SE Grand Rapids News

Epidemiologists opposed to lockdowns gather support

By Benjamin Kibbey | Dec 3, 2020

A group of three epidemiologists is gathering support with a declaration they authored and posted online, expressing concern over lockdowns and other restrictions they feel are making the COVID-19 pandemic worse.

Michigan Supreme Court issues guidance for CDC eviction moratorium

By Benjamin Kibbey | Nov 11, 2020

After the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a moratorium on evictions through Dec. 31, the Michigan Supreme Court amended its administrative order dealing with situations where eviction has been sought over nonpayment of rent.

Michigan's 3rd Congressional District race appears to have Democrat advantage

By Benjamin Kibbey | Nov 2, 2020

With the decision by U.S. Rep. Justin Amash, a Libertarian, not to run to retain his seat representing Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District, newcomer candidates Peter Meijer, the Republican, and Hillary Scholten, the Democrat, are vying for Amash’s seat.

Calley calls for better preparation at care facilities before second COVID-19 wave hits

By Benjamin Kibbey | Oct 1, 2020

Rep. Julie Calley (R-Portland) believes that Michigan needs to learn from the mistakes that led to high mortality rates in long-term care facilities during the first wave of COVID-19, as failing to do so will only put more lives in danger if a second wave hits this winter.

Grand Rapids natural playscape and outdoor classroom completed after two years

By Benjamin Kibbey | Sep 28, 2020

The first of four planned projects to address park-deficient areas of Grand Rapids was recently completed, with the final touches to the green schoolyard and natural playscape at Burton Elementary/Middle School and Plaster Creek Family Park.

From Shiawassee Times

Michigan school districts opt for a variety of options for fall reopening

By Benjamin Kibbey | 3 years ago

Bridge Michigan recently published a list detailing not only the reopening plans for local school districts across the state, but how those plans will progress into the coming year, with the promise to continue updating the information as it changes.

Grand Rapids recognized for autonomous electric vehicle program

By Benjamin Kibbey | Sep 3, 2020

The Alliance for Innovation recently recognized the City of Grand Rapids with an Outstanding Achievement in Local Government award for the city’s collaboration with May Mobility and its electric autonomous vehicle pilot.

No evidence points to COVID-19 risk from teacher contact with students

By Benjamin Kibbey | Aug 18, 2020

As concerns are raised regarding the risks of exposure to COVID-19 that could be presented to educators if schools permit students to return this fall, there remains no recorded incident of an educator contracting the novel coronavirus from a student.

Albert joins Republicans seeking to replace COVID-19 nursing home policy

By Benjamin Kibbey | Aug 3, 2020

Because Michigan has lost approximately 2,000 nursing home residents to COVID-19, Republican lawmakers continue to be critical of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s policy regarding the admission into nursing homes of nonresident patients who have tested positive.