U-M officials are urging community members to stay vigilant as the BA.2 variant spreads on campus.

Michigan health officials have updated the state’s quarantine and isolation guidelines as COVID cases continue to drop following the omicron surge.

The busiest international crossing in North America is deserted.

The new guidance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says that you should isolate for five days if you test positive for COVID. Then, if you don’t have symptoms, you can return to school as long as you are wearing a well-fitted mask for six to 10 days.

Michigan health officials updated their K-12 school quarantine and isolation guidance to reflect updates made by the CDC.

The CDC is still struggling to clarify its change in the recommended isolation period for people who test positive for COVID but are asymptomatic.

Michigan’s health agency says it’s updating guidance for COVID-19 quarantine to match new CDC recommendations.

The Washtenaw County Health Department is urging residents to get vaccinated, avoid large gatherings and isolate from others if sick.

The CDC has issued new guidance on how long you need to quarantine after a positive COVID-19 test or contact with someone who tests positive.

The Klemmer family debuts a new Christmas rap ahead of the holiday season.

Michigan’s health department issued updated quarantine guidelines for schools to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 as cases rise, especially among young residents.

COVID cases among students and staff on U-M's Ann Arbor campus remain low and stable, reported school officials.

Ann Arbor Public Schools has reported an increase in COVID cases since the start of the 2021-2022 school year.

University of Michigan continues to report a decrease in COVID cases among students.

On Thursday, the Washtenaw County Health Department released a statement about the legality of its emergency orders for educational settings.

The tenor of the meeting abruptly changed when a parent, whose child had just been exposed to COVID at school, came to the podium.

COVID cases have decreased over the past week on U-M's Ann Arbor campus, officials say.

U-M officials report

As Michigan students return to the classroom, MDHHS has updated its COVID-19 quarantine guidance for both vaccinated and unvaccinated students

COVID cases continue to rise after students returned to U-M's Ann Arbor campus.

As Michigan students return to the classroom, MDHHS has updated its COVID-19 quarantine guidance for both vaccinated and unvaccinated students

"We feel it necessary to take this precaution instead of shutting down the building," said superintendent Chuck Hughes.

"The Board’s decision to recommend masks for our students and staff was based solely on the CDC’s return-to-school guidelines, which is not a health mandate."

A Hartland elementary school has issued a mask mandate after several students have reportedly tested positive for COVID-19.

The Washtenaw County Health Department issues quarantine order for K-12 schools.

U-M's President Mark Schlissel said individuals walking outdoors on campus can go mask-free.

University of Michigan asks students to test for COVID-19 before going home for holidaysANN ARBOR – Officials at the University of Michigan have announced a significant decrease in cases of COVID-19 on campus. In the school’s bi-weekly COVID update, officials reported on Tuesday that school-related cases now represent 27% of the total cases in Washtenaw County. Just two weeks ago, U-M cases -- the majority of which were linked to students -- accounted for 62% of the total cases in the county. AdSoon after, the school implemented mandatory weekly testing for graduate and professional students after outbreaks emerged in circles of older students and in off campus houses. Undergraduates on campus have been tested regularly for the virus since the start of the semester.

If, during this time, you’ve been taking a good hard look at your home, perhaps you’ve been thinking you could use a change to make it a little cozier. Tiffany Moore, with 50 Floor, explained how just one change with new flooring can give your home a fresh new style and feel. For instance, replacing old carpeting with hardwood, vinyl, tile or laminate can give a room a sleek new look. Or if you want something warm and cozy, replace your old tile with new carpet. Did you know you can shop at home and see how your selection looks with the rest of the furniture?

ANN ARBOR – Cases of COVID-19 have increased at the University of Michigan, now making up for 34% of total cases in Washtenaw County, university officials reported on Tuesday. The recommendation was urged by the Washtenaw County Health Department as several new cases of the new, highly contagious B117 COVID-19 variant were reported on campus. AdRead: University of Michigan students asked to stay home to curb virus spreadThe number of residences placed under quarantine has doubled since Saturday due to new positive cases and potential exposures. Read: University of Michigan identifies virus outbreaks at off-campus housesAccording to U-M’s COVID Dashboard, the university has reported 438 positive cases in the past 14 days, and 36,065 tests had been administered in the same time period. According to preliminary data, the positivity rate jumped the week starting Jan. 31 to 14.3%, compared to 1.3% the week prior.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – All athletic programs at the University of Michigan will be put on a 14-day pause starting Sunday, a school official confirmed Saturday night. Read: New COVID strain prompts 2-week pause of Michigan Athletics activitiesThe decision was made by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Team members -- student athletes, coaches and team staff -- are asked to immediately isolate or quarantine until further notice. MDHHS sent University of Michigan officials a memo explaining our recommendations, but has not issued any orders for the university to take any actions. Due to possible exposure to the virus in the community, MDHHS has also recommended increased testing in Washtenaw County to the Washtenaw County Health Department.

