March 29, 2021 Michigan now has the fastest-growing COVID-19 case rate in the country, much to the alarm of health officials around the state. The state ranks No. 2 behind New Jersey in average new cases per capita. The Thumb region, as well as Macomb and Jackson counties, have among the nation’s highest transmission rates. “Michigan’s the hot potato right now in the United States,” said Dr. Liam Sullivan, an infectious disease specialist at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids. “Why, is a good question. I’ve wondered that myself, because there are a lot other states much more open than we are.” So what’s going on? READ MORE ►Tips to know before your COVID-19 vaccine appointment Allendale Township planning commissioner, real estate agent and lifestyle vlogger Ryan Kelley boosted his profile while organizing right-wing opposition to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s coronavirus orders. Kelley organized rallies that embraced armed paramilitary groups, spread misinformation about COVID-19 and called for the arrest of Whitmer and other government officials. Political observers say Kelley’s candidacy may be a long-shot, but it represents a growing trend -- Republican outsiders who cut their teeth on organizing outrage in a polarizing political climate believe they’re next in line to lead the GOP. MORE As with many other aspects of society, the coronavirus pandemic has created tremendous upheaval among Michigan’s religious institutions. Although houses of worship were exempt from Michigan’s lockdown orders last spring, most congregations moved their worship services and other interactions completely online during that period. Some have yet to resume in-person services. “It’s hard. It’s weird,” said the Rev. Seth Weeldreyer. “Our faith is an embodied faith; it’s not just about ideas but how we live it with other people. And when you can’t be with other people, it makes it hard.” MORE Last March, Michigan arrived at Bankers Life Fieldhouse only to have its season end before it could play a game. Back in the building on Sunday night, the Wolverines kept their season alive. Michigan stomped Florida State 76-58 to advance to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. The Wolverines shut down Florida State’s offense in the paint and outside the arc, they found cracks in an aggressive defense, and they turned what figured to be a competitive matchup into their biggest blowout in more than three weeks. READ MORE ►Michigan women lose heartbreaker in Sweet 16 but prove they're among nation's elite On Jan. 5, an announcement came that all Family Video stores across the country, including more than 50 in Michigan, were hitting the stop button permanently. That prompted a Kalamazoo film buff to grab a camera and document the final days of his local Family Video. Inspired in part by “The Last Blockbuster” which showcases the rise and fall of the video store in America, Campbell’s short documentary “Last Day for Videos” was released Wednesday, March 24, on YouTube. TAKE A LOOK 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. |