| August 23, 2021 
 Michigan has lost more than 21,000 people to COVID-19. Mable Lynch, a prayerful woman from Pontiac, seems to carry the weight of all those losses. She’s been grieving since March 2020, when her son, Darryl Lynch, died after contracting the coronavirus in the early stages of the pandemic. Like so many in Michigan, she spent months mourning in virtual isolation, tracking developments on the spread of the virus and trying to find ways to carefully connect with family. Lynch, 72, struggled with the decision of whether to get vaccinated. Ultimately, the incentive of safely reuniting with family outweighed her apprehension. READ MORE ►Michigan could see another spring-level COVID surge this fall, models project  Great Lakes coastal communities are wondering if their shoreline infrastructure will survive another round of record high water. The warning signs have been flashing for some time. While water levels have receded since the record highs in 2019, when Lake Erie peaked at more than two and a half feet above the long-term average, they are still well above normal. And what hasn’t subsided is a growing fear that climate change will bring more extreme conditions to the Great Lakes – beyond simply eroding the shoreline in places – and create serious havoc. READ MORE  While critical race theory isn’t a concept currently taught in Michigan K-12 schools, State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice says students need to learn about race and racism. “Race and racism may be inconvenient for some, uncomfortable for others, and searing for still others, but, because they are inextricably a part of our history, they must be taught,” Rice said during an Aug. 10 Michigan Board of Education meeting. “I have confidence in our teachers to work through and teach these challenging issues to share the fullness and complexity of our history with our children.” READ MORE ►Critical race theory isn't taught in Michigan schools, so why is it such a hot topic?
 Mel Tucker is using it for a roster overhaul. Juwan Howard added key pieces to a Big Ten champion. And even Tom Izzo has dipped into the “garbage can” for a new point guard. What used to be a complicated process is now just a click or phone call away. Jim Harbaugh was one of the early voices advocating for student-athlete empowerment and flexibility, and the NCAA’s transfer portal has provided just that. That means Michigan and Michigan State’s football and basketball programs are part of an ever-changing landscape in college athletics, where player movement happens daily. And that includes within the rivalry itself. READ MORE  Ryan Proxmire was a hard worker who loved his job with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office, but he always made time for his family. “What a good son,” his father Mark Proxmire said. “I’m so very proud of him and what he has done.” Proxmire, 39, was shot during a police chase Aug. 14 and died from his injuries Aug. 15. More than 300 first responders from at least 50 different police, fire and emergency medical departments attended the memorial service on Sunday. READ MORE ►Hundreds line Kalamazoo streets for Deputy Proxmire funeral procession Get your local news 24/7 Connect with MLive
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