| September 9, 2021 
 An estimated 68% of Michigan residents have some level of protection against COVID-19, either by vaccine or prior infection, according to a model developed by the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health. Health officials initially set their sights on 70% protection as a threshold for reaching widespread community protection, or herd immunity. However, recent estimates have moved the goal posts closer to 80% or 90% due to the quickly spreading, more infectious coronavirus delta variant. If Michigan has about 68% of its population with some protection against serious illness from COVID-19, it still has a long way to go toward herd immunity -- if it can ever get there. READ MORE ►What we know at this point about natural immunity to COVID-19  It’s been 20 years since America was attacked through the sky as two hijacked planes crashed into the Twin Towers in New York City, a third into the Pentagon in Washington D.C. and a fourth in a Pennsylvania field. On the anniversary of the deadliest day in history for U.S. firefighters, one that saw nearly 3,000 civilian casualties and 6,000 injuries, and one that resulted in a two-decade long war for American troops, communities across Michigan will commemorate the anniversary through ceremonies and other events — many with the underlying theme of “never forget.” READ MORE  The Halloween storm of 2014 had a special trick in store for the beach and it was certainly no treat. The storm, which created 21-foot waves on southern Lake Michigan, brought huge amounts of debris ashore up and down the coast. In Benton Harbor, beachgoers at Jean Klock Park found something unexpected amid the mass of weeds, tires and broken wood. White plastic pellets also littered the sand. “It’s like the belly of the lake just belched everything up that was in it,” said Carol Drake, who has spent years stewarding the city park. “There were just nurdles everywhere.” READ MORE ►Plastic pollution litters the Great Lakes. The problem is only getting worse.
 Michigan’s independent redistricting commission has opted to shift its map-drawing schedule once again, reverting back to a map-by-map approach instead of drawing districts by region. The 13-member panel began drawing maps for state legislative and Congressional districts Aug. 20. Initially, the plan was to tackle each map one by one, starting with the state Senate, then moving from there into the state House and Congressional maps. Just a few days after that plan was set, however, staff recommended shifting to a regional approach. Now, they are going back to the initial plan. READ MORE  An estate originally built for a family that owned a high-end furniture company that helped establish Grand Rapids’ reputation as “Furniture City” recently hit the market in charming East Grand Rapids. The late Hollis Baker Sr., who owned Baker Furniture Co., is seen by many as setting the 20th Century standard for residential elegance. Built in 1925 and known as “Cricket Hill,” the estate has six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a four-stall heated garage. The estate also features an in-ground pool, a formal dining room with bay window, library, game room, family/media room, full bar, two laundry rooms and three fireplaces. CHECK IT OUT ►You could actually own these 4 entire Michigan islands for true off-the-grid living Get your local news 24/7 Connect with MLive
To ensure receipt of our emails, please add newsletters@update.mlive to your address book or safe sender list. | ||||||||||||||||||
