FILE - In this Nov. 12, 2020, file photo, Mitchell Bryant, left, and Darla Scott eat inside at the Buena Vista Cafe during the coronavirus outbreak in San Francisco. San Francisco is poised to allow indoor dining, movie theaters and gyms with reduced capacity as the rate of coronavirus cases and deaths improve, allowing more of California's economy throughout the state to open back up for business. It's unclear which activities might open when. Mayor London Breed is scheduled to provide an update at the tourist-friendly Pier 39 in Fisherman's Wharf Tuesday, March 2, 2021. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)(Copyright 2020 The Associated Press.

Project DIAMOnD (Distributed, Independent, Agile, Manufacturing On-Demand) was created to address the need to move companies into digital manufacturing as quickly. Instead of giving grant money, the organization is giving grant equipment to up profits while also helping fight the global pandemic by building the United States' largest network of 3D printer users. An Industry 4.0 Assessment: outlining where their business stands today and what digital opportunities best fit their needs. Connections and introductions: to state-of-the art vendors and applied research that can help them along their path to Industry 4.0. A financial investment: will be granted to purchase Industry 4.0 and state-of-the art digital technologies.

More than 900,000 Michigan workers who are collecting unemployment benefits are expected to begin receiving a $300 weekly bump in payments this month. The Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has started processing payments for Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) for eligible Michiganders. Due to the large volume of payments to be processed, workers will begin receiving LWA payments over the next week to ten days. Also, all unemployed workers receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) have already completed this step. States were initially granted three weeks of LWA benefits and must apply for additional weeks.

Michigan submitted an application for federal funding that would provide an additional $300 per week to Michiganders receiving unemployment benefits. The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) submitted an application to the United States Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) for funding on Tuesday, according to a release. The program allows for existing Unemployment Trust Fund payments delivered by Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency to count as 25% matching funds required for participation. The additional benefits will be added automatically for all claimants who are eligible to receive at least $100 in weekly unemployment benefit payments. This includes claimants receiving any type of regular unemployment insurance benefits as well as those receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits.

Michigan has submitted an application for federal funding that would provide an additional $300 per week to Michiganders receiving unemployment benefits. UPDATE: FEMA approves Michigan for additional $300 in weekly unemployment paymentsThe additional $600 payments included in the first federal relief bill ended on July 31. The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) submitted an application to the United States Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) for funding on Tuesday, according to a release. The UIA estimates that under the program, about 910,000 Michiganders would receive at least $300 per week in supplemental benefits. The program allows for existing Unemployment Trust Fund payments delivered by Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency to count as 25% matching funds required for participation.

DETROIT – Michigan’s eviction moratorium officially expired, leaving hundreds or potentially thousands of of families at risk of being put out of their homes if they can’t afford to pay rent. In an effort to ease some of the strain, the city of Detroit was able to extend that moratorium for its residents. “If you’re working, you’ve got one set of options, but if you’re unemployed, the options change,” said Rodney Watts. Gretchen Whitmer’s statewide moratorium on evictions expired, the 36th District Court announced it would be extending that moratorium in the city of Detroit until Aug. 15. Duggan urged residents in need to visit the official Detroit Eviction Prevention Resources website.

The Eviction Diversion Program (EDP) is being administered by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) in collaboration with Michigan Supreme Court and Department of Health and Human Services. When the Michigan-wide moratorium on evictions is lifted on July 16, 2020, the Eviction Diversion Programs (EDP) will begin. Q2: How is the Eviction Diversion Program being funded? Q4: I am a landlord; how does the Eviction Diversion Program impact me? Tenants whose back rent is not completely covered by the Eviction Diversion Program will be entered into manageable payment plans.

