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Michigan seeks $300 per week in extra benefits for unemployed
President Trump is making extra unemployment benefits available because of the pandemic that has left more than 2.4 million Michigan residents jobless. The state could have pursued an extra $100 per week in benefits, but opted against it because of declining tax revenue.
Postal Service delays changes. Michigan, other states sue over slowdown
Michigan and other Democrat-led states on Tuesday sued the U.S. Postal Service over cost-cutting moves that may have contributed to mail delays. The suit came the same day Postmaster General Louis DeJoy backed down from planned changes.
MSU moves undergrad classes online, tells dorm residents to stay home
With Notre Dame and the University of North Carolina facing COVID outbreaks after classes started on their campuses, MSU is switching to remote learning before students return to East Lansing.
Pandemic brings record crowds to Michigan parks. (And trash and trouble)
Parks, harbors, campgrounds and beaches are seeing big upticks in visitors this summer, as COVID-19 restricts summer travel options and vacationers embrace outdoor recreation for its built-in social distancing.
Michigan seniors mourn the closing of activity centers during coronavirus
With hundreds of senior centers largely closed during the pandemic, virtual bingo has its limits. Some seniors indicate they’d rather chance contracting the virus than face an uncertain future filled with loneliness.
Opinion | Federal action is essential to aid Michigan's immigrant communities
The COVID-19 relief packages passed so far deny economic supports to thousands of immigrant families here in Michigan and millions more nationwide.
What school restart deal means for Michigan parents, students and educators
A compromise schools plan approved by the Michigan Senate, and backed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, requires weekly check-ins between teachers and students, monthly board meetings to reaffirm instruction plans and offers some funding safeguards. Unions backed the deal, but some educators are upset it was rushed just before the start of school.
Opinion | Michigan has paid a terrible price for COVID-19 nursing home policies
More than 2,000 COVID-19 deaths in Michigan have been in long-term care facilities – which accounts for more than 30 percent of the state’s total deaths from the virus.
GOP leader on Michigan budget woes: ‘We just need to suffer through it’
Michigan may not get any more help from the federal government as it seeks to balance a projected multibillion budget deficit by October, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing, according to the most powerful Republican in the state Legislature.
Michigan colleges ‘nervous’ about COVID as students return, ready to party
Students are returning to colleges throughout Michigan. That means partying is inevitable. But state, business and local leaders are working to find a way to ensure that doesn’t lead to coronavirus outbreaks.
Whitmer, GOP reach Michigan school restart deal over protests from educators
Michigan schools can restart this fall with online-only instruction but will be required to revisit that decision monthly and allow for parental feedback in public meetings under a new deal between Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and legislative leaders.
Michigan health director: Blame me for COVID contract with political firm
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon on Thursday apologized and took responsibility for initially contracting with a political firm to conduct contact tracing at the height of the state’s COVID-19 crisis.
Michigan senator who got COVID didn’t wear a mask at anti-Whitmer event
Sen. Tom Barrett says he took “reasonable precautions” before he contracted the coronavirus, but less than two weeks before he was diagnosed, he didn’t wear a mask at a petition drive event that drew hundreds. Public health officials say there’s no indication that it caused an outbreak.
Audit slams Michigan oversight of remote learning as districts embrace it
A new audit faults Michigan for failing to ensure the effectiveness of schools’ online-only learning plans. It’s gained some significance because numerous districts are opting for remote learning-only amid the pandemic.
Gov. Whitmer, GOP near deal on Michigan school reopenings amid pandemic
Michigan school districts would have the ability to choose in-person, remote or hybrid instruction this fall under a plan being negotiated by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Republican-led Legislature.
Staff at Michigan nursing homes ravaged by COVID-19 set to strike
Saying they are underpaid and unprotected, union members of SEIU Healthcare Michigan say they’re ready to walk. State nursing home advocate says pay has increased; COVID made staffing and PPE a struggle.
Michigan business snapshot of Q2 earnings shows losses — and a few wins
Cereal is selling well for Kellogg amid coronavirus, but many other public companies in the state are still struggling with low earnings.
Michigan’s auto industry struggled in Q2. CEOs say challenges remain.
A look at public filings shows that the leaders of the state’s largest auto businesses don’t yet see the end to COVID-19 slowdowns and sales contraction.
Judge closes case on Michigan teenager detained for not doing homework
The 15-year-old is now free from the court system. In a hearing, an Oakland County judge released her from probation after a caseworker said, “It is best for the family to move forward.”
Fact Squad: John James skips details in ad claiming Peters ‘downplayed’ COVID
An attack ad from Republican challenger John James uses a 2-second clip and old attendance records to argue Sen. Gary Peters should have done a better job safeguarding against the coronavirus. In making the case, the ad omits some key facts.