Untouched until now by COVID-19, this Upper Peninsula tourist haven needs thousands of downstate visitors to keep its economy alive. The opening of restaurants and bars may not be enough to save many of its businesses.
Coronavirus Michigan
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Shirkey: Don’t cut Michigan schools budget despite $1.2 billion shortfall
Michigan’s K-12 schools face a $1.2 billion shortfall for the school year ending in June. Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey says he will push the feds to fill the gap. But next year’s school budget is in far greater danger.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
What to know about partial reopening of northern Michigan bars, restaurants
Restaurants in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula can reopen Friday under a new order from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, but hotels are still closed to non-essential workers. And restaurants and bars will operate much differently than before the coronavirus pandemic.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to reopen northern Michigan by Memorial Day weekend
Gretchen Whitmer announces bars, restaurants and other retail establishments in 32 northern Michigan counties can reopen with some restrictions on Friday. And she hints that she could announce this week that more areas can reopen.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Laptops and bathrobes: Michigan State’s virtual graduation amid coronavirus
How do you celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime event in the middle of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic? We talked to Michigan State University grads about making the best of Saturday’s ceremony and what’s next.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
When will Gov. Whitmer reopen Michigan? It’s complicated. And a bit vague.
Unlike some other states, Michigan isn’t using precise metrics to determine when to reopen the state from the coronavirus lockdown. Whitmer and epidemiologists say that’s necessary, but Republicans and some business leaders say the lack of transparency is infuriating
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Coronavirus came to Michigan earlier than thought, records show
Records detailing when coronavirus victims first felt symptoms show that coronavirus came sooner to Michigan than originally believed, and the decline in the state has lasted longer.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | How Michigan universities are collaborating to continue K-12 learning
Educators and researchers at the Michigan State University College of Education, the University of Michigan School of Education and the Wayne State University College of Education are redoubling our efforts to assist school districts, parents and children deal with the challenges posed during a global coronavirus pandemic.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Michigan’s $6.2B coronavirus budget gap ‘as bad or worse’ than Great Recession
How bad is it going to be? Very bad. 22 percent unemployment. $1.9 billion in lost taxes out of what would be an $11 billion general fund this year alone. The only options: Huge cuts, tax increases or hope for a D.C. bailout.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | We want to work with Gov. Whitmer. She chose partisanship instead.
House Speaker Lee Chatfield writes that Michigan is ‘worse off’ because Gov. Gretchen Whitmer chose a legal battle rather than uniting with lawmakers to fight the coronavirus. History shows there’s a better way, he writes.