August 24, 2020 Gyms in the majority of Michigan's Lower Peninsula have been closed for indoor workouts since March. In those five months, some fitness center owners say they are struggling to avoid complete financial ruin. Others have decided to break the rules and allow patrons to workout indoors. Health departments across the state report receiving dozens of complaints about open facilities. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently said she would like to find a way to reopen gyms throughout the state, but no date or details have been provided. In the meantime, Kathy Birge, owner of Anytime Fitness in Wyoming, is worried her business won't make it. "It’s killing us," she said. "I’m not sure if we can recover." MORE While the pandemic has been tough for many industries, like gyms (see above), it has actually benefitted some others. Yes, there are some Michigan industries thriving during the generally tough economic times of COVID-19. For instance, liquor sales are up during the pandemic, according to business owners. Some say those numbers have spiked 40% compared to last year. Can you guess which other industries are making more money during 2020? Write a list or make a mental note of your choices and then dive in here to see if you were correct: MORE ►Michigan's retail liquor sales a bright spot amid coronavirus economic slump When you think of Munising, your first thought is probably of Pictured Rocks. It's the Upper Peninsula city's top attraction and a favorite spot of Michigan adventurers. Those who love the outdoors can plan excursions in and around Munising, because Pictured Rocks is just one of the many beautiful places to explore in the area. If you haven't taken a tour of the local waterfalls, you should add that to your list of Michigan must-dos. Plus, there's Grand Island, mountain biking trails, great beer and plenty more to explore. We have the full rundown here: MORE ►Want to work remotely from a Michigan state park? These 10 have WiFi Two engineering companies accused of wrongdoing in the Flint water crisis say they will continue to defend themselves in lawsuits brought by residents and won’t settle cases like the state of Michigan is set to do to the tune of $600 million. "Despite numerous investigations squarely placing blame on government officials at the city, state and federal levels, some state officials continue their attempt to distort the truth of what happened in Flint by scapegoating private companies," read a statement to MLive from representatives of one of the companies. MORE Like a good mystery? This one began in Jackson, when a 7,000-pound excavator sank into the ground, revealing a set of underground rooms at a historic building. The owners were surprised, then puzzled. What in the world were these hidden rooms used for? Maps of the building throughout the years make no mention of the rooms and now employees at the Commercial Exchange Building are left guessing at the former purpose of the hidden spaces. "We’re all just blown away – it’s a big mystery at this point," said Operations Manager Sharon Buchte. Take a look inside the rooms here: VIDEO ►Story: Mysterious underground rooms puzzle owners of historic Jackson building 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. |