Under the governor’s budget proposal being announced Wednesday, Michigan students would reap huge benefits from billions of dollars in state surplus and federal COVID relief funds.
Coronavirus Michigan
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
How to get free N95, KN95 masks and COVID tests in Michigan
The number of new COVID cases is falling in the state, but with the omicron-fueled pandemic still high, health officials say masking and testing remains critical. Here’s where you can get them for free.
Posted inTalent & Education
Virtual learning and the end of Michigan snow days
Big storms used to mean snowball fights, not school. But remote technology has made it easier for schools to keep teaching in the pandemic. Educators say there are still kinks to figure out before snow days vanish.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Next up: COVID vaccines for Michigan children under age 5
Pfizer is seeking FDA approval of a COVID vaccine aimed at protecting infants and young children against the coronavirus.
Posted inTalent & Education
Amid snowmageddon, Michigan schools are out of snow days: What to know
Some districts used up all their allowed closure days for COVID, staff shortages and school shooting threats. Students will still get snow days, but they may have to attend classes longer in June.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan bill would let college students lead classes to curb teacher shortage
A law already allows bus drivers to serve as substitute teachers. Now, lawmakers are considering allowing uncertified education majors to teach for a full year. ‘We need to do something,’ sponsor says.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Use federal COVID cash to fix Michigan roads, cut taxes and debt
When Michigan is awash in extra funds and other compromises are tough to find, lowering tax burdens is something that ought to be attractive to people on both sides of the aisle.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
As Michigan DNR camping reservations soar, parks want COVID funds soon
State lawmakers have proposed spending close to $1 billion in federal COVID stimulus funds to help state and local parks upgrade deteriorated facilities. With record crowds during the pandemic, park officials want Lansing to step up plans to put that money to work.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Deaths exceed births in Michigan. Blame COVID, but long-term trends are grim
The pandemic turbocharged a problem years in the making: Michigan is aging faster than the nation as a whole and newcomers aren’t replacing old-timers. That’s not a recipe for a winning economy.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan districts are running out of snow days. What happens now?
Administrators around the state have been asking the Legislature for more flexibility but so far their efforts have gained less traction than a school bus on an icy hill.