EAST LANSING, Mich. Michigan State Universitys College of Education released a guide to help K-12 educators prepare for the upcoming school year amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. School districts were forced to shift to remote learning during the unprecedented school closures, which many werent prepared to do. Recommendations include the familiar social distancing guidelines in addition to limiting classroom sizes and constantly transitioning from remote to in-person learning. Click here to read MSUs Re-Opening Schools During the COVID-19 Pandemic report. KEEP READING: Reopening Michigan amid the COVID-19 pandemic

DETROIT Forgotten Harvest announced new pop-up food distribution sites for Detroit-area individuals and families to access free food and produce amid the coronavirus pandemic. May 27, 2020: Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 55,608; Death toll now at 5,334Interested individuals can visit the following sites between 9 a.m. and noon on Thursday and Friday:Thursday, May 28Friday, May 29Food will be placed directly into the trunks of patrons cars for a contact-free interaction. More COVID-19 Resources:

Michigan residents can receive free, confidential emotional support counseling over the phone amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Individuals can call the COVID-19 hotline (888-535-6136) to speak with a Michigan Stay Well counselor for free ("option 8). The counselors are not licensed professionals but have been trained on how to provide emotional support to residents of federally declared disaster areas, officials said. The above hotline is also available for general COVID-19 questions between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. MORE: Mental health resource guide for people impacted by COVID-19 pandemic

DETROIT – The pandemic is an unfortunate reminder that having a financial security plan is a good idea. Also, one in four have a rainy day fund, however they do not have enough money to cover three months of living expenses. “This outbreak is making us realize how important it is to have financial security,” said Andrea Woroch, a money saving expert. She recommends taking money you might be saving right now on child care or gas and set it aside in savings if you can. Other job websites Woroch recommends are Remote.co for finding remote job listings, and VarsityTutors.com for online tutors!

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday that two men from Rhode Island have been charged with fraudulently seeking SBA Paycheck Protection Loans amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Two businessmen -- David A. Staveley, aka Kurt D. Sanborn, 52, and David Butziger, 51 -- from Warwick, Rhode Island have been charged for conspiring to unlawfully obtain forgivable loans under the CARES Act for non-existent businesses. The charges follow after Staveley allegedly requested more than $438,500 in loans for dozens of employees at three restaurants in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, officials said. “Tens of millions of Americans have lost their jobs and have had their lives thrown into chaos because of the coronavirus pandemic. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Chief Lawrence Atkinson of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee H. Vilker for the District of Rhode Island.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan officials are warning of a potential increase in gambling activity -- especially among those with gambling addictions -- amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Officials believe that even as casinos are closed due to the pandemic, the lottery, online gaming and sports betting can still exacerbate unhealthy gambling behaviors during this crisis. “Despite social distancing-related closures, online and sports betting remain concerns, and we want community members to know there is help for anyone trying to manage urges to gamble.”The Michigan Problem Gambling Hotline is available to individuals that struggle with gambling addiction. If you or someone you love has gambled, or borrowed money to gamble, in order to solve financial difficulties or combat worry, trouble, boredom or loneliness, officials urge you to call 820-270-7117. Officials say an estimated 2 million U.S. adults struggle with a gambling problem each year, and about 4-6 million have mild to moderate gambling problems.

Gretchen Whitmer has announced a new program to offer tuition-free pathways to college for essential workers. The "Futures for Frontliners” program aims to provide a tuition-free pathway to college or a technical certificate to essential workers who don’t have a college degree. Whitmer holds coronavirus news briefing“The Futures for Frontliners program is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to those who have risked their lives on the front lines of this crisis. This program will ensure tuition-free college opportunities and give these dedicated Michiganders an opportunity to earn a technical certificate, associate degree or even a bachelor’s degree,” Governor Whitmer said. “I want to assure all of our workers we will never forget those of you who stepped up and sacrificed their own health during this crisis.