To help beat the winter blues, families are encouraged to venture outdoors to play, spend time together and get some fresh air. “In Gaffield Children’s Garden, we provide rich, open-ended nature play experiences. We encourage families to participate and replicate what we do here, in their own homes, apartments, and parks.”One such activity is constructing a winter obstacle course. They posted this obstacle course over the weekend:Anything can be used to construct the obstacle course -- snow balls, sticks, stumps and rope, to name a few items. Make sure you associate a mission with the course: “Let’s hop over three snowballs, circle the stump two times and sprint to the tree.”To see the full guide on creating a fun winter obstacle course, click here.

ANN ARBOR – Kevin Leeser has been active in organizing donations of PPE since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, and now that includes cleaning supplies. Leeser, who launched Operation Face Shield Ann Arbor, recently donated 500 face shields to the Lakota people in South Dakota who have experienced high case numbers. After they asked for cleaning supplies for their quarantined members, Leeser decided to rally the local community to donate supplies, which he is delivering himself this week. Read: Ann Arbor’s Operation Face Shield surpasses 50K donationsFor those who wish to donate funds, tax deductible donations can still be made to “Operation Face Shield” via CashApp. Local businesses Jerusalem Garden and Stadium Hardware donated supplies over the weekend.

Previously, if you were exposed to a person infected with SARS-CoV-2, the recommendation was that you quarantine for 14 days. That’s based on good evidence that most people will have developed symptoms by day 14 and, even if they don’t have symptoms, the risk of being infectious past day 14 is also low. It’s not that 14 days is bad, it’s just that’s how does society wants to balance it.”And balance is the important point. Based on what we know, the CDC didn’t say that 14 days is wrong and they are still recommending it when possible. Related: Will Michiganders be willing to get COVID-19 vaccine?

Amazon Prime Days are here, and as the author of this story, I have to tell you: I did a LOT more online purchasing than I planned on, just while sitting around my house in quarantine last year.

Cooking up a giant turkey packed with stuffing might not be as realistic for some, especially if you live alone or with a roommate or two.

ANN ARBOR – University of Michigan alumnus and current employee, Adam Mael, has been a fan of LEGO since he can remember. A couple hours later the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan reached out and asked if they could share the pictures on their social media pages. Mael estimates that 30,000-32,000 pieces of LEGO make up the model, which measures roughly 3.5 by 3.5 feet. He estimates he has up to 200,000 LEGO pieces in his collection. He said if the times were different, he would be showing it at the Ann Arbor District Library’s Annual LEGO Contest.

ANN ARBOR – Due to an exponential growth in COVID-19 cases in the area, the Washtenaw County Health Department announced Thursday that it is now experiencing delays in contact tracing calls and emails. “Don’t wait for a call from the Health Department," Jimena Loveluck, health officer for Washtenaw County Health Department, said in a statement. All other residents who receive a positive test should follow established guidance and will be contacted as capacity allows. A person is considered contagious 2 days before their symptoms start or before their positive test if they do not have symptoms. The next pop-up testing opportunities are scheduled for Sat, Nov 14 at the Ypsilanti District Library at 5577 Whittaker Road and Sat, Nov 21 at Washtenaw County Health Department at 555 Towner Street.

ANN ARBOR – Quarantine and isolation housing occupancy at the University of Michigan stood at 52.2% on Monday, according to the school’s COVID-19 data dashboard. Mary Markley residence hall is currently housing the most students with positive COVID-19 cases. U-M and the Washtenaw County Health Department on Saturday released an order requiring all residents in Markley to practice enhanced social distancing and to stop attending in-person classes for 14 days. Here’s how the numbers break down, according to residence hall:Mary Markley: 99South Quadrangle: 47West Quadrangle: 37East Quadrangle: 17Mosher Jordan Hall: 17Oxford Housing: 13Alice Lloyd Hall: 7Bursley Hall: 7Couzens Hall: 5As of Monday afternoon, the university has not posted data for Oct. 19 as coronavirus cases rise across the state. To see U-M’s COVID-19 data dashboard, visit www.campusblueprint.umich.edu/dashboard.

