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On Wednesday morning, the Washtenaw County Health Department reported thirty-seven new confirmed cases of Covid-10, no hospitalizations, and no deaths in the past twenty-four hours. As cases continue to rise, Michigan Medicine barred visitors from its adult emergency room.
The high percentage of breakthrough cases continues, with four out of eleven people hospitalized for Covid in August having been fully vaccinated. The trend is state-wide, where roughly a quarter of the 8,100 recent cases are among the fully vaccinated. These figures come amidst a growing debate about mask mandates in public schools. MLive (subscriber exclusive)
Locally, “Most of the current vaccinated/hospitalized cases are immunocompromised or older with severe underlying conditions,” emails WCHD spokesperson Susan Ringler-Cerniglia, adding that while vaccines are still effective for this population they offer less protection against the Delta variant.
A suspect was arraigned for a string of sexual assaults in July. Thirty-five year-old Pierre Antonio-Deshant Holloway is being held without bail at the Washtenaw County Jail. Anyone with additional information about the assaults is asked to contact Ann Arbor Police Det. John Gilbee at 734-796-6930, extension 49309, or the anonymous tip line 734-794-6939. Michigan Daily
Mural sought for Ann Arbor’s water treatment plant. The mural will be placed inside a main starwell used by visitors, and must feature educational concepts tied to drinking water or the history of the century-old plant. Applications for the $17,000 commission will be accepted until October 31, with the winner chosen in May, 2022. MLive
Ann Arbor chief of police Michael Cox is in the running to be Detroit’s chief of police after James Craig retired to run for governor on the Republican ticket. Cox, who came to Ann Arbor from the Boston Police Department shortly before the pandemic, says he did not seek out the position. MLive
After a dip last year, the county has already surpassed 2019’s homicide count. Law-enforcement leaders point to more guns, more drinking, and pandemic jitters. The Observer’s James Leonard has our story.
Washtenaw County grew eight percent from 2010-2020, but because Michigan only grew two percent, it will lose a congressional seat. The newly released census data also ignites Michigan’s redistricting process, which for the first time will be decided by an independent bipartisan commission.
Ann Arbor becomes the first Midwestern city to ban the sale of fur. The ordinance includes a one-year phase out and exemptions for used fur, fur worn by tribal communities, bovine pelts, and taxidermied animals. Supporters cited human health as well as animal welfare reasons for the ban: in October, 2020, mink on a Michigan fur farm became infected with the virus that causes Covid-19, and a Michigan taxidermist became infected with Covid-19 by a mink earlier this year.
Ann Arbor voted to create a downtown “social district,” where bar and restaurant patrons may move freely on city sidewalks while consuming alcoholic beverages. Pending the development of a city park, the “Library Lot” can be used by food trucks and pop-up vendors.
The Ride will restore full-service on August 29, with some changes. Adjustments to routes and services were made based on feedback during a public engagement process held in March and June. Face masks are still required on all city transportation. TheRide.org
Governor Whitmer announces $2.5 million to help businesses attract talent. Employer-led collaboratives in agriculture, construction, energy, healthcare, hospitality, information technology, manufacturing, mobility, and the trades can apply for up to $250,000 to entice talented employees with training programs and benefits like childcare. Proposals are accepted until September 21, 2021, with awards announced on November 17, 2021. Michigan.gov/MICA
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