for counseling some credit with saving lives.

More people die by suicide than in car crashes or homicides. Deaths are rising, and rural areas have higher rates because of isolation and access to care and firearms.

From rounding to the nearest nickel to bonuses at banks, the penny shortage is hitting home in Michigan.

The Great Lakes’ most famous shipwreck was 50 years ago. Theories abound, but the Fitzgerald wouldn’t have even been on Lake Superior if not for the medical bills of the captain’s wife.