June 17, 2020 Unemployment claims flooded Michigan's system after the coronavirus pandemic caused widespread layoffs and furloughs. First, applicants had trouble even filing a claim using the overloaded online system. Now, eligible residents are having trouble receiving payments due to measures put into place to combat unemployment insurance fraud. Plus, despite increased staffing at the Unemployment Insurance Agency, workers simply can't keep up with all the calls from residents trying to get their payments. The extent of the current issues at the UIA may be unprecedented, but the problems themselves are nothing new, experts say. MORE Are you hungry for something local? MLive reporters across the state have the scoop on restaurants in your region. The new weekly feature Local Eats will shine a light on local eateries and what makes them special. We'll talk to business owners, show you unique cuisine and make your stomach rumble. This week, we checked out patio dining, highlighted Michigan's Best Chili and spoke to a 15-year-old entrepreneur in Flint. You can indulge in their stories or just scan for the address and go grab a bite. Is it lunchtime yet? MORE Michigan's auto insurance law is completely changing next month. In case you missed this piece earlier in the week from reporter Lauren Gibbons, we wanted to make sure you caught it. It explains exactly what changes are coming and what it means for drivers in Michigan. Everyone who has auto insurance will have to make decisions that could impact coverage and pricing. While prices are expected to go down in general after the change, that won't be the case for everyone. MORE It might seem cruel to discuss winter when we are having such a lovely sunny week in Michigan. But, we know there are some weather fanatics who want all the info on future forecasts and trends. If that's you, MLive Chief Meteorologist Mark Torregrossa always has you covered. Here, he'll explain the weather phenomenon known as La Niña and what it could mean for us Michiganders come winter. (Spoiler alert: BRRRRR!) MORE Last month, Kathy Parsch had to leave behind her home and her belongings after floodwaters ravaged Sanford and surrounding areas. Among the possessions she had to abandon was an urn containing her mother's ashes. But Parsch assumed she would soon return to her home. Then she received a devastating call from a neighbor informing Parsch her house was gone. The structure was swept away by floodwaters. Luckily, some items remained in the wreckage and friends helped Parsch did up the urn: 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. |