Early Friday morning, President Donald Trump said he and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for COVID-19. Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. Hope Hicks, who has been working so hard without even taking a small break, has just tested positive for Covid 19. She is the closest White House official to Trump to test positive for the virus so far. Her positive test was first reported by Bloomberg News on Thursday evening.

Despite the fact that the entire world has been living through a pandemic, there has been a lot of good happening, and we have managed to find quite a bit of it. There are so many people doing good things, but we’ll start by sharing these 11 stories with you. It was some time before the two were reunited, but when they did, “they were laughing like teenagers.”Want to read more? Community raises $300K for injured, retired Army veteran’s new smart home: ‘Pam will never be alone’U.S. Army Sgt. “And I didn’t want to put anyone in danger.”Then, Knowles found out about some special face coverings for the deaf.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Should your pet have their own sitcom? Show the world by submitting their antics to the Michigan Theater Foundation’s first A2 Quarantine Creature Feature. Whether your creature is furry, feathered, scaly, large or small, submit a video for a chance to be included in the newest MTF Original. Videos can be submitted until Friday, Oct. 23. Here’s how it works:

LANSING, Mich. – Steps are being taken to protect Michigan’s pine trees from the mountain pine beetle. The mountain pine beetle is a destructive forest pest in North America. READ: More invasive species coverageWhat is a mountain pine beetle? Mountain pine beetles is an insect native to the forests of western North America and is also known as the Black Hills beetle or the Rocky Mountain pine beetle. Michigan’s pine resources are at risk of attack by MPB, including white pine, jack pine, red pine, Austrian pine, and Scots pine.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The University of Michigan has confirmed a “cluster” of COVID-19 positive cases in the South Quad residence hall on its downtown Ann Arbor campus. On Thursday, the university announced that the sixth and eighth floors of the residence hall have the most cases and are “the area of focus” through a community notice. The cluster was identified by U-M Environment, Health & Safety and the Washtenaw County Health Department. There have been 65 positive cases across the U-M campus in the past two weeks, according to its COVID-19 dashboard. Anyone that has symptoms or a high risk or known exposure, should contact University Health Service (UHS) at 734-764-8320 or complete the online assessment immediately.

EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Ingham County Health Department has ordered residents of 39 large houses in East Lansing to self-quarantine amid an ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak among the Michigan State University community. “The current situation deeply concerns me for the MSU and East Lansing communities,” Vail said. We are truly in a crisis situation, especially in East Lansing. We must do all we can to contain the outbreak.”Of the total 39 large houses currently placed under mandatory quarantine in East Lansing, 25 are fraternity and sorority houses and 14 are large rental houses. The university announced 124 new COVID-19 cases among MSU students during the week of Aug. 31 through Sept. 8.

EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Ingham County Health Department is taking action after seeing a spike in cases since Michigan State University students headed back to East Lansing. Action involved placing students living in 23 fraternity and sorority houses and seven rental homes under a mandatory quarantine. The Ingham County Health Department made the decision to quarantine the entire buildings after a spike in positive cases in East Lansing this month. The majority of all new cases are MSU students. This mandatory quarantine for specific off-campus houses is another helpful tool to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

MSU students react to mandatory quaratine at 30 large houses in East LansingIf you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

Mandatory quarantine issued at 30 houses in East LansingIf you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Here is a list of the 30 fraternities, sororities and rental properties in East Lansing that are now under a mandatory quarantine for two weeks due to known cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19). AvenueQuarantine detailsThe two-week quarantine was issued for anyone living in the 30 properties above. I am disheartened to add that this outbreak is being fueled in part by a lack of cooperation and compliance from some MSU students, many residing in the properties now under mandatory quarantine. Police officers can arrest someone if they witness a violation or have reasonable cause to believe a violation has occurred. More than half of all new cases countywide reside in the city of East Lansing, and the majority of all new cases are MSU students, according to health experts.

