Author
Unemployment chief: Pandemic is ‘user testing on steroids’ for state system
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown everything wrong with the state’s system for unemployment claims, Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency Director Steve Gray told legislators Wednesday. More than 1.7 million unique unemployment claims have been made during the crisis, he said during the Joint Select Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic, a special panel formed to oversee the […]
Whitmer: Restrictions to stop COVID-19’s spread aren’t ‘helpful hints’
After several weeks of staying at home, Michiganders are turning the tide on COVID-19, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said at a media conference on Monday. She reminded residents and businesses that although they’ve done a great job so far in abiding by the stay-home order and social distancing guidelines, now is not the time to let […]
Nessel tells commission it can ban guns in state Capitol
Updated, 6:21 a.m. 5/9/20 Guns can be prohibited from Capitol grounds, according to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Following the armed protest in the Capitol last week, Nessel wrote a letter to the Michigan State Capitol Commission, alerting them to its authority to prohibit firearms in the state Capitol. “The Capitol is a place for […]
Black female senators call out Legislature for allowing racism
Two Black female state senators on Wednesday blasted armed, right-wing protests at the Capitol and state Sen. Dale Zorn (R-Ida) for wearing a confederate flag mask to the Senate in April. State Sens. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) and Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) have proposed a resolution that would ban Confederate flag imagery from the state Capitol and […]
As promised, Whitmer vetoes GOP bill cutting her emergency powers
As she said she would, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer vetoed a bill that would have limited her power to extend the state of emergency and disaster during the COVID-19 pandemic or in the future. “I will not sign any bills that constrain my ability to protect the people of Michigan from a deadly pandemic in a […]
‘Tyrants Get The Rope’: Small anti-Whitmer protest rocks Capitol, reporter hit by gun
Updated, 6:38 p.m. with comments from Chatfield’s spokesman A couple hundred right-wing protestors chanting “Lock her up” and “Heil Whitmer” spilled into the Michigan state Capitol Thursday after holding a rally on the Capitol steps, even though the building is currently closed for tours and events to stop the spread of COVID-19. While jammed outside […]
Whitmer proposes ‘G.I. Bill’ for frontline workers
Frontline workers would be eligible for free college tuition and other benefits under the new “Futures for Frontliners” program. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the initiative Wednesday inspired by the federal government’s educational programs for returning soldiers in World War II. Staff at hospitals and nursing homes, as well as grocery store workers, public safety officers, […]
State plans to reunite foster kids with parents during pandemic
State agencies are partnering up to transfer children in foster care to permanent homes due to health concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 200 children in the state’s foster care system have been determined to be almost ready to return home to one or both parents. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services […]
Nessel, AGs ask Congress to freeze PPE prices, similar to WWII action
As demand for medical equipment skyrockets across the country, Attorney General Dana Nessel and other attorneys general want Congress to freeze prices on medical equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. With over 37,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases, Michigan has faced shortages of life-saving equipment and personal protection equipment (PPE) for medical staff. High demand for equipment has […]
Whitmer extends stay-home order, but allows some businesses to open
Updated, 6:39 a.m. 4/24/20 As the number of new COVID-19 cases per day in Michigan begins to fall, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extended the state’s stay-home order to May 15. At the same time, she said certain businesses will be allowed to open and other restrictions will be lifted. “As we’ve seen our numbers begin to […]
Whitmer plans stay-home extension, trying to stave off 2nd COVID-19 wave
Some level of a stay-home order will be in place for some time, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a media briefing on Wednesday. She expects to sign a short-term statewide extension after her order expires April 30, but said older residents and individuals with medical conditions should continue to socially distance in case there’s a […]
State has grants for ailing arts and culture groups
The state of Michigan is providing $502,400 in grants for eligible nonprofit arts and culture organizations. Due to the negative impacts COVID-19 has had on the economy, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) announced on Monday businesses can apply for up to $5,000 to help cover expenses and pay employees. “The Emergency […]