At Michigan groceries, nerves are as thin as some shelves amid coronavirus
by Bob Campbell (Bridge) As Michiganders hunker down in the coronavirus crisis, the common grocery store has become society’s essential, albeit sometimes anxious, nexus. For many, it’s the sole remaining link to an outside world that has largely frozen in time since Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a stay-at-home order that went into effect March 24. And […]
What Michigan’s coronavirus school closure means for you
by Ron French (Bridge) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday that Michigan’s public and private K-12 classrooms will be closed through the end of the school year due to the continuing dangers posed by the coronavirus. With the 2019-2020 school year officially ending, most students will be missing about 30 percent of the days they would […]
Michigan unemployment surges; record 1 in 10 workers have filed claims
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge) LANSING — 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. Both Michigan and the United States posted record jobless claims for the week ended Saturday, March 28, surpassing […]
Supporting health care workers in times of crisis
As the COVID-19 crisis continues into its third week in Michigan, residents are thankful for those on the front lines of the crisis, particularly those working in the health care profession. While many of us are home in quarantine, with children and/or other family members, and trying to stay safe, others are working each day […]
Congregations find new ways to connect in the age of COVID-19
During these strange days of self-imposed quarantines, cancellations, and closures, life for those who regularly attend church services is being deeply affected by the recent and rapid changes to this integral part of their lives. Most local churches have closed their doors and have shifted to online platforms. Even the few who had determined to […]
Village DPW, water crew, and admin staff remain on the job
As “critical infrastructure workers,” Village of Manchester employees in water, wastewater treatment, public works, and their support staff will continue working through the COVID-19 crisis. While the doors of Village Hall are locked to ensure social distancing, administrative staff, DPW, and water treatment workers will continue to work in the office. Phones are answered at […]
For some recovering addicts, Michigan’s stay-home order sparks fear of relapse
by Ashley Wong (Bridge) Michigan’s stay-home order, meant to protect the health of state residents, could be a challenge to the health of recovering alcoholics and addicts who’ve found in-person support meetings canceled and services like methadone dispensaries modified. Now, they’ll have to navigate a world where many paths to recovery have become digital. Many […]
Michigan, United States set records for weekly unemployment claims
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge) Michigan and the United States set records for unemployment insurance claims last week as the global coronavirus pandemic prompted a spike in business closures and wreaked havoc on the economy. In Michigan, 129,298 residents filed initial claims for the week ending Saturday, up more than 2,300 percent from the 5,338 filed […]
Northern Michigan to downstate residents: Stay home during coronavirus!
by Bob Campbell (Bridge) The resort havens of Traverse City and Petoskey are among the jewels of Michigan tourism. But not this week. From the mayors in these lakefront towns, to a mother of two young children in Manistee County and members of a Facebook group in Leelanau County, the message to downstate Michiganders is […]
Michigan scrambles to salvage school year in wake of coronavirus
by Ron French (Bridge) Government and school leaders are meeting to decide whether schools will reopen this spring, if instruction will be extended into the summer, what that would look like, and how it would be funded. Legislators, members of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration, and officials from school associations had a conference call Wednesday to […]
