Public invited to voice opinions on proposed Plymouth Road development
ANN ARBOR, MI -- Ann Arbor residents can voice their opinions on a proposed development at 2929 Plymouth Road in Ann Arbor on Thursday. The University of Michigan Credit Union is hosting an online Zoom public meeting, with an option to call in, at 7 p.m. May 26. The proposed development, a new financial institution, will include demolition of an existing building and construction of a new building.
mlive.comNick Saban lists the people he admires, why he looks up to them
Those people have been successful for a long, long time. Bryant came in 2018, two years before his death, while Jordan spoke to the 2020 team via Zoom before its title run. The day Kobe came and spent time with our team and Michael Jordan spoke to our team. “I really admire great competitors and I really admire people who are able to sustain success, whether it’s in business, whether it’s in sports or whether it’s in music. It doesn’t matter.”The Nick Saban Legacy Award presented by the Birmingham Monday Morning Quarterback Club honored coaches Steve Spurrier and Eddie Robinson.
mlive.comMichigan star Aidan Hutchinson gets his wish in 2022 NFL draft: ‘It was Lions all the way’
New Detroit Lions pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson’s apparent wish came true in the 2022 NFL draft. Hutchinson, the former Michigan star and Heisman runner-up, told reporters that hearing his name at Pick 2 to Detroit was what he wanted all along. It was the Lions all the way,” Hutchinson said via Zoom. “The whole draft process, I wanted them to pick me, and I’m so grateful that I went No. But, you know, I’m so grateful for sure.”Related: 2022 NFL draft: Detroit Lions select Alabama WR Jameson Williams after trade with VikingsRelated: Draft analyst: Detroit Lions land ‘most NFL ready’ DE in Aidan HutchinsonHutchinson, who went to high school less than 10 miles from Detroit’s practice facility, previously said he grew up cheering for the New England Patriots.
mlive.comIn-person theater returns to Ann Arbor with ‘SPAMalot,’ Shakespeare in the Arb
ANN ARBOR, MI -- Although the Burns Parks Players had to hold auditions and callbacks for “SPAMalot” over Zoom, the in-person rehearsals have been charged with energy. “We have so many people at our rehearsals just feeling emotion at being happy again, feeling like music and light and energy lifts you up again,” said Carly Groves, Burns Park Players board president and a “silly knight” in the upcoming production. “Laughing with people and being around one another has just been wonderful.”
mlive.comGrosse Pointe News
Ford House The Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lakeshore, Grosse Pointe Shores, offers the following programs: * Bunny Trail scavenger hunt, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays throughout April. * Stargazing, 8 to 10 p.m. Fridays, April 1 and 29. * Story Time: “My Friend Earth,” 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays during April. *
grossepointenews.comDetroit Lions Cheerleaders to hold first in-person auditions in 2 years for 2022 season
DETROIT - Aspiring Detroit Lions Cheerleaders won’t have to audition via Zoom this time around. In-person auditions are returning to Ford Field on May 1 and 2 for the upcoming 2022 season. “It’s hard to put into words,” Rebecca Smoker, Lions Head Cheerleading Coach excitedly told MLive. Coach Smoker offers this advice for women who want to be on the team. Auditions, which will consist of choreographed dancing and interviews in front of judges, are not open to the public.
mlive.comUpcoming public meetings will detail how commuters would change U.S. 131
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Michigan transportation officials are holding two virtual public meetings next week to share survey results on, and hear how, the community would reshape U.S. 131 between 28th and Wealthy streets. The virtual meetings will take place over Zoom from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, and 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 16. Related: How would you change U.S. 131 in Grand Rapids? The input will also help MDOT officials decide whether commuters simply want U.S. 131 reconstructed or if they want to see it reconfigured as well. State lawmakers last year dedicated $10 million to reconstruct or reconfigure the Wealthy Street interchange at U.S. 131.
