Anna Clark

This summer marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, affirming that all people have the right to participate in civil society. During the pandemic, however, families who have children with autism face the complexity of everything from mask-wearing, and virtual therapy, to getting the vital services they need and feeling overwhelmed.

Detroit and the rest of Wayne County comprise nearly half of Michigan’s coronavirus cases, forcing residents to summon resilience forged through decades of crisis.

Detroit, which faces a host of challenges, is the ‘epicenter’ of Michigan’s coronavirus outbreak. Some attribute that to testing. Others say city residents are more susceptible. All agree the rise burdens folks who are already suffering.

Ramon Ward was released Thursday after serving 25 years for a double murder he didn’t commit. His exoneration followed a review by prosecutors, one of several steps the state is taking to right past wrongs.

Even middle-income workers are now priced out of safe, affordable homes in Michigan’s resort region. Housing stock has declined for all but the affluent, leaving high school students to fill the construction breach.

Prison closings can decimate towns that depend on the jobs. With 24 Michigan prisons and camps shuttered in the past 15 years, state and local officials are trying to think smarter about what’s next.