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Health officials have ordered a mandatory two-week quarantine for people living in 30 large houses -- including 23 fraternities and sororities -- linked to coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks in East Lansing. Violating the quarantine can result in jail time and/or fines, officials said. Officials with the Ingham County Health Department identified 23 fraternities and sororities and seven other large rental houses as having links to COVID-19. I am disheartened to add that this outbreak is being fueled in part by a lack of cooperation and compliance from some MSU students, many residing in the properties now under mandatory quarantine. More than half of all new cases countywide reside in the city of East Lansing, and the majority of all new cases are MSU students, according to health experts.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A student’s social media video went viral this weekend criticizing the University of Michigan’s “quarantine housing” designated for students who test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). The viral video comes as U-M graduate student instructors are on strike, protesting the university’s return to in-person learning amid the pandemic. According to the University of Michigan’s digital COVID-19 tracker, 74 cases were reported since students returned to campus on Aug. 24. “Students are not required to use the university’s quarantine housing and some prefer to return to their permanent residences for quarantine,” said U-M Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs Rick Fitzgerald. “If students need transportation to quarantine housing, the university provides transportation through our Division of Public Safety & Security.

Sure, some things have returned to a state of “normal,” or at least, as normal as can be expected. As the author of this story, and someone who writes/edits from home full-time while juggling toddlers and a recent out-of-state move, I usually just tell people I’m fine, when they ask. Tell us what you’re feeling. Loading…One final thing: It might feel good to fill out our form and vent a little bit (please -- I hope you do! ), but if you’re struggling or dealing with anything related to your mental health, or you’re feeling more than just “not OK,” please reach out to a trusted friend, family member or therapist.

Meanwhile, the largest district in the state that’s currently offering face-to-face instruction has now quarantined more than 1,150 students because of possible coronavirus exposure. According to numbers released Wednesday, around 70 students and staff members in the Cherokee County district have tested positive for COVID-19. Washington stateSeattle schools to start with remote teachingThe Seattle school board has voted unanimously to begin the academic year with remote teaching only. The Seattle Times reported the state’s largest school district approved the plan Wednesday. The remote learning plan passed with a wide-ranging amendment from school board members that directs the superintendent to explore creating outdoor classes.

At this point in 2020, you’re probably thinking that you’ve watched every movie, TV show and documentary on Netflix. (And with several streaming services -- Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, to name a few -- there was SO much to see). ‘The Last Dance’This ESPN documentary series about Michael Jordan’s time with the Chicago Bulls captivated America when it premiered at the beginning of the pandemic. In case you missed it, didn’t have access (or now you just want to relive all the magic again) you can finally watch it on Netflix. ‘The Umbrella Academy’The second season of “The Umbrella Academy” dropped on Netflix last month, and fans of the show can’t get enough.

Vanessa Cohen is a mother of five boys, ages 7 to 16, and says the quarantine has been tough but they are making it through. She has been encouraging her kids to go outside whenever it is nice so that she and her husband can work inside. Times have been tough for both parents and kids, Kerry pointed out, and kids still need time to play and have a community, and changing things up is important. In order to make life run smoothly at her home, she has given the kids more responsibilities and independence. Her kids have learned a bunch of home economics chores from how to do laundry properly to learning how to budget.

Both of the rappers are billed on this song, but after a listen, it seems like Eminem is the one being featured on a Kid Cudi song. Eminem, at one point, goes off about people not wearing masks in public:“Half of us walking around like a zombie apocalypse. Other half are just p----- off, and don’t wanna wear a mask and they’re just scoffing. 1 rapper advocating for public health in the middle of a pandemic. We didn’t expect to see Eminem becoming a public health advocate on our 2020 bingo card, but we are here for it.

The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. This article is sponsored by Beaumont Health. Many people are neglecting to visit the emergency department for fears of COVID. Dr. Ditkoff wants you to know that you should not hesitate to visit the emergency department if you have a serious medical condition. If you do not have any COVID symptoms, based on your screening, you will be moved to a separate area than people with COVID symptoms.

ANN ARBOR According to researchers at the University of Michigan, COVID-19 stay-at-home orders have impacted much more than our social lives - they have impacted our sleep patterns as well. The research team developed the free Social Rhythms iOS app to help users understand their own sleep rhythms and give tips on how to maximize sleep during extended periods of quarantine. Scientists are hoping that data generated by the app could shed light on lockdowns and circadian rhythms -- our internal clocks that regulate everything from sleep and wake time to eating and digestion. In short, many of us may be experiencing circadian disruption which could lead to fatigue, mood changes, changes in sleep patterns and decreased immune function, Forger added. What also is very unhealthy is some people are going to bed at 2 a.m. one day and then 8 p.m. the next day and midnight the next day, Forger said in a statement.

This is the ultimate comfort food, right? Comfort foods are all about the casseroles (if you haven’t noticed, this is the third casserole on this list), and there is nothing better than this classic tuna noodle casserole. Subs are unequivocally considered comfort food, and the granddaddy of them all has to be a meatball sub. We haven’t had any breakfast foods featured yet, but there is no denying that breakfast is comfort food. Will you be making any of these comfort foods while enjoying the rest of 2020?

