November 21, 2024

On the heals of updated CDC guidance, “Gov Gretchen Whitmer’s administration announced Friday it will lift mask requirements for fully vaccinated individuals through a new epidemic order that represents a milestone in the state’s fight against COVID-19.

The text of the new policy was released at about 8:30 p.m. Friday night, less than 13 hours before it was set to take effect at 9 a.m. Saturday. The order expires at the end of May 31.

Some business owners indicated earlier Friday they weren’t clear about what they could do ….

The state court system decided to maintain its mask mandate ….

Whitmer’s administration also revealed that the broad indoor mask mandate will expire July 1 ….

The new order exempts the fully vaccinated from the state’s mask requirements. It also says businesses responsible for locations where indoor gatherings occur must make a ‘good faith effort’ to comply with the ongoing mask mandate for those who haven’t been vaccinated ….

Read complete story on The Detroit News by Craig Mauger and Breana Noble, “Michigan rolls back mask requirements for fully vaccinated people in ‘huge step,’” last updated May 15, 2021 at 8:29am.

Independence Day— via Billy Graham (1970): "I find that there is a certain fear and expected cosmic judgment that hangs over our country at this hour, as the Devine timepiece ticks away. Thomas Jefferson felt this deeply when he said, 'I tremble for my country, when I reflect that God…

– July 4, 2022
via What Christians Want to Know (May 27, 2019)— "Should Christians Protest Or Demonstrate?" by Jack Wellman, Christian author, prison minister, and pastor of Heritage Evangelical Free Church, in Udall, Kansas: ... especially when they see injustice? ... The Bible admonishes us to 'Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights…

– June 12, 2022
via Lifeway Research (April 6, 2021)— "Americans' Views of Life's Meaning and Purpose Are Changing," by Aaron Earls: As Americans attempt to move past the life-altering effects of 2020, their perspective is shifting on some of the most significant questions facing humanity. [Compared] to a decade ago, U.S. adults today are…

– January 9, 2022
via Samaritan's Purse (March 23, 2022)— "Ukraine Updates: Ukraine Updates: Fifth Airlift Departs with Ukraine Relief; Medical Care at Four Locations; Food and Other Distributions Underway": A fifth Samaritan’s Purse airlift departed today carrying more than 19 tons of relief, including medical supplies for area hospitals as we work to…

– March 27, 2022
via Baptist Beacon (April 1, 2022)— "Fusion Camp for 2nd-6th graders," by Rachel LaBelle, Resurrection Church, Lincoln Park Michigan: ... At camp, we get a short window to replace the busyness of their daily lives and invite them to a safe place where they can focus on Christ. Some would…

– April 24, 2022
via Southern Baptist Convention (February 26, 2019)— "Who's Your One?" Day 13: Genesis 12:1-3, "Now the Lord said to Abram, 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will…

– July 31, 2022
via Baptist Beacon (February 2, 2022)— "Words without wisdom," by Coye L Bouyer, founding pastor of Kingdom Life Church, in Lansing, Michigan: A life-giving tongue creates a positive environment, and even brings joy to a community. However, too often many of us choose conversation that is callous and criticizes as opposed…

– February 27, 2022
via Baptist Beacon (February 2, 2022)— "The difference in knowing and loving," by Mike Durbin, State Evangelism Director for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan, re Famed jeweler Harry Winston: A customer entered Winston’s store in New York City to buy a special diamond. One of his salesmen, his most knowledgeable…

– February 13, 2022
via Baptist Beacon (June 1, 2022)— "A small church serves as a large witness in the wake of Taylor tornado," by Mike Durbin, State Evangelism Director for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan: An EF3 tornado ripped through Gaylord tragically taking the lives of two people and injuring more than…

– June 5, 2022

“Christmas with The Chosen” more than just another holiday movie or invitation to renew in-theatre experience; much more.

December 2, 2021

Like icthus images in its opening credits, The Chosen seemed destined to swim against prevailing currents. [1-3] It’s certainly not without precedent to see television series beget theatrical movie releases. And only time will tell if, as “the largest ever crowdfunded entertainment project” it truly portends “groundbreaking implications for content creators, particularly faith-based ones.” [4] As “the first-ever multi-season series about the life of Christ,” it will forever raise the bar on what it means to have ....

A2Y Regional Chamber panel, "Real Estate Outlook 2020"

Experts shared insights on 2020, both commercial and residential real estate market during A2Y Chamber “Early Edition”

January 15, 2020

There’s an important continuity among monthly Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti breakfest presentations that add a great deal of value to and beyond any given topic. [1,2] As part of introducing the three persons empaneled to discuss our “Local real estate outlook for 2020,” chamber Executive Vice President Andy LaBarre, note that he’d prepared his questions for facilitation during then still unfolding international events of potential relevance. The salient point is that he had in fact, ....

If ‘Hobbyists’ Are Open-Minded, There May Still be a Future for Traditional Car Collectors

May 11, 2018

A certified résumé is far from necessary to validate the bona fides of Saline when it comes to perpetuating the legacy of great vehicles from the past. Simply check out the Brewed Awakenings parking lot any Saturday morning. Take a peak in the window of either local Bill Crispin Chevrolet showroom. Watch the traffic on Michigan Avenue now that the salt trucks have been finally warehoused for the season. Or hold your breath for a ....

Businesses Can Take Control Of “Suddenly September” With One Calendar That Turns Bottom Lines From Summer To Serious

September 4, 2018

In television, it’s called a “cold open.” Google that term and The Office is likely to show up on the first page of results; maybe more than once. Appropriately. [1] The month of September often feels that way on the calendar. Summertime was that not-exactly-programmed period after credits rolled on the season finale of whatever. A comedy, maybe. Or a cliffhanger. Possibly a really serious series finale. Regardless, then came summer — like a commercial ....

Education and work force development anticipated to top agenda for 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference later this month

May 17, 2019

Weather outside the downtown Detroit Regional Chamber may have felt to some appropriately symbolic for the final press briefing prior to opening day of the upcoming Mackinac Policy Conference on May 28, 2019. [1,2] Cold, with light rain — but he sort that seemed undeterred by umbrella or water repelling jacket, destined to define the day. Visible sky over the river not far off was bright enough, if out of reach. Inside Chamber offices, President ....