| June 18, 2021 
 Michigan is ending its 50% indoor capacity limit and mask mandate for the unvaccinated earlier than originally announced, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a news release on Thursday. The restrictions go away starting at midnight on Tuesday, June 22. The requirements have existed in some form since March 2020. “Today is a day that we have all been looking forward to, as we can safely get back to normal day-to-day activities and put this pandemic behind us,” Whitmer said in the release. Michigan is one of five states to still have business restrictions. New Mexico, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii are the others – all of which are tying reopenings to vaccination rates. That was Whitmer’s original plan, but the idea was later scrapped. READ MORE ►Gov. Whitmer, lawmakers call for 'hero pay' for essential workers  The office is dispensable. That was an early pandemic takeaway for many businesses, once remote work proved feasible. But flaws emerged as the experiment dragged past 12 months. As companies work to define their ideal new work environments, many are turning to office furniture companies for suggestions. Three of the major players in the industry – Steelcase, Haworth and Herman Miller – are headquartered in West Michigan. “Our challenge has been overwhelming demand,” said Ryan Anderson, vice president of global research and insights at Herman Miller in Holland. READ  What was your childhood dream? Did you get a chance to live that dream? For 7-year-old Gus Tyler, the ultimate goal was working as a dockporter on Mackinac Island, just like his dad did during a summer years ago. Recently, veteran dockporter Archie Horn gave Gus the chance to live his island dream for a day. “Archie was super good with him, telling him where to park his bike, introducing him to people. He took him into the hotel lobby and into the employee dining room. Everything was just wide-eyed for him.” Gus also got to meet Horn’s dog, Max the pug, and hang out with the other dockporters. MORE ►Mackinac Island love story: Old photo reunites couple after 40 years
 Planning for the weekend? Here's what MLive Chief Meteorologist has to say about the weather forecast: "This weekend will be sandwiched between storm systems. If you are looking to have outside fun, the weather should cooperate.There will be two periods of rain or thundershowers this weekend. The first period is a really skimpy, quick period of possible thundershowers Saturday afternoon. Most of us will stay dry. An hour or so of a shower or thundershower is possible across southern Lower Saturday afternoon. It would be so quick in any one spot that I wouldn’t change any plans, except maybe tubing down a river." READ MORE  Need a beer for an upcoming camping trip? Or maybe just a refreshing brew to sip as a reward after you mow the lawn? Summer beers abound in Michigan's craft brewing scene. If you are like many Michigan beer lovers, you will enjoy your fill of Oberon over the course of the season, but why not add some new local suds to your regular rotation? We have a look at a half dozen beers made right here in our fine state that are perfect for those hot summer days. Whether you are in the pool, next to a campfire or just sitting on the porch, we think you will enjoy these artfully crafted beverages from Michigan brewers. READ Get your local news 24/7 Connect with MLive
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