Priya MannONE THING I LEARNED DURING QUARANTINE:I am learning how to run. Quarantine learning - Priya Mann (WDIV)IT ALL STARTED WHEN:the stay home order went into effect, and gyms were closed. Quarantine learning - Jason Carr (WDIV)IT ALL STARTED WHEN:It all started when I went looking for one specific TV remote that I could not find. Mara MacDonaldONE THING I LEARNED DURING QUARANTINE:I learned how to do gel manicures and Ive been keeping my moms nail and mine looking salon perfect. Quarantine learning - Mara MacDonald (WDIV)IT ALL STARTED WHEN:I knew we were going into lockdown and I didnt want her hands (and mine) to look awful.

Quarantine learning - Hank Winchester (WDIV)IT ALL STARTED WHEN:This all started when my gym closed. Kim DeGiulioONE THING I LEARNED DURING QUARANTINE:I absolutely love to paint and its a stress reliever for me. Quarantine learning - Kim DeGuilio (WDIV)IT ALL STARTED WHEN:Everything started to shut down. Ive learned that Im not only pretty good at painting, but Ive also learned that doing it calms me down. Quarantine learning - Shawn Ley (WDIV)IT ALL STARTED WHEN:On day one when schools closed, stay at home orders were in place.

Devin ScillianONE THING I LEARNED DURING QUARANTINE:How to make a Dutch Baby pancakeQuarantine learning - Devin Scillian (WDIV)IT ALL STARTED WHEN:We hit the first weekend with two of our kids home with us, unsure of how long this odyssey would last. Heres the recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/6648-dutch-babyKimberly GillONE THING I LEARNED DURING QUARANTINE:One thing I learned during the stay home stay safe order is why my grandmother had a deep freezer. Quarantine learning - Kimberly Gill (WDIV)IT ALL STARTED WHEN:It all started when we went to Costco to stock up for 2-3 weeks and realized when we got home that there wasnt enough room to store everything in our small freezer. We went the same day to purchase a deep freezer and they were sold out all over town. SO THE LESSON HERE IS:Be like grandma and buy a deep freezer, even if its a little one.

Quarantine learning - Karen Drew (WDIV)IT ALL STARTED WHEN:It all started when my hubby asked me to cut his hair during this quarantine. Several years ago, a huge water stain appeared on our hardwood floors beneath the Christmas tree skirt. A horrible water stain. Quarantine learning - Paula Tutman, pt.2 (WDIV)Quarantine learning - Paula Tutman, pt.3 (WDIV)SO THE LESSON HERE IS:Why not? Quarantine learning - Jamie Edmonds (WDIV)IT ALL STARTED WHEN:I had three very ripe bananas and I remembered Abby had recently posted on social media the banana bread she made.

Rhonda WalkerONE THING I LEARNED DURING QUARANTINE:That I wont die of boredom if Im not burning the candles at both ends taking on so many commitments and responsibilities. Quarantine learning - Rhonda Walker (WDIV)IT ALL STARTED WHEN:We were all ordered to stay home, abruptly cancelling dozens of meetings, events and commitments I had on my daily calendar. He was quickly wide awake and as we turned on the car, we heard daddys newest song on the radio. Quarantine learning - Ben Bailey (WDIV)IT ALL STARTED WHEN:I was still running around my parents' house in footie pajamas. I learned BASIC back then, made a run at C# awhile back, and now digging into some Python and SQL.

Meet your newest obsession: Jelle’s Marble Runs. The idea for the Marble League was simple enough: What if marbles competed in a series of events? A man in the Netherlands made it happen, and now, his Marble League is getting so much attention that it deservedly got a shoutout from “Last Week Tonight” host John Oliver. For all new fans, here are all the teams competing in Marble League 2020 and Marble League Showdown! But like most of us, Jelle’s Marble Runs has been facing some economic problems since the pandemic started.

Well, in this case, party like it’s 1985, but regardless, you’ll be dancing to some classic Prince hits, thanks to his official YouTube channel. A live concert of Prince and his legendary band, The Revolution -- in Syracuse, New York in 1985 toward the end of their “Purple Rain” tour -- will be available to stream on YouTube all weekend beginning Friday, May 14 and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 17. Viewers can donate money while watching the stream, and Google will match it. The concert was originally released as a VHS back in the day, so Prince fans who have been there from the very beginning might have seen this show. It should be a treat for newer Prince fans who never got to see the man himself in action, especially at the height of his career, when “Purple Rain” was first released.

