Nationally, more than 3.2 million Americans filed for unemployment insurance benefits last week. That was more than four times the previous recorded high of 695,000 initial claims in October 1982.

It’s the biggest aid package in American history, pledging help for individuals, businesses and hospitals as much of the nation’s economy shuts down during the ongoing pandemic.

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.

School and legislative leaders are meeting to determine how best to continue education if the coronavirus keeps classrooms closed for months.

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.

Attorney General Dana Nessel says she’s overrun with complaints about Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order, while unemployment claims burden state systems. The confusion is even causing suburban police to investigate clothing stores to ensure they’re closed.

Alcona County has high rates of diabetes, heart disease and other illnesses and hardly a doctor in sight. Residents here are particularly susceptible to COVID-19, when it hits.

Many small or rural hospitals were already struggling before COVID-19 forced them to halt the elective procedures that help pay the bills. They are looking largely toward the government to help them recover lost revenue.

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.

Hospitals report a shortage of blood with the cancellation of hundreds of blood drives across the state. At the same time, prospective donors say they have faced obstacles in getting an appointment. Follow this advice.

Michigan’s hospitals are becoming so overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients that officials are looking elsewhere for help. Even a Detroit velodrome is undergoing a deep clean in case it is needed.

Flouting Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order is a misdemeanor. But some police say they’re unlikely to wade into the confusion of who is an essential worker. ‘Good luck with that,’ one lawyer says.