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Nightside Report Feb. 3, 2021: Extending Michigan’s school year? It could happen, teacher representatives say; Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine appears to reduce coronavirus spread

Here are tonight’s top stories

Michigan school districts try to combat 'COVID Slide' amid talk of extended school year

Extending Michigan’s school year? It could happen, teacher representatives say

DETROIT – The battle to provide education for all during the COVID-19 pandemic continues to become more and more complicated.

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State superintendent Dr. Michael Rice called on the state Legislature to extend the school year Tuesday for students to make up for the lost time.

The idea comes with several challenges, including getting teachers on board.

“This school year, in and of itself, can’t even last five minutes longer,” said Paula Herbart, the president of the Michigan Education Association. “We need a break. Educators need a break. Students need a break.”

Click here to read more.

The latest: Michigan coronavirus cases up to 563,893; Death toll now at 14,704

Metro Detroit weather: Winter kicks into high gear next few days

Our nearly cloud-free days are slipping away, as are respectable temperatures. Winter goes into high gear in the next few days.

Click here to read the full forecast.

4 Fast Facts

  • Ice jams along the St. Clair River caused significant flooding in Algonac to Port Huron Tuesday and Wednesday. Click here to read more.
  • Temujin Kensu, formally known as Fred Freeman, was recently denied clemency by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer -- a decision that forensic students in Ohio are questioning. Click here to read more.
  • Rob Foster worked tirelessly for months as a medical resident on the frontlines at Ascension Hospital. Click here to read more.
  • A 12-year-old girl was killed in a two-vehicle crash in Taylor, according to officials. Click here to read more.

Be Informed

Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine appears to reduce coronavirus spread

Results from the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine trial show that the vaccine may actually help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in addition to effectively preventing infection.

Recent findings from the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID vaccine trial imply that the vaccine might be effective at reducing coronavirus transmission. However, these results have not yet been peer reviewed -- meaning scientists outside of the trials have not had the opportunity to review the full dataset, which is considered an essential step for scientific integrity.

Click here to read more.

Michigan family hopeful Pres. Biden can help free Paul Whelan from Russian prison

The family of a Michigan man convicted of espionage in Russia met with officials with President Joe Biden’s administration.

The family said they’re optimistic about Paul Whelan’s release.

Whelan is looking at spending the next 14 years in a Russian prison, but his family is holding out hope that the new administration can get him home.

Click here to read more.


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Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021 --


Questions about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge



About the Author
DeJanay Booth headshot

DeJanay Booth joined WDIV as a web producer in July 2020. She previously worked as a news reporter in New Mexico before moving back to Michigan.

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