mlive.comSaginaw County courthouse resuming in-person hearings with COVID numbers waning
SAGINAW, MI — After two months of matters being held via Zoom due to COVID-19, the Saginaw County courthouse is set to resume in-person hearings. Saginaw County Chief Circuit Judge Darnell Jackson on Wednesday, Feb. 16, issued a statement that in-person hearings can be scheduled starting Monday, Feb. 21., if the individual judges and parties choose to do so. Jackson said he met with Christina Harrington, health officer at the Saginaw County Health Department, on Wednesday morning to get an assessment of where the county now stands with COVID-related issues. “I am happy to tell you that we are in a three-week decline in our numbers,” Jackson said. Read more:Saginaw County courthouse to resume Zoom-only hearings due to rising COVID numbersSaginaw County boy, 13, did not die from COVID-19 vaccine, investigation showsSaginaw County’s omicron surge may be subsiding, following statewide COVID-19 trend
mlive.comGrosse Pointe News
Library The Grosse Pointe Public Library hosts a variety of programs. To register for the following, visit grossepointelibrary.org. * Tween Art Lab — Pastels and Paintin’, all day Thursday, Feb. 17, at Central, 10 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe Farms. * Nonfiction Book Club, 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, via Zoom. * Keep This Toss That, 7 to 8 p.m. […]
grossepointenews.comFlint schools to hold final community meeting on COVID-19 spending Friday
FLINT, MI -- The final Flint schools community forum is set to take place this Friday. As it pertains to the future of FCS, would you like the district to invest in building new schools in the community? What innovative programs and services would you like to see FCS offer in a new state-of-the-art elementary school? What innovative programs and services would you like to see FCS offer in a new state-of-the-art middle school? What innovative programs and services would you like to see FCS offer in a new state-of-the-art high school?
mlive.comForum to explore University of Michigan’s impact on Ann Arbor housing market
ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor’s affordable housing educational series is continuing with a focus on the University of Michigan’s impact on the housing market and business challenges. Those are the topics to be discussed during a Zoom forum starting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10.
mlive.comSee ways to celebrate Black History Month 2022 in the Muskegon area
MUSKEGON, MI - Black History Month honors the achievements and contributions of African Americans to the country each February. Officials ask that you register here to enjoy this event in-person To attend the event virtually, attendees can register online through Zoom. Trivia Contest (Saturday, Feb. 5)Register a team for an in-person trivia contest on Black history at Hackley here. Teams will be asked questions relevant to Black History, and prizes will be awarded to the winners. Each year, the college hosts a Student Expo in honor of Black History Month.
mlive.comFired Mets GM Porter suspended by MLB through 2022 season
Fired New York Mets general manager Jared Porter has been suspended by Major League Baseball through at least the end of the 2022 regular season following an investigation that began after a report that he sent sexually explicit text messages and images to a female reporter in 2016 while he was working for the Chicago Cubs.
No charges filed against Michigan official who flashed rifle
Michigan’s attorney general said Friday she would not file charges against a county commissioner who displayed a rifle during a livestreamed meeting, an incident some described as illustrating racial and cultural tensions in the Lake Michigan resort area.
LIVE STREAM: Detroit mayor holds meeting to propose spending projects, request input from residents
The city of Detroit is receiving hundreds of millions of dollars from the federal government, and Detroiters are being asked to share their thoughts on how the money should be spent during a meeting Tuesday.
Detroit residents asked for input on city spending of $400M from American Rescue Plan
The city of Detroit is receiving hundreds of millions of dollars from the federal government through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and Detroiters are being asked to share their thoughts on how the money should be spent.
Ford is betting that solid-state batteries will cut EV costs
Ford has raised its stake in a manufacturer of solid-state batteries — a move that its chief product and operations officer, Hau Thai-Tang, says will strengthen the company’s effort to increase the range and reduce the costs of its next generation of electric vehicles.
