| November 5, 2021 
 Born to a Black mother and Puerto Rican father, Monteze Morales, 44, loves being able to explore both of her cultural identities as an Afro-Latina woman. She often cooks authentic Puerto Rican dishes for her friends and family and uses her different backgrounds to better connect with her constituents as Kalamazoo County Commissioner. But in a society where race plays a significant role, it’s not always easy to embrace both sides of who you are. ”At the end of the day, the majority of what I experienced as a mixed race individual is not diluted and it really psychologically puts a strain on you,” Morales said. Morales is among the fastest-growing demographic of people in Michigan who identify as two or more races. READ MORE  An estimated 2 million Michigan workers would fall under the new federal vaccine mandate, details of which were revealed Thursday after two months of anticipation. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration detailed how and to whom the new rule applies in The COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard. The White House estimates the new rule will cover 84 million workers. Since the announcement of the mandate in September, these requirements have reduced the number of eligible unvaccinated workers by 40%, according to a White House press call. READ MORE  The coronavirus pandemic has only worsened the staffing shortages facing Michigan’s hospitals, long-term care facilities and ambulance services in recent years. To address the problem, groups representing the health care industry are asking state leaders for $650 million to better recruit and retain health care workers. The funds would be directed toward rewarding current front-line employees, as well as scholarships to remove financial barriers and incentivize the future workforce. Staffing shortages in health care settings existed before spring 2020 due to an aging workforce, but COVID-19 has escalated the problem to the point some are calling it an "absolute crisis." READ MORE  Michigan is no longer undefeated, but players say all their goals are still in front of them. And that is true, although there is now no margin for error. The first College Football Playoff rankings were released Tuesday night, and the 7-1 Wolverines checked in at No. 7, ahead of undefeated Oklahoma. With four games remaining, including showdowns against Penn State and Ohio State, Michigan still has a path to the Big Ten championship and a possible playoff berth. Of course, it will need to win out. How will the team respond after suffering a heartbreaking 37-33 loss last week against Michigan State? LISTEN HERE  In mid-to-late October, Michiganders were instructed to visit the northern regions of the state if they wanted to catch a glimpse of fall foliage. As the season progresses, the opposite advice is now being handed out -- head south. The southern half of Michigan's Lower Peninsula is at peak color. MLive Chief Meteorologist has the info on exactly what you'll see, depending on where you go and what types of trees are present. He also put out a call for photos from across the state, showing exactly what nature looks like in each region. Take a look and then plan a weekend drive to see the colorful leaves, before they all disappear: CHECK IT OUT
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