More than 300,000 Michigan residents filed unemployment insurance claims last week, an unprecedented surge amid the coronavirus pandemic that has forced business closures, prompted mass layoffs and overwhelmed the state filing system.
Coronavirus Michigan
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Black communities hit harder by coronavirus in Michigan, not just Detroit
Communities with higher percentages of African Americans so far have been hit harder by the coronavirus in Michigan. Lawmakers want more data about victims to allocate resources, but some fear a backlash from publicizing the information.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Gov. Whitmer asks Legislature to extend emergency powers 70 days
Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is asking Michigan’s Republican-led Legislature to extend her emergency authority by 70 days amid the deadly coronavirus pandemic. The House is developing a plan to hold a session next week without violating social distancing guidelines.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Coronavirus shutdown not yet helping air in Michigan’s most toxic ZIP code
In heavily industrialized southwest Detroit, the governor’s stay-at-home order has not yet meant measurable improvement in air quality.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | How to ensure water security and beat coronavirus in Michigan
As welcome are the orders to restore water, they will not end the coronavirus crisis nor protect us from future ones, without three additional actions in the short, medium and long term.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | As a mom working in a prison, I worry about bringing coronavirus home
“​I tell my husband to keep my son in another room, while I put my uniform in a trash bag and take a long shower.”
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
You were told no mask if you don’t have coronavirus. That might be wrong.
As coronavirus spreads across Michigan and the nation, experts are rethinking the message that only those with symptoms of the illness need to wear a mask in public.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
10 ways to help Michigan hospital workers during coronavirus pandemic
You don’t need to be wealthy or even particularly active to thank the nurses, doctors and other medical workers risking their lives during this coronavirus pandemic. Here are some ways to help.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Why did coronavirus spread so fast in Michigan compared to neighbors?
Coronavirus came to Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois at about the same time. All states adopted similar distancing measures, but Michigan by that time had far more coronavirus cases than its neighbors. Bridge explains in charts.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan prisons keep GED classes going despite fears of coronavirus
Prisons are limiting class sizes, but teachers and corrections officers worry about the spread of COVID-19, which has hit scores of inmates and staff. Officials say they are balancing health risks against the need for daily routine.