COVID-19

The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday that hospitals cannot claim sweeping immunity from negligence lawsuits for damages that occurred during the early days of the COVID-19 crisis. Rick Pluta reports.

The federal government has removed the recommendation that children and pregnant women get routine COVID-19 vaccines. This is after a directive announced by Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr. WEMU's Caroline MacGregor talks to Washtenaw County Health Officer, Jimena Loveluck about the ramifications of the decision.

The Washtenaw County Department of Health is questioning the decision from federal officials to no longer recommend COVID vaccines for certain demographics. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

The Washtenaw County Health Department has lost 6% of its total funding, due to President Trump shutting down COVID-related funds for state and local health departments. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

The Michigan Senate voted to close the books on the state’s last budget on Thursday. Colin Jackson has more.

As people make their way back to school and work after the holidays, certain viruses may go along for the ride. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has more about what illnesses are on the rise in Washtenaw County.

Four state universities do not owe students tuition and room-and-board refunds for cancelling in-person classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Michigan Court of Appeals released those decisions Thursday. We have more from Rick Pluta.

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, food insecurity is on high in Washtenaw County. Eileen Spring is president and CEO of Food Gatherers, and she says, since the pandemic, the demand for food assistance has skyrocketed and continues to go up. What is being done to address this glaring community need? Part of the solution also provides some rather amazing environmental benefits. Eileen joined WEMU's David Fair for a discussion on dealing with food insecurity and how food rescue also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Michigan Supreme Court has refused to hear a case filed by a business group that wants the state to compensate its members for losses due to state-ordered COVID-19 restrictions early in the pandemic. Rick Pluta reports.

The Washtenaw County Health Department wants to remind you that, while the pandemic may have waned, COVID-19 is still a danger. As winter approaches, people should get their updated vaccinations. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.