omicron variant

COVID-19 case numbers are rising again, but experts say that due to the prevalence of rapid home tests there are likely many more cases than reported. One indicator is the statewide test positivity rate, which is now averaging above 16%.

As nice as it’s been having a break from COVID, the virus is not gone. So, where does that leave us? On today's episode, we hear from an epidemiologist about adapting to a virus that’s here to stay.

Governor Whitmer opposes a $2.5 billion tax cut package passed by state legislature. Also, decision-making in a post-omicron surge Michigan. And another episode of Interlochen Public Radio's [Un]Natural Selection series.

A look into the data behind Michigan's recent COVID drop and the intersection of science and politics. An update on Enbridge and the Line 5 pipeline beneath the Straits of Mackinac. A celebration of actor Nicolas Cage in Detroit. Interlochen Public Radio's Dan Wanschura talks the unintended consequences of human intervention in nature.

After months of hospital overcrowding and wide community spread of the omicron variant, public health indicators are showing some turnaround. And one by one, Michigan's county health departments in populous areas have dropped mask mandates for schools. Could omicron finally be letting up?

Ingham County health officer Linda Vail joined Stateside to discuss how the rescinded mask mandate in schools reflects a return to normalcy for the department.

Things look better this week in Michigan's long march against COVID... but it ain't over.

Michigan hospitals saw record numbers of COVID patients in December. Now, the numbers are up again, and more staff are getting sick.

A Beaumont pulmonologist provides an inside look at how hospitals are coping with a surge in cases. Then, how two Michigan photographers captured the grandmas of America. And, why climate change solutions must include Indigenous voices.

Today, on Stateside, could the spread of omicron move the needle on vaccination? And the Great Lakes region is under thin ice. Also, former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield stands accused of sexual assault by his sister-in-law.