Michigan State Police Urge Michiganders to Prepare For Extreme Heat.

 Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

With heat indexes expected to exceed 100 degrees across much of lower Michigan through Sunday, the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is urging residents and visitors to stay protected during the extreme heat. The threat of thunderstorms also remains in the forecast, which could lead to additional power outages, adding to the potential heat dangers, according a press release from MSP.

“The high heat and humidity can put stress on the body, making it dangerous to be outdoors for any significant amount of time,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of EMHSD. “The potential for thunderstorms and power outages this week could leave residents without air conditioning and even more susceptible to heat-related illness.”

To prepare for extreme heat:

• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, blinds or awnings to reduce the amount of heat that enters your home.
• Check on family members or neighbors who are elderly, young, sick or overweight, as they are more susceptible to excessive heat.
• Ensure pets have cool housing areas and plenty of water.
• Learn about available cooling centers or public locations with air conditioning in your community.

To prevent heat illness:

• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks that cause dehydration.
• Wear clothing that allows good air circulation.
• Limit vigorous activity.
• If outside avoid direct sunlight by staying in shade.
• Try to schedule outside activities  during the morning or evening hours to avoid the hottest part of the day.

Parola Perspective: On Afghanistan Evacuation. By Purple Walrus Press Contributor Brooks Parola.

 82,000 people have been evacuated from Afghanistan…but let’s continue to promote this major media and GOP narrative that this has been a disaster…as compared to what? Vietnam? Please! We left all kinds of people behind. As compared to Trump? Please! He had racist Stephen Miller undermining attempts to bring Afghans to the states.

No, it hasn’t been perfect, mistakes were made and ANY president would have made similar ones, or many that could have been worse. I’ll challenge anyone to dare say that evacuating 80,000 people in a week and a half is somehow a “failure”.

This is an incredible challenge, a difficult and imperfect process no matter who implements it. Stop drinking the GOP/big media kool-aid and at the very least, start carefully considering what Biden’s accomplished.

To Wear A Mask, Or Not To Wear A Mask, That is the question: Mask Confusion.

By Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

I don't know about you, but the whole mask wearing thing is very confusing. I mean, I don't know when or when not to put the damn thing on anymore. To wear a mask, or not to wear a mask, that is the question of the day. I know I'm not alone in this dilemma. I think we are all in a state of mask confusion.

Lately, when I pull into the parking lot of a grocery store, take Fresh Thyme Market on Washtenaw for example, I find myself scanning the parking lot to scope out whether or not folks are wearing their masks as they exit their cars and head into the grocery store. Recently, I observed that people were wearing their masks when headed into the store from the parking lot. So, I in turn would slip on my mask before getting out of my car. I thought my peer pressure years were over. Apparently not.

More recently, I would say that around 50% of shoppers in a grocery store are wearing masks while other shoppers are maskless. During these last couple weeks I would find myself feeling quite conflicted on the issue. I would ask myself, were the folks not wearing a mask the same people who were refusing to wear a mask a year ago? Also, were those wearing a mask going overboard with caution? Very tricky situation.

Of late, I have become brazen. Last Friday, I went into Fresh Thyme Market in Ypsilanti wearing my EMU mask. Suddenly, while standing in the potato section I had a revelation! I decided to release myself from the confines of  my mask right then and there amongst the potatoes.  I mean, I'm fully vaccinated, right? I stripped off my mask and stuffed it in my back pocket.

I wondered, would anyone notice that I entered the store wearing a mask only to discard it minutes later in the potato section? I really don't know. Further, if folks did notice that I had suddenly removed my EMU mask in the potato section would they even care? Who knows? One thing I do know is that we are all going through a bit of mask confusion these days. Now, please pass the potatoes.

Dozens of Former Michigan Football Players Who Say They Were Victims Of Dr. Anderson Will Hold A Press Conference Wednesday To Demand Action From University.

By Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

At least twenty-four former University of Michigan football players who claim they were sexually assaulted by U-M physician Dr. Robert Anderson while they were student-athletes will hold a press conference Wednesday morning demanding action from the university. The press conference will be held outside of Michigan Stadium. 

According to a Tuesday press release, former students-athletes and other students will, "Call for immediate action ahead of this week's U-M Board of Regents meeting."