We’ve showed you how to master the at-home haircut during quarantine, but cutting hair on people who are blonde -- well, it’s a whole other rodeo. A lot of mistakes can be hidden with people who have dark hair because, well, their hair is dark. It may be noticeable to them, but the average person walking down the street probably isn’t going to notice a chunk of hair not blended in. But for people with blonde hair, however, it’s a different story. That’s why StyleWise style editor Jon Jordan recruited busy mom Lauren once again to give one of her sons another at-home haircut, and luckily, her second son is a blondie.

The spa might be closed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself while quarantining, right? Believe it or not, there are tons of remedies for facial and hair treatments -- that you can do with ingredients that you probably already have deep in your cupboard or refrigerator. StyleWise style editor Jon Jordan had his friend Katrina show him just how easy it is to create a supple face mask and color correctors for hair with pantry item staples, such as milk, honey, and yes, even ketchup. It might seem a little strange at first, but using organic and natural ingredients like milk and honey can make a luxurious face mask -- and if your hair is damaged by the sun or chlorine from a pool, ketchup can take care of that right away. Obviously, nothing compares to a day trip to a spa, getting waited on hand and foot, but with a little imagination (and some at-home ingredients), you can turn your home into the spa of your dreams, even in quarantine.

The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. This article is sponsored by Beaumont HealthMany patients have not been seeking medical care as they normally would because of the pandemic. Host Tati Amare spoke with Dr. Nick Gilpin the Beaumont Health Director of Infection Prevention about the safety measures that Beaumont Heath has in place for those seeking medical attention. Beaumont Health has implemented numerous safeguards such as screenings of symptoms, giving out free masks and removing chairs in waiting rooms for social distancing purposes. Watch the video to learn about the safety procedures in place at Beaumont Health for your next doctor’s visit.

Meet Martha Truslow Smith, a graphic designer from North Carolina who got her first gray hair at the age of 14, as she wrote once on social media. Smith started coloring her hair to hide what was happening, but instead of gaining assurance, she felt anxious and misrepresented. Yes, Smith decided to stop fighting nature: by embracing the gray, and letting it grow out, regardless of her age. She started an Instagram account to document her journey -- you can find Smith @grombre -- and, get ready for this, at last check, the page had about 193,000 followers. Going “grombre,” by the way, isn’t so much a trend as much as it is a movement.

If you have short hair and your attempt to give yourself an at-home quarantine haircut didn’t go so well, your only option might be to buzz it. That’s what happened to StyleWise style editor Jon Jordan’s friend Scott, but luckily for him, a quick buzz cut (with the correct guard) fixed his botched hair in no time. Jordan also suggests using a guard that isn’t too short, so you can take away more hair if you desire. Once that hair is gone, it’s gone, so always be mindful of how much you’re taking off. You can watch the newest StyleWise video above, and make sure to like and subscribe to the StyleWise channel for more videos.

Having Harry Potter himself read them to you, of course! J.K. Rowling is gathering up some of her famous muggle friends to bring fans the ultimate Harry Potter quarantine entertainment. The entire first book in Rowling’s wizarding series, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” will be available for fans to listen to, and each chapter will be read by a different celebrity once a week, starting off with Daniel Radcliffe, aka Harry Potter. The site is full of puzzles, quizzes and articles that focus on everything Harry Potter and Hogwarts. You can watch a video of Radcliffe reading chapter one of the book here, or listen to it on Spotify.

If you’ve never thought about sanitizing your makeup brushes, now may be the time to do it. Hopefully you’re not sharing any makeup brushes while you’re quarantined, but even if you’re not -- making sure you have a clean makeup brush can help stop the spread of any kind of germs that may be residing on your face. Cleaning the brushes with soap and water is a step in the right direction, but Jordan suggests making sure you soak the brushes in isopropyl alcohol so they are fully sanitized. And if you’re worried about the brushes drying out, just soak them in some water and hair conditioner after the alcohol. Even when it comes to the packaging of makeup products, Jordan suggests finding ones that are in bottles or have pumps; that way, you don’t cross-contaminate while touching the product.

Now that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending people wear cloth face coverings in public settings, Disney is getting in on the face mask game, and making masks featuring your favorite Disney characters. Disney said the company would donate all profits from the sales in the U.S. of Disney’s cloth face masks to Medshare, now through Sept. 30. That’s right, you can have Baby Yoda on your face mask while you grocery shop at Trader Joe’s. In addition to donating the proceeds of these colorful masks, Disney said it will donate 1 million cloth face masks to children and families in vulnerable communities across the United States. From Elsa, Anna, Buzz and Woody, there is a face mask for every Disney fan.