Oscars add UK hub for broadcast after concerns about travel
FILE - In this Feb. 21, 2015 file photo, an Oscar statue appears outside the Dolby Theatre for the 87th Academy Awards in Los Angeles. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP, File)With less than a month until showtime, the 93rd Oscars are taking another pass at the script. The main event will still take place at Los Angeles’ Union station which will include a red carpet component but they are planning something special for the UK location. The show is also working with local broadcast affiliates around the world to provide satellite links for other international nominees. The 93rd Oscars will be broadcast live on ABC on April 25 at 8 p.m. Eastern.
Legislator being investigated for Weinstein backdrop on Zoom
Bickford apologized, calling it "inappropriate and in poor taste." Weinstein is a former Hollywood producer who faced accusations from more than 80 women that he sexually assaulted them. (Maine Legislature via Zoom via AP)AUGUSTA, Maine – A Maine legislator who appeared for Zoom meetings twice with a background that made a joking reference to convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein is being investigated by the Legislature’s human resources department. Both times, Bickford quickly changed the background to a lake, which is his typical background for Zoom meetings. “It was inappropriate and in poor taste.
US jobless claims fall to 684,000, fewest since pandemic
The number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell sharply last week to 684,000, the fewest since the pandemic erupted a year ago and a sign the economy is improving. Thursday’s report from the Labor Department showed that jobless claims fell from 781,000 the week before. All told, the number of applicants fell below 1 million for the first time since the pandemic. AdNationally, though, the number of recipients in an extended federal jobless benefits program jumped by 730,000 to 5.5 million. Historically, the weekly unemployment claims figure has been considered an accurate reflection of the pace of layoffs.
Plans solidify for 93rd Oscars: No Zoom, no sweatshirts
The 93rd Oscars will be held on April 25. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP, File)With nominations set and just over a month until showtime, details are trickling out about the 93rd Oscars and neither sweatshirts nor Zoom made the cut. They’ve enlisted Emmy and Tony Award winning director Glenn Weiss to direct the live broadcast on April 25. The producers said they plan to treat the event like an active movie set with on-site COVID safety teams and testing protocols. The 93rd Oscars will be broadcast live on ABC on April 25 starting at 8 p.m.
Prosecutor catches alleged abuser in victim’s home during virtual Michigan court hearing
STURGIS, Mich. – Video of an online court hearing in the town of Sturgis has gone viral because of one thing noticed by an eagle-eyed prosecutor. During the court hearing, the woman begins to hesitate when being questioned by Davis, who spoke up when she noticed the woman constantly was looking off screen. The woman’s video goes blank, and Harris’ camera eventually turns off too. “Your honor, we both don’t want the no-contact order,” Harris said. I’m sorry I lied to you.”Judge Middleton immediately shuts Harris down and adjourns the hearing.
Yankees' Boone back on bench 3 days after pacemaker inserted
This screengrab from a Zoom call, Friday, March 5, 2021, shows New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone. Boone said he's feeling better after getting a pacemaker and said he hopes to return to the team Saturday or Sunday. (AP Photo/Ron Blum)New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone returned to the dugout Saturday, three days after surgery to have a pacemaker inserted. Boone, who turns 48 in a few days, left the club Wednesday to get the pacemaker at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida. Boone, who had open heart surgery in 2009 for a congenital defect, had been experiencing light-headedness and fatigue this winter.
5 tips for successful virtual learning, according to a local academic
Dress nicely, turn your camera on, have pen and paper ready, and sit up straight,” Laverick suggests. Start a reviewing routineDr. Laverick suggests building a daily habit of reading through your notes from class. If you’re indifferent to the notetaking method you use, sometimes switching up your method can help you stay more engaged in the content. Protect your eyesHas virtual learning bothered your eyes? Whether your learning is 100% virtual or a hybrid model, remembering these tips will set you up to do your best, even when the circumstances are not ideal.