Over the past year hundreds of  U-M students have accused Dr. Anderson of sexually assaulting them at the university. Anderson's career at Michigan spanned a period from the 1960's until 2002.

Last Thursday, Matt Schembechler, who is the son of Bo Schembechler, and two former Michigan football players, Gilvanni Johnson and David Kwiatkowski, called a press conference coming forward to state that they were victims of Anderson and that they told coach Schembechler that they were abused. All three said that Schembechler did not do anything to stop the abuse.

Concerns Over EMU Sexual Assault Cases: EMU President James Smith Statement Regarding U.S. Rep Debbie Dingell Letter to Dept of Education.

Photo Jeff Brown Purple Walrus Press.

Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

 Amid a federal lawsuit, criminal charges, and a letter from Representative Debbie Dingell to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cadona relating to sexual assaults reported at Eastern Michigan University, EMU President James Smith has released the following statement.

We welcome and appreciate Congresswoman Dingell's concern about this matter and share her interest in the safety and well-being of our students. We have stated from the outset our willingness to further engage in a review of University actions related to these cases, and this remains our commitment. 

We appreciate the Department of Education’s support of institutions’ Title IX compliance efforts, and we would welcome its review of our actions, which are also currently being assessed by the independent external firm of Cozen O'Connor -- a national specialist in Title IX work. The University is committed to learning every detail as to whether our processes related to these cases were followed and, if not, why not and what steps should be taken so that our students are protected and feel supported in reporting sexual assault. We have stated from the beginning of this matter that we are committed to full transparency in this process – and the Cozen O’Connor report will be made public when it is finalized later this spring.

I want to reiterate my deep and unwavering support for all survivors of sexual assault, and our commitment to do everything we can to provide a safe environment for our students. There is no place for sexual violence in our community. 

The survivors who have come forward are showing incredible bravery in choosing to tell their stories.

Protecting students is critical to the University’s educational mission. Our staff in law enforcement, Title IX, student affairs, and elsewhere work tirelessly every day to try to create a safe and supportive community for students, faculty and staff. 

The University has initiated several actions in recent years to create greater awareness and encourage the reporting of sexual assaults. Much of this has been accomplished as a result of grants we have been awarded by the State of Michigan in recognition of these efforts. Details can be found in this Title IX grants update. 

James Smith, Ph.D. 
President, Eastern Michigan University

Hate To Say It But Michigan COVID-19 Rate Is Surging: Statement From Congresswoman Debbie Dingell.

 

Photo Jeff Brown Purple Walrus Press.

Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

I hate to say it folks, but currently the COVID-19 rate is surging in Michigan. In fact, Michigan has the highest rate of COVID-19 in the nation. While many states are showing a decrease in the number of COVID 19 cases, the same cannot be said for Michigan. On Wednesday, the state's seven day average for daily cases was 2,073...the highest since the middle of January. Why we are having what appears to be a significant surge of COVID-19 here in Michigan I really don't know, but the truth is that there is a surge.

On Thursday Congresswoman Debbie Dingell addressed this rise in COVID 19 cases in the state in a post. Read her statement below:

"Day 367. Michigan needs to pay attention. Our numbers are not going in the right direction. On Wednesday, the state reported 3,164 new confirmed cases of the virus, bringing the seven-day average of new daily cases to 2,073, the highest seven-day average since Jan. 18. The total number of COVID-19 outbreaks statewide rose this week by 9% over last week to 645. The biggest proportion of outbreaks are tied to the K-12 school settings. A couple of schools in my district have had to close for quarantines for a week or two. And hospitalizations are up. We know we have different strains of COVID in the state. There are more than 725 known cases of the very contagious B.1.1.7 variant in the state and we account for 15% of the known cases of that strain in the U.S. We have had one identified case of the South Africa variant. We need to be aware. We could be headed for a dangerous surge and none of us wants that. We all need to keep following the guidelines. We need to get vaccinated and if we are vaccinated still use a great deal of common sense which includes wearing mask and keeping our distances."

Spring Is Just Around The Corner: Register For Ypsi Arbor Little League!

By Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

 Folks, it may not feel like it right now, but spring is right around the corner, and you know what that means, right?. It means baseball, of course!! Yes, it is time to dig out those bats, balls, and gloves! This is the time to register your ballplayer for Ypsi Arbor Little League, and start breaking in those mitts!

