Michigan COVID cases up among vaccinated but less likely to be hospitalized or die
by Mike Wilkinson (Bridge) As the delta variant spreads, Michigan continues to see a rising number of “breakthrough” cases, with a quarter of the most recent new infections hitting those who were fully vaccinated. In the latest state report, nearly 2,500 breakthrough cases were reported in Michigan for the week ending Aug. 17, up from […]
COVID still isolates some in Michigan nursing homes. It may get worse.
by Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) The state lifted COVID-related visitation restrictions in nursing homes in March. The feds have allowed it, too. But in some facilities around Michigan, families say they still struggle to see loved ones inside long-term care facilities. Even those who saw restrictions relax during the summer months when COVID case counts were […]
Michigan redistricting commission’s latest challenge: attendance
by Sergio Martínez-Beltrán (Bridge Michigan) As the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission races to draw the state’s new political boundaries, the panel is also faced with an internal issue: absences. The biggest recent offender is the commission chair, Brittni Kellom, a Democrat from Detroit. She has missed 14 of 33 (42 percent) of the commission […]
Michigan is burning through EMTs and paramedics, leaving shortages
by Ted Roelofs (Bridge Michigan) In a remote pocket of the Upper Peninsula west of Marquette, Bay Ambulance Inc. normally counts on a staff of six paramedics to handle emergencies across 1,500 square miles of territory. That’s now down to four paramedics ─ a loss that can add critical minutes to emergency response times, while […]
Michigan renters may face eviction after high court nixes COVID moratorium
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge) Thousands of Michigan residents struggling to pay rent during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could face eviction in coming weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court sided with landlords and struck down a federal moratorium. Housing advocates on Friday said it is difficult to predict exactly how many residents will be evicted next […]
COVID boosters likely coming to Michigan in September. What to know.
by Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) COVID booster shots will be widely available starting Sept. 20, the White House announced Wednesday, as the Delta variant continues to tighten its hold across the nation and in Michigan. At least for now, boosters are recommended for anyone who received the two-dose Pfizer and Moderna shots, and will be available […]
Census changes may spell trouble for Michigan Democrats as redistricting starts
by Sergio Martínez-Beltrán (Bridge Michigan) LANSING — Heavy population losses in Detroit, Flint and other cities could put Democrats at a disadvantage when new congressional and state legislative districts are drawn this year. Democrats represent the three congressional districts that lost the greatest share of residents in the 2020 U.S. Census, the 13th and 14th […]
Missteps plague Whitmer kidnapping case. Despite evidence, it’s no ‘slam dunk’
by Jonathan Oosting (Bridge Michigan) LANSING — Federal agents compiled more than a thousand hours of covert recordings of men accused of trying to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, but as their cases head to trial, a series of setbacks could undermine the prosecution. Attorneys defending the militia activists accused in the plot have signaled […]
Michigan college enrollment dropped amid COVID, group urges state to step in
by Ron French (Bridge Michigan) Alarmed by a slump in college enrollment among low-income students, a broad coalition of Michigan business leaders, foundations, and college advocacy groups is recommending changes to the state’s college financial aid programs. The proposals include a new $3,000 annual scholarship for low-income students, and incentives to nudge state colleges and […]
In Michigan, the COVID increase isn’t just among the unvaccinated anymore
by Mike Wilkinson (Bridge Michigan) A rise in new coronavirus infections and hospitalizations among the fully vaccinated has altered the COVID-19 picture in Michigan and the United States. In Michigan, roughly a quarter of 8,100 recent cases have hit those who are fully vaccinated, according to new data released Wednesday. And while the federal government […]