City of Ann Arbor seeks volunteers to help identify, monitor amphibian populations
ANN ARBOR – Want to get outside and try something different this spring? The city of Ann Arbor’s Natural Area Preservation is searching for volunteers to help monitor frog, toad and salamander populations in the city’s parks and nature areas. Salamander Survey Kickoff and TrainingLearn to monitor Ann Arbor’s five species of salamanders. AdThe Saturday Zoom session will run from noon to 2 p.m.Frog & Toad Survey Kickoff and TrainingLearn to identify frogs and toads by eye and ear, and select which route you’d like to survey. The Saturday Zoom session will run from 2:30-4:30 p.m.
The glam was back at the Golden Globes, albeit at a distance
And they were ready, style wise, as the Globes split hosts, with Amy Poehler at the Beverly Hilton and Tina Fey at the Rainbow Room in New York. Backstage after the show, Sudeikis told reporters he owns a multitude of hoodies but chose the one emblazoned with “Forward” on the front and “Listen + Lead” on the back as fitting for the unusual night. “I wanted to feel festive and go for it,” she told NBC. Sarah Paulson held her little black pooch on screen and Emma Corrin's fluffy white cat grabbed a moment for itself. AdLydia Marks, a New York set decorator, told The Associated Press the evening's technical challenges were many.
Ann Arbor students, parents rally at Skyline High School to demand return to hybrid learning
A high school student holds up a sign at a protest outside Skyline High School in Ann Arbor on Feb. 20, 2021. ANN ARBOR – Dozens of students and parents stood outside Skyline High School holding signs and giving speeches on Saturday, calling for the Ann Arbor Board of Education to continue with their original plans to return to school buildings beginning in March. AdAnn Arbor Public Schools students hold up signs at a rally to reopen schools at Skyline High School on Feb. 20, 2021. Skyline High School senior Eli Hendricks addresses a crowd of students and parents outside his school in Ann Arbor on Feb. 20, 2021. Signs posted outside Skyline High School's student entrance in Ann Arbor call for the return to hybrid learning.
Happ beats Cubs in arbitration; teams finish with 5-4 record
Happ asked for a raise from $624,000 to $4.1 million during a Zoom session Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, and the Cubs argued he should be paid $3.25 million. Teams finished with a 5-4 advantage in cases that went to a hearing, their second straight winning record after two consecutive years in which players had an advantage. A day after hearing arguments, arbitrators Frederic Horowitz, Steven Wolf and Jules Bloch decided in favor of Happ's figure rather than the team's $3.25 million. St. Louis pitcher Jack Flaherty ($3.9 million), Braves pitcher Mike Soroka ($2.8 million) and Rays first baseman Ji-Man Choi ($2.45 million) also won their cases. Teams beat Atlanta shortstop Dansby Swanson ($6 million), San Francisco infielder Donovan Solano ($3.25 million), Tampa Bay pitcher Ryan Yarbrough ($2.3 million), New York Mets third baseman/outfielder J.D.
Aging desktop source of attorney's accidental cat filter
This image from video shows a hearing from the 394th Judicial District Court of Texas. A filter that had been activated on the attorney's device obscured his appearance and made him look like a cat. And in Florida, a judge told attorneys they must get out of bed and put on clothing before appearing on video for proceedings. Ferguson, the judge who oversaw Tuesday’s hearing and posted the video online, told The Associated Press he had no idea the clip would become an instant hit. In one of the more hilarious moments, Ponton tells the judge: “I'm prepared to go forward” with the hearing, despite his feline appearance.
Looking for love? This is Michigan’s most-searched online dating question
Viasat compiled some Google Trends search data to create a map of the most-searched online dating questions in every state. According to a 2019 Stanford study, online dating is now the most common way couples meet or connect. According to the data, the most-searched online dating question in Michigan is: “How to break up over text”Michigan is not alone in this one -- there are a handful of other states with the same top-search. “How to date online” is the most-searched digital dating query in nine states. Online dating was already popular before 2020, but online dating became some people’s only way to put themselves out there with social distancing in place.
