A study by Michigan State University for the State Police shows seatbelt use has decreased by about 2 percent since 2019.
Coronavirus Michigan
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Embattled Michigan health officer expected to get $4 million — to go away
Adeline Hambley has been fighting to keep her job as Ottawa County health officer. She clashed with conservative county commissioners in a battle emblematic of tensions across the country since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan third-graders still struggle with reading, more supports needed
Michigan lawmakers approved a third-grade reading law in 2016 aimed at improving literacy instruction across the state. But years later, too many students still read below grade level.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Shortage of new RSV shots could endanger Michigan babies
A first-ever immunization against RSV for babies was approved with much hope in July; already, there’s not enough to go around, according to the state’s pediatricians’ group. That, and a flagging interest in flu and COVID vaccines, have some doctors worried.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Medical debt to be erased for up to 80K Oakland County, Michigan, residents
Oakland County will use $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars, or COVID relief funds, to work with a national nonprofit, RIP Medical Debt, that will pay off medical debt for pennies on the dollar.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Nearly four years into COVID, Michigan’s autumn looking far more promising
For three years, Michigan’s autumn has meant a surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths. This year, the rise and severity of the virus is looking far more benign, leaving far more room for guarded optimism.
Posted inTalent & Education
Chronic absenteeism in Michigan schools drops, but still higher since COVID
More than 3-in-10 Michigan students are chronically absent, missing 18 or more days of school during the year. See high absentee rates in your school district.
Posted inChildren & Families
56,000 Michigan kids could lose child care as federal COVID funding ends
Federal pandemic funds helped child care providers raise salaries, buy new supplies and pay bills. They also boosted payments to childcare providers so parents could go to work. The funding ends Saturday.
Posted inQuality of Life
That bump in pay? Poof — Michigan income gains erased by high inflation
From 2019 to 2022, median household income in Michigan rose $7,400 — but high inflation turned that gain into an $1,800 drop in buying power and lowered the state’s median household income to 37th in the nation.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Free COVID tests bound for Michigan mailboxes — if you ask
As part of an effort to tamp down the spread of respiratory viruses before they take hold, the Biden administration is reopening a program to send free tests to the nation’s households.