No, it’s just not you -- it seems that everyone is making banana bread during quarantine, and if you haven’t done so already, it’s time to jump on the bandwagon. Banana bread is really more of a cake than a bread, but regardless, it’s the perfect thing to make if you’re wanting to dip your toes into the wonderful world of baking bread. Most bread recipes are generally the same, but we searched the internet high and low to find the easiest-looking banana bread recipes, so you can impress your friends and family with your new-found baking skills. This is another easy banana bread recipe. It combines two of the greatest breads that have ever existed: cinnamon swirl bread, and obviously, banana bread.

Federal investigators say online predators know that too. Alley, who works in the child exploitation unit for Homeland Security said education is the best step to protect our children from predators. READ: How one of Michigan’s largest nonprofits is continuing to serve amid coronavirus crisis"The predators will flock to what is popular with children," Alley said. Alley said to check parental controls on the apps children use and make sure they are turned on to the highest setting. Project iGuardian, a program through Homeland Security Investigations, works to keep teens and children safe from online predators using education and awareness.

With a lot of Americans working from their homes for the time being, meetings on Zoom have become the new normal. Just because you might be having your meeting from the comfort of your bed doesn’t mean that the professionalism of your workplace can’t exist at home -- so it’s a good idea to make sure you’re looking your best. StyleWise style editor Jon Jordan has a few simple ways you can easily transform your Zoom meeting aesthetic from casual at-home to business chic. Jordan says there are a few easy things you can do to improve the way you look on Zoom, including having a background with pop of color and having the perfect lighting. Check out Jordan’s latest StyleWise video, and make sure you like and subscribe to see more.

But before you whip out the first set of scissors you see sitting around in the junk drawer, StyleWise style editor Jon Jordan has some helpful tips on what you need to know about giving yourself an at-home haircut. 1 Jordan recommends is having the proper scissors (or shears, if you’re fancy) to get the job done. Jordan recommends investing in a pair of thinning shears. The thinning shears are more forgiving and do a better job at blending the edges, as opposed to a regular pair of shears. You can check out the full StyleWise video, above, for some more advice.

Some experts believe it could be more than a year until live concerts return to our daily lives, which is heartbreaking for people who love seeing live music. So until then, the next best thing to do is watch a concert movie from one of your favorite artists. Look no further than Beyoncé's “Homecoming,” her live concert that was filmed in 2018 when she headlined Coachella, the Southern California music festival. From the costumes, dancing and marching band music arrangements, Beyoncé transformed Coachella into “Beychella,” and we’re lucky enough that the entire show is documented. Not only is Timberlake’s music incredible catchy, but the production value that went into this show, especially the choreography, makes it worth visiting.

Before we dive in on how this TV show is a masterclass on race, class and motherhood, let’s talk about how it came together. Based off the book by the same name by Celeste Ng, the TV adaptation stars Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington as two mothers who live in Shaker Heights, Ohio. The co-stars are also executive producers on the show, having a heavy hand in the choices made to adapt the book into a TV series. The first few episodes are a slow burn as we get introduced to the residents of Shaker Heights, but by the middle of episode three, you are completely hooked and it becomes difficult to stop watching. and you can’t fathom watching another season of “The Office,” take a look at “Little Fires Everywhere” on Hulu.

If you’ve never given yourself (or a someone else) a quick haircut, you’ll soon realize why cosmetology school exists. Anyone who has gone to the barber knows that they use different clippers to measure how much hair comes off. Most people run into trouble while cutting their hair at home because they start with too short of a guard, Jordan said. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. As always, practice makes perfect to nail a quarantine haircut at home, so don’t beat yourself up too badly if it looks like you cut your hair with a weed whacker as opposed to an electric razor.

Luckily for us, there are tons of films that have gone on to become major movie franchises, with sequel after sequel bringing back some of the most beloved characters of all time. So, if you want to take a break from binging “The Office” for the 10th time and want to dig in to some classics, consider watching these movie franchises from front to back. ‘Star Wars’Writer and director George Lucas created a movie about a team of rebels fighting evil in a galaxy far, far away, and it’s gone on to become one of the most influential movie franchises of all time. ‘Toy Story’A lot of the movie franchises are for teens and adults, but the “Toy Story” movies are great because the entire family can enjoy them. ‘Marvel’Anyone who has gone to see a Marvel movie knows that there are a ton of them.