DETROIT – Dearborn, in partnership with community organizations, is launching a small business relief grant program for businesses struggling during the coronavirus pandemic. The Dearborn Small Business Relief Grant application opens on Monday, April 27, with a May 1 deadline, for grants up to $5,000 providing small businesses with 17 employees or less and sole proprietors located in Dearborn working capital during the COVD-19 crisis. Business owners who previously have been awarded a Michigan Small Business Relief Grant or the Wayne County/TCF Small Business Relief Loan Fund are not eligible to apply. Through a partnership initiated by NEI, the Dearborn Small Business Grant is being led and administered by ACCESS, the City of Dearborn, East and West Dearborn Downtown Development Authorities, and Warren and Dix/Vernor Business District Improvement Authorities. “This crisis has been a gut punch for every business owner out there,” said Cristina Sheppard-Decius, executive director of the East and West Dearborn DDAs.

Participating financial institutions are listed on the MiMortgage Relief Partnership Financial Institutions page. Participating financial institutions are listed on the MiMortgage Relief Partnership Financial Institutions page. “Through the MiMortgage Relief Partnership, financial institutions will continue to help customers find the solutions that best fit their needs, and to focus relief efforts on those most impacted by the crisis. Borrowers with these loans may wish to visit the CFPB guide to coronavirus mortgage relief options. For more information on COVID-19 related mortgage relief, see: www.michigan.gov/MiMortgageRelief or call DIFS toll-free at 877-999-6442.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Unemployment Agency (UIA) announced Thursday that it has supplied $1.37 billion in benefits to 820,000 unemployed workers in the state amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. According to the agency, most workers who have not yet received their unemployment benefits will receive payments after certifying their claim two weeks after filing. Officials say 1,178,021 Michigan residents have filed for unemployment since March 15, with 134,119 of those claims filed just last week. Whitmer extends unemployment eligibility, cost-sharingTo assist Michigan residents who are financially impacted by the pandemic, the state has opened the unemployment application to self-employed and independent contractors. Michigan residents are encouraged to apply for unemployment benefits online here.

LANSING, Mich. – The office of Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel is sharing informative videos regarding consumer protection amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. MORE: Coronavirus in Michigan: Here’s where we stand todayThe office initially planned to host the informative “AG Scam Jam” events in person, but has since moved online due to the pandemic. “While we unfortunately cannot host events in person at this time, consumer protection information and education is still a priority to this office,” Nessel said. The department is published a second video on Tuesday to discuss COVID-19 scams, internet surfing and consumer protection resources. The announcement of the video series follows multiple reports of scams related to COVID-19 throughout Michigan.

DETROIT – Michigan offers several programs to help residents in times of hardship. With more than one million out of work in the state due to coronavirus, these resources are as important as ever. MIBridges, the state’s benefit program site, can help you navigate through available programs and through the application process. Available programs include:Food Assistance Program (FAP) (Provides benefits to buy or grow food) Related: Michigan expands food assistance benefits, suspends SNAP work requirements amid coronavirusHealthcare Coverage (Helps pay for medical costs)Child Development & Care (CDC) (Helps pay for childcare costs)Cash Assistance (Provides cash to help meet basic needs)State Emergency Relief (Provides help or assistance for emergency housing, utility, and burial situations)Go to MIBridge to learn more and apply for programs. Related: Q&A: Michigan unemployment agency answers questions about issues applying for benefits

Mental health professionals in Michigan are coming together to provide support and resources to frontline workers amid the escalating coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

DETROIT – The Michigan Department of Human Services announced Wednesday that income from federal stimulus payments will not affect eligibility for public assistance benefits such as food assistance. Stimulus checks also will not reduce the amount of public assistance benefits that anyone receives. We don’t want them to worry about losing other benefits as a result of the stimulus payments.”Stimulus payments will not affect any of the following public assistance benefits:Food Assistance Program benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Cash assistance under the Family Independence Program or Refugee Cash Assistance program. Click here to visit the 2020 Coronavirus Stimulus Payment website.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan announced a new website to help Michigan residents receive their federal stimulus checks. NEW: IRS launches ‘Get My Payment’ website to help with stimulus paymentsDesigned in partnership with Detroit nonprofit Civilla, the 2020 Coronavirus Stimulus Payment website takes people through a step-by-step process to ensure they’ve provided the IRS with information necessary to receive the funds. While most people will receive their stimulus checks directly to their bank account or delivered through Social Security, Poverty Solutions at U-M is concerned about vulnerable residents that don’t file taxes, have bank accounts or a stable address. “It is critical that Michigan residents know how to access the payments they’re eligible for," said Lena Selzer, design director at Civilla. “We want people to turn to this website as a reliable source of information on the COVID-19 stimulus payments.”Click here to visit the 2020 Coronavirus Stimulus Payment website.