Arbor Hospice to host free virtual music therapy sessions for people of all ages
ANN ARBOR – Arbor Hospice and Hospice of Michigan have partnered to host virtual music therapy sessions for adults and children coping with grief after losing a loved one. Both sessions are free and will feature trained music therapists from Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice. Ad“Research has shown the effectiveness of music therapy even in patients who are resistant to other treatment approaches,” Rachael Lawrence-Lupton, MA, MT-BC and music therapy supervisor for NorthStar Care Community said in a statement. For more information about Hospice of Michigan’s music therapy programs, click here. AdFor more information about Arbor Hospice’s music therapy programs, click here.
Owner of Mets and hedge fund leaves Twitter, citing threats
This photo from a Zoom press conference shows New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020. (New York Mets via AP)NEW YORK – The owner of the New York Mets says he has dropped off Twitter because his family received threats that he attributed to “misinformation" that was not tied to the baseball team. Hedge funds that shorted GameStop have lost billions as small investors bid up the company's shares. One of the short sellers, Melvin Capital, announced this week that it received a $750 million infusion from Point72. The Mets tied for last place in the National League East division last season.
Film fans can play to win with Michigan Theater’s virtual movie trivia
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Get the gang together and win fun prizes at weekly virtual trivia hosted on Zoom by the Michigan Theater. Players can participate on their own or communicate with teammates (outside of the Zoom call) to coordinate answers. Movie buffs and cinema smartypants can win prizes for first and second place, including a Michigan Theater Foundation book or vinyl record and a free film rental through Agile Link. Michigan Theater members can play for free by sending an email to feedback@michtheater.org and asking for a special promo code. Here’s the current schedule:Thursday, Jan 28 - 7 p.m.Friday, Feb. 5 - 7 p.m. - Black Filmmakers EditionFriday, Feb. 12 - 7 p.m. - Romantic Movies EditionFriday, Feb. 19 - 7 p.m.Friday, Feb. 26 - 7 p.m.Sign up through the trivia schedule or learn more about the events and prizes at michtheater.org/trivia/
Relax on Wednesdays with virtual poetry courtesy of Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tea Room
Present some poetry or listen to an author give a live reading courtesy of Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tea Room. With its second-floor tea room currently closed to visitors, the downtown Ann Arbor bookstore has been hosting informal poetry workshops and live readings through Zoom on Wednesday nights. Workshops are held on the second Wednesday of each month and hosted by the Crazy Wisdom Poetry Circle. Held on the fourth Wednesday of the month, live readings introduce audiences to the work of guest authors, essayists and poets. Links to the Zoom rooms are sent out the day of the event, according to the Crazy Wisdom Poetry Circle blog.
Annual Sustainability Forums series returns to Ann Arbor Thursday
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The City of Ann Arbor’s annual Sustainability Forums returns on Thursday with the first of five community discussions on sustainability-related topics. Organized by the Office of Sustainability and Innovations, the monthly forums will be open to the public and held virtually through Zoom. The five discussions will focus on food, green infrastructure, circular economy, waste reduction, energy production and a special topic that has yet to be announced. Each forum directly relates to the city’s A2ZERO sustainability framework to get to carbon neutrality by 2030. Here is the Sustainability Forums schedule and topics:Jan. 25: food and food accessFeb. 24: forestry and green InfrastructureMarch 24: waste reduction and circular economy (tentative)TBD: energy production and useThe last topic and date have not yet been announced.
Michigan official shows gun after public meeting criticism
Ron Clous, an elected member of the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners, was at home during the livestreamed meeting Wednesday, the Traverse City Record-Eagle reported. “The only thing I know about them (Proud Boys) is when they came and spoke to us," Clous said. "To have a public official do that during a public meeting is horrendous.”Betsy Coffia, a fellow county commissioner, labeled Clous' action “deeply disturbing." “I am not a member of Proud Boys,” Hentschel said Wednesday. I’ve met Black Proud Boys, I’ve met multi-racial Puerto Rican Proud Boys and they inform me they also have gay Proud Boys.