| March 18, 2021 
 A year after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan residents are starting to return to more normal life -- but recent increases in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations show the pandemic isn’t over yet, Michigan health officials say. “So we are in a different place (than 2020), but we are not there yet, quite frankly,” Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief deputy director for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service, said during a press briefing Wednesday. As the state heads toward vaccine eligibility for all adults, positivity rates and hospitalizations are on the rise. The daily average of new COVID-19 cases has doubled in the past three weeks, and the seven-day average is now almost 2,000 new cases a day. READ MORE ►Michigan unsure when it will see boost in COVID-19 vaccine allocation  When Jackson Mayor Derek Dobies learned his city would get $32 million from the $1.9 trillion federal stimulus package, he wondered if his math was wrong. It was not. While the $1,400 per person checks may be the most popular part of the plan, municipalities are celebrating the cash influx local governments will see. In Michigan alone, the package gives $4.4 billion to cities, townships, villages and counties. The state government is getting nearly $6 billion, totaling $10.3 billion in funding for Michigan. “It’s certainly needed,” Dobies said. “It’s probably the largest injection of stimulus dollars that I’ve ever seen." MORE  One of the most popular restaurants in Bay City is about to undertake what might be its biggest challenge yet. In addition to surviving and working through a pandemic, two key members of the D’Angelo’s team will now undergo a life-saving medical procedure. David Baranowski and Kellie Berry are partners in life, and at their restaurant, which Baranowski opened in 2009. Together, the couple have been running the restaurant like a well-oiled machine. But just 36 hours after what was supposed to be a routine physical last fall, Baranowski, a talented chef and the backbone to D’Angelo’s, was undergoing dialysis and placed on the list for a kidney transplant. MORE
 Those running Michigan's recently introduced sports betting industry are hoping many in the state will take advantage of the opportunity to bet on the NCAA Tournament. For example -- Spartans fans might want to put some money on Michigan State taking out UCLA tonight. It's been a hard year for casinos (like most other industries), but they are hoping March Madness will drive some to gamble on the many games taking place in the next few weeks. “We are ready for the demand,” MGM Grand Casino President and Chief Operating Officer David Tsai told MLive. MORE ►MLive's NCAA Tournament picks: Sleepers, upsets and national champions  This traditional home in Midland is placed on three lots in a private setting. It's one of only five homes on the street and is surrounded by mature trees. It's perfect for a big family, with 5,555 square feet. The classic home features five bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, formal entertaining areas, three fireplaces, large windows, plenty of built-in storage space, a screened-in porch, workshop in the garage and more. There are two large suites that may appeal to multi-generational households. Take a look: MORE Get your local news 24/7 Connect with MLive
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