September 14, 2021 In July, Michigan marijuana sales reached a new peak when combined recreational and medical sales for the first time eclipsed a $2 billion-per-year pace.Much has happened since the first recreational shops opened their doors in late 2019. Using monthly statistical reports released by the state Marijuana Regulatory Agency, as well as the agency’s online license search tool, MLive has pulled and compiled key data to show how the industry is growing and changing as it matures. READ MORE With the federal eviction moratorium blocked by the U.S. Supreme Court and some $14 million in rental assistance still on the table for Washtenaw County tenants, officials are racing to distribute funds to renters who could be at risk of eviction because of unpaid rent. That’s roughly 6,000 households across the county and a combined total rental debt at $17 million. Who is eligible for CERA? People who are behind on rent and make 80% or less of the average median income in Washtenaw County can access this money. In Washtenaw County that translates to $62,800 for a two-person household. READ MORE More than 200 Afghan refugees are ready to call West Michigan their new home, and an area congressman believes this “welcoming community” is proud to help. Congressman Peter Meijer, R-Grand Rapids Township, was among the speakers who talked during a prayer rally last week in Grand Rapids. Bethany Christian Services announced Friday it received approval to resettle 250 Afghans in the coming weeks. The group includes single people and families who are in danger of being targeted by the Taliban because they aided the U.S. military or belong to vulnerable groups. Refugees are vetted by the federal government before arriving in Michigan. BCS offices in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Holland, Muskegon and Kalamazoo will lead the resettlement effort. READ MORE If Jared Goff would have played great on Sunday and the Lions won, maybe tuning in to SNF to watch Stafford sling it would have been more fun. But Goff didn't play great and Stafford looked happy and well, being a Lions fan is same as it ever was. But if you look hard enough and you've decided to be patient with the new coaching staff, sure, there are some things to be encouraged by. Here are things to like about the Lions right now: READ MORE The fall color chairlift rides at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park are on hiatus this fall while an engineering project makes some upgrades to accommodate the rides’ growing popularity. Park manager Mike Knack said that the chairlift’s current design long has been limiting the number of riders on return trips from the top of the hill. “We’re only allowed to have a handful of people on the downward ride, and with the popularity of the chairlift ride and visitation constantly increasing here, we’re really running into long wait times and kind of a bottleneck at the top,” he said. READ MORE ►More Michigan state parks to offer tiny houses as camping alternative 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. |