WASHINGTON – Michigan is the first state approved to operate the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program amid the rapidly evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Thursday. The Pandemic EBT program will provide assistance to families with children that are eligible for free or reduced-price meals amid the state’s school closures, officials said. The program is meant to offset the cost of meals that would have otherwise been consumed at school. The USDA reports that nearly 750,000 children in Michigan were eligible for free- and reduced-priced lunch for the 2019-2020 school year. The USDA says the new program was authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Act (FFCRA) that was signed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

DETROIT – If you’ve lost healthcare coverage due to the coronavirus pandemic in Michigan, there are options to find new coverage. Michiganders impacted may have low or no-cost healthcare options available through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). “Michiganders who lose employer-based health insurance may have options to continue or replace their coverage,” said DIFS Director Anita G. Fox. Depending on income and their situation, consumers may qualify for cost sharing reductions, premium tax credits, coverage for their children (CHIP), or Medicaid. Consumers should contact DIFS toll free at 877-999-6442 if they need assistance.Act now and applyEnrollment help is available

The Macomb County Meals on Wheels program will provide curbside service for senior residents amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Related: Coronavirus in Michigan: Here’s where we stand todayMacomb Community Action announced the program on Tuesday. Seniors can drive up to the following locations between 10 a.m. and noon to receive a limited number of meals per day:Individuals receiving food must present an ID proving they reside and Macomb County and are at least 60-years-old, officials said. For more information, call the Office of Senior Services at 586-469-5228 or email mcaseniors@macombgov.org.

LANSING, Mich. – A record 129,000 Michiganders filed claims for unemployment benefits last week amid fallout from jobs lost due to the virus outbreak. The number of applications shattered the previous high of 77,000 in January 2009, during the Great Recession, which hit the state especially hard. With layoffs mounting, a major expansion of unemployment benefits was included in an economic relief bill nearing final approval in Congress. Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency, citing a tremendous number of calls, said this week that people were getting a busy signal and its website was slowing down at times. Nearly 3.3 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, almost five times the previous record set in 1982.

DETROIT – If you have asthma, you are likely at a higher risk of becoming “very sick” from COVID-19, according to the CDC. Here are the guidelines from the CDC for those with Asthma:Risk of Getting COVID-19People with asthma may be at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. COVID-19 can affect your respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs), cause an asthma attack, and possibly lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory disease. TreatmentThere is currently no specific treatment for or vaccine to prevent COVID-19. During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.

DETROIT – Michigan residents who are unemployed due to COVID-19 are eligible for collections assistance. Effective immediately, individuals who have been laid off or had their place of employment closed due to COVID-19 should reach out to see what options are available. To receive assistance, individuals are encouraged to contact Treasury’s Collections Service Center at 517-636-5265. How to file for unemployment in Michigan as coronavirus creates enormous demand“Our first and foremost priority is the health and safety of Michiganders,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “If you are currently unemployed or are facing other hardships due to the COVID-19 emergency and are paying on a state tax debt, please contact us so we can work with you during this difficult situation.”To learn more about Michigan’s taxes and the collections process, go to www.michigan.gov/taxes or follow the state Treasury Department on Twitter at @MITreasury.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Michigan, Gov. Whitmer signed an executive order to expand eligibility for unemployment benefits. Access to unemployment benefits will also be extended:Benefits will be increased from 20 to 26 weeks. If you need to apply for unemployment in Michigan, you can visit the state government’s website to file a claim by clicking here. For more information on the application process click here for a fact sheet on applying for unemployment benefits in Michigan.