Michigan Tech and Lake Superior State University plan to return to in-person classes this fall, joining Northern Michigan University that had announced the same decision earlier. That’s an easier call in the Upper Peninsula, where there are currently few COVID-19 cases
Upper Peninsula
Posted inMichigan Government
Few coronavirus cases, lots of land. Should northern Michigan reopen?
Northern Michigan has more than half of the state’s land mass and 2 percent of its coronavirus cases. As Gov. Whitmer says she’ll take geography into account to reopen the economy, Bridge examines regional differences in cases, hospital capacity, testing and unemployment.
Posted inTalent & Education
Northern Michigan University: Campus open in fall despite coronavirus fears
The Upper Peninsula public university is the first Michigan college to announce it is going forward with in-person classes in September. Most schools have put off making a decision for now.
Posted inMichigan Government
Five counties in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula await arrival of coronavirus
Some of Michigan’s most remote regions have so far been spared, at least in what’s been officially recorded. With a vast geography, few tests and even fewer hospital beds, they wait and hope for the best.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | The coronavirus almost killed me. Early action bought me time.
For leaders and decision-makers at all levels of government, the lessons learned are straight-forward: Take the risk seriously.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Few coronavirus cases, but hundreds still victims in U.P. tribal community
Bryan Newland, chairman of the northeastern Upper Peninsula tribe, said Bay Mills Indian Community leaders had no choice but to stop paying employees of the tribe’s resort and casinos after a request for federal relief loans went unanswered.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Flattening the curve is not a winning strategy. Michigan must attack.
A retired physician assistant and Yooper has several suggestions on how to help both peninsulas protect and heal from COVID-19.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Some Yoopers want to close Mackinac Bridge to stop the spread of coronavirus
With more than 100 cases and at least three deaths attributed to COVID-19 in lower Michigan, questions over closing the bridge do not appear to be seriously considered by state officials.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Amend third-grade reading law, U.P. school superintendents urge
“Flunking a student is immediately traumatic and is more likely to be experienced by those students who are categorized as poor, male and/or minority,” the group of Upper Peninsula school superintendents writes.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Sheriff’s plea on mentally ill prisoner reveals gap in Michigan treatment
An Upper Peninsula sheriff went to Facebook to get state help for a delusional man in his jail. His post highlights severe shortages in the state for violent or severely mentally ill people caught up in the criminal justice system.