This continuously updated post includes details of Michigan's COVID-19 vaccine distribution, who's getting it, along with new case rates including maps and daily state curve data.
The court Friday ordered the state canvassing board to certify Unlock Michigan petitions, paving the way for the Republican-led Legislature to repeal an invalidated law Gov. Gretchen Whitmer used to issue unilateral emergency orders early in the COVID-19 pandemic.
The state’s economic recovery from the pandemic may be limited, officials say, as fewer child care options keep women out of the workforce. It’s a business issue, too, for child care providers seeking available workers.
A proposed $405 million infusion to the Great Start Readiness Program could come from federal COVID funds and the state’s school aid fund. It would provide free preschool to 17,000 more children from low- and moderate-income families.
The state stands by its total of nursing home deaths, but acknowledges some other types of senior facilities haven’t reported all deaths. ‘We shouldn’t be guessing,’ one lawmaker says.
Last year’s crush of visitors stunned businesses and this summer promises a sequel: from sold-out campgrounds to heavy demand for boats, kayak and bikes and, likely, more novice hikers needing to be rescued from state and national parks.
Office clothes are staples at Michigan’s dry cleaners, which saw revenues crater when workers stayed home during COVID. As offices now reopen, a 70-year-plus family business has new hopes for survival.
The state’s bars and restaurants will be allowed to stay open later and serve more customers regardless of size. The relaxed rules come as Michigan also surpasses 60 percent of residents getting their first vaccine dose.
Fewer gyms, virtual workouts and lingering pandemic concerns all signal changes for the state’s fitness industry as it reopens to 50 percent capacity Tuesday, said Michael Stack, owner of Applied Fitness Solutions.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s nursing home policies have been under scrutiny for months. Now, a review shows more may have died in the facilities than initially known.
With the FAA probing the legality of a nonprofit payment for Whitmer’s March flight to Florida, the governor’s campaign announced Thursday that it will pay for the flight instead. It also revealed the governor’s daughters flew on the return flight.
Instead of the usual country club bash, students at Coloma High made do Saturday with a DJ in the parking lot of a local church. “Cherish Each Moment” was the theme chosen for teens with too few moments to cherish this year.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer contends the state cannot create a vaccine lottery. Ohio and other states are rolling the dice on such incentives, ranging from cash to cars to college educations.
Changes announced Monday follow growing frustration among employers that the state had been too cumbersome and stringent at a time when the state’s COVID vaccination and infection rates were improving.
The governor’s weekend visit to an East Lansing bar is the second incident in five weeks that critics say fly in the face of policies meant to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Michigan.
There’s high demand for the Whitmer administration’s Michigan Reconnect program, which pays tuition and some fees for residents at community colleges. It’s unclear how many will follow through to enrollment and finish their degree.
More than 20,000 Michiganders have applied for help to pay their rent through a federally-funded rent aid program that launched two months ago, reflecting an ongoing need for housing assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
