June 23, 2020 Michigan gyms are allowed to reopen on Thursday, since a federal judge sided with fitness centers who sued over Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's executive order that kept the facilities closed in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Gyms and fitness centers were some of the last sectors of the Michigan economy to remain closed as a safety measure. Experts say gyms are essential to public health, providing a space for and encouraging critically important physical activity. Unfortunately, those facilities also pose a threat because of how the coronavirus is spread. The huffing and puffing, as well as the spread of bodily fluids during intense workouts, places gyms high on the list of risky activities. MORE According to 2019 data from the U.S. Census Department, Michigan's Black population makes up about 14% of the state's total population. That number is similar to Census numbers from 20 years ago. The largest period of growth for Michigan’s Black population occurred between 1950 and 1970. During those decades, the numbers doubled to almost a million, led by the Great Migration from the South. If you are looking for data on a specific city or township to see how the population numbers have changed since then, we have maps and a database here: MORE During one of several protests at the Michigan Capitol earlier this year over Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's executive orders limiting business operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, hairstylists showed up with their tools and cut hair on the Capitol lawn. A handful of those who participated say Whitmer is retaliating by attempting to take away their cosmetology licenses. Six of the women who received $500 citations during the protest are being represented by the same lawyer, who says they have received notices that the state is taking steps toward revoking their licenses. MORE While the University of Michigan has announced that students will return for in-person instruction in the fall, a decision on the school's football season has yet to be announced. Voluntary workouts for team members were allowed to resume yesterday but that's as far as the planning has come, it appears. It's not surprising, since there are currently many questions swirling around the world of sports as the coronavirus pandemic continues. Officials say a word on whether football will resume in 2020 is expected in the coming weeks. MORE Jimmie Fisher was separated from his family for months. The 96-year-old World War II veteran lives in an assisted living facility and visitation was put on hold for residents as the coronavirus hit Michigan. Fisher's great-grandson Mal’akhai was born but visits weren't possible. Then, two weeks later, Fisher was hospitalized with COVID-19. Family members were worried, but they couldn't check in on him. Luckily, the patriarch pulled through. After some time in isolation, visitation was once again possible and Fisher was able to hold his tiny great-grandson for the first time. VIDEO 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. |
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