You might have seen people posting about making a whipped coffee at home, otherwise known by its proper name, Dalgona Coffee. Dalgona Coffee is a whipped coffee concoction floating on top of your specific choice of milk with ice. You mix together 2 tablespoons of instant coffee and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons of hot water. Mix the ingredients in a bowl with a hand mixer or by hand until the mixture is whipped and fluffy. Pour in hot or cold milk -- whichever you like -- and top it with the whipped coffee mixture.

People may still be abiding by the quarantine rules, but that’s not stopping beautiful music from being made. World-renowned a cappella group, Straight No Chaser, is performing on a new stage, the internet. Member and Detroit native Seggie Isho spoke to Jason Carr and Tati Amare about how the group is singing, together, during their time at home. Isho said the group decided to perform this way so they could not just stay in contact with each other, but also create music for others that are in quarantine. The group is performing from their homes all over the country via Zoom, but the harmonies are still very much on point.

It includes sober dating, travel information, community groups, booze-less guides, where to find the best mocktails; you name it. Gottlieb said there has been a lot of interest in Loosid’s “sober curious” groups. How can the app help? For example, select “I just relapsed and I need help” or “Weekend and holiday support,” and you’ll be linked with people and resources. “Some people are coming out of the hospitality industry -- people with no money, who need help now,” Gottlieb said.

Thanks to the power of video on demand with streaming services Amazon Prime and Apple TV, most of the movies that planned on hitting theaters during this time are now available to watch from the comfort of your own couch. The movie tells a story of a modern world run by mythical creatures who use magic to do amazing things. ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’The final installment of the “Star Wars” movies already hit theaters around the holidays, but it’s now available to buy digitally so you can watch it at home. Since the rest of the “Star Wars” movies are on Disney+, we wouldn’t be surprised to see it pop up there soon. It’s a psychological thriller that probably isn’t for everyone, but it is available to purchase and watch at home.

One of the stars of the series, Jeff Lowe, made a personalized Cameo for Los Angeles Dodgers player Justin Turner, and Lowe announced that one more episode is still to come in the epic “Tiger King” saga. So our friend @christie_dish listened to the podcast, @HoldingKourt and after last weeks episode decided to send us this!!! 🚨BREAKING NEWS FOLKS🚨There will be 1 more episode of #TigerKing on@Netflix pic.twitter.com/YeRSIlDKTJ — Justin Turner (@redturn2) April 4, 2020“Netflix is adding one more episode. Netflix hasn’t actually confirmed a new episode of the show, but given its huge popularity while everyone is stuck inside quarantining, it makes sense for the streaming network to capitalize on the “Tiger King” phenomenon while it’s still hot. Oh, and if you still haven’t hunkered down on your couch to watch “Tiger King” yet, what are you waiting for?

Snip, snip, it’s time to learn how to cut your own hair. With hair salons and barbershops shut down in many states across America during the pandemic, many people are looking for ways on how they still have a fresh haircut without leaving home. Do-it-yourself haircut tutorials have been on YouTube for years, but now, more than ever, people are looking for fresh content to help them feel a little bit more themselves during this unsettling time period. Here are a few different videos, if you’re brave enough to attempt something like this. Short hair:Long hair:

Rhonda Walker on set with co-anchor Evrod Cassimy, who has tested positive for the coronavirus. Rhonda Walker at her anchor desk at Local 4's studio. Local 4's Rhonda Walker eating healthy at home during Michigan's stay at home order amid the coronavirus outbreak. A collage of Local 4's Rhonda Walker exercising at home during Michigan's stay at home order amid the coronavirous pandemic. Please stay safe, stay healthy and stay home!

We all know that Netflix has hundreds of movies and TV shows for us to watch, but there’s a new true crime documentary series that just landed called “Tiger King,” and it’s the perfect show to watch while you’re quarantined inside your home. The story mostly follows the self-proclaimed “Tiger King,” also known as Joe Exotic. Exotic (as well as the other exotic animal owners featured in the series) has a nemesis, and her name is Carole Baskin, who owns the Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, Florida. He hates Baskin more than anything in the world, and won’t stop at anything until he sees her destroyed. Let us know what you think of “Tiger King” in the comments once you’ve finished.

Rhonda Walker and Kim DeGiulio are showing us some great workouts you can do at home. Just because we can’t go to the gym doesn’t mean we can’t stay in shape.