All Michigan voters will receive absentee ballot applications this year   Every registered voter in Michigan will receive absentee ballot applications for elections in August and November, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced Tuesday. The measure, taken in an attempt to help residents socially distance, was also implemented for communities that had May elections. According to Benson's office, 99% of May voters took the vote-by-mail option and participation numbers more than doubled the 10-year May election average. MORE ►Michigan polls quiet as absentee voting booms to record levels amid coronavirus outbreak

 

A prior marijuana conviction could help you open a Michigan pot shop     In an attempt to encourage people from different backgrounds to open recreational marijuana businesses in Michigan, the state is providing assistance to entrepreneurs with previous marijuana convictions. Through the Social Equity Program, Michiganders with marijuana convictions that did not involve sales to a minor can receive a discount on fees associated with opening a pot shop. So far, the program hasn't had many participants. MORE  ►Kalamazoo approves rules to allow recreational marijuana businesses

Fsta Michigan's Best Waterfront Restaurant is ready to reopen Up North hat  The Cove in Leland is in one of two Michigan regions where restaurants are allowed to reopen for limited-capacity dine-in services starting Friday. Named the best waterfront restaurant in the state by our Michigan's Best team last year, the Cove is working to pivot plans and prepare for guests to arrive for the season after this week's announcement. Once again, locals will be able to sip a chubby Mary while looking out at the water. MORE ►Northern Michigan businesses welcome challenge of reopening just before Memorial Day

  

Coronavirus deaths push April to 20-year fatality record in Michigan     Since the year 2000, there hasn't been a month in Michigan that saw more deaths statewide than last month. April set a record for the deadliest month this century. The high number of deaths is largely due to fatalities caused by the coronavirus, according to state data. We broke down the numbers to provide a visual on the spike in deaths, including a year-over-year comparison of expected deaths vs. actual deaths. MORE ►April was the deadliest month in Michigan this century, largely due to the coronavirus pandemic