August 18, 2020 The importance of a comfortable home environment has sharply increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. For many, the home has adapted into a work space, a classroom and a sanctuary from concerns surrounding the virus. With people spending more time inside their residences, some have discovered a need for change. For instance, apartment dwellers might have suddenly felt a strong desire for more space. Plus, average interest rates have sunk to a historic low. These are some of the things that have spurred a rebound in the Michigan housing market, according to realtors. It's good news after some intense drops in home sales during late spring and early summer. MORE Gov. Gretchen Whitmer highlighted Joe Biden’s work to save Detroit’s automakers and criticized President Donald Trump’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic during a live address to the Democratic National Convention Monday night. Whitmer introduced herself as “that woman from Michigan,” a derisive nickname bestowed on her by Trump, while making her speech live from a United Auto Workers union hall in Lansing. Whitmer said Biden “saved” auto workers who went on to help manufacture ventilators and personal protective equipment to respond to the coronavirus. MORE ►Michelle Obama mentions Trump's tight Michigan victory during Democratic National Convention speech Michigan has been a dream lately for those who love summer weather. That trend will continue this week, with plenty of warm days and clear skies. The skies can't stay clear forever, though, right? Some areas could use a good rain. Specifically, most of the southern Lower Peninsula is in need of precipitation. If you have a vegetable garden, you probably already know that. MLive Chief Meteorologist Mark Torregrossa has a look at when that rain will come and the rest of the details on this summery August week. MORE ►Radar shows 'roost ring' of migrating birds moving across Michigan A letter signed by “University of Michigan Football Families” says the recent Big Ten decision to cancel the 2020 fall football season was "premature." The letter was sent out on social media Monday, requesting video meetings with both the Big Ten commissioner and the university president. Those behind the letter are looking for more information on why the decision was made and are asking for a reversal of the cancelation. Parents from other Big Ten schools have recently sent out similar letters. MORE If you have school-age children, they definitely have opinions about school. That was true before the pandemic and perhaps more true now that districts are making decisions about whether or not students will return to the classroom in the coming weeks. Some districts have already announced their plans for completely remote learning during the beginning of the year. That goes against what most of the students we spoke with would prefer. You can see exactly what they had to say in our video.WATCH IT HERE ►Story: This is what Michigan students have to say about going back to school 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. |