Founded in 1953, Ypsi Arbor Little League has been around for decades, and is the oldest little league in the state of Michigan. Further, they are the first Little League in America to include a female player, Carolyn King! Not too shabby.

Games are played from early May through late June. There is t-ball, coach pitch, minors, majors, and junior teams. Games are played at Recreation Park and Candy Cane Park in Ypsilanti.

Players at every skill level are invited to join and scholarships are available for families that qualify. All players and coaches will be required to wear masks and social distancing will be practiced. Registration is currently open for all age groups.

Shake off those winter blues and register for Ypsi Arbor Little League today! You'll be glad you did.

Registration information can be found on their website.

Ann Arbor Parents Rally for Safe Return to Voluntary In-Person School Saturday In Downtown Ann Arbor.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

 Approximately 100 parents and health professionals braved frigid temperatures to participate in a rally in downtown Ann Arbor Saturday afternoon calling for a safe return to voluntary in-person learning. Demonstrators called for a "Reasonable Return" to voluntary, hybrid in person schooling. Recently a petition was signed by over 600 community members reportedly following the opinion of 130 local physicians and pediatric providers. According to a statement from protest organizers, "Health experts agree that schools can reopen and remain open safely, without driving COVID transmission."

Demonstrators carried signs saying, 'Set a Date Families Need A Choice', 'Children Before Unions' and 'Kids Need Classrooms.' The demonstration began with protesters chanting 'Communicate Set A Date' and 'Whitmer Says Open Schools/Doctors Say Open Schools.' Many of the parent protesters brought their school age children to participate in the protest which began at noon. 

The debate as to whether or not schools should return to in person learning has been contentious in the Ann Arbor area. What is for certain is that all members of the Ann Arbor school community are deeply divided on the issue.

Governor Whitmer State of The State Address Tonight.

Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

 Governor Whitmer will be delivering her State of the State address Wednesday night January 27. This will be her third State of State address. The address is going to be virtual. 

The address is scheduled to begin at 7 PM and will be live streamed.

The governor is expected to talk about her COVID-19 recovery plan and a new job initiative. The plan would have to be approved by the Republican controlled legislature.

From The State Emergency Operations Center: 21 Shipments of COVID-19 Vaccine Impacted Due to Temperature Issues During Shipment.

Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown. 

According to the Michigan State Police, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has been notified by McKesson that several shipments of Moderna vaccine shipped on Sunday, Jan. 17, had their temperature reported as going out of range and getting too cold. The cause of this is under investigation by McKesson.

According to Tuesday's press release, each vaccine shipment is equipped with a temperature monitoring device used to monitor the vaccine temperature while in transport. According to the statement, McKesson is working quickly to repack additional vaccine to ship out as replacement doses for those that may be compromised and the majority of the 21 shipments were resent on Monday night with the rest being sent Tuesday. An additional six shipments were held back to check that there were no issues with the vaccine which may delay scheduled vaccinations at those six vaccine provider sites.

According to chief medical executive and chief deputy for health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, “We are committed to accelerating vaccine delivery as we work to reach our goal of vaccinating 70% of Michiganders over age 16 as quickly as possible with the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. “Although it is unfortunate that this vaccine will not be able to be used, we are pleased that the safeguards put into place to ensure the integrity of the vaccine worked. This is the first report of vaccine potentially being compromised during shipment in Michigan and we are working quickly with the distributor to have replacement vaccine shipped out.” This according to the press release from the Michigan State Police.

Ex-Governor Snyder Charged in Flint Water Crisis.

Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

 Former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has been charged in the Flint Water Crisis. After an investigation, Snyder was charged on Wednesday with willful neglect of duty regarding the lead contamination of the Flint water system and a regional outbreak of Legionnaires disease.

Snyder has been charged with misdemeanors that are punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $1,000.

The Flint Water Crisis began in April of 2014, when a money-saving decision was made to use water from the Flint River as the city's water source during the construction of a pipeline from Lake Huron. Corrosive water from the Flint River was not treated correctly and lead was released from old corroded pipes and plumbing into Flint homes. Thus, the entire water system for the city of Flint was contaminated with poisonous lead. It was 18 months before the Snyder administration took any action.

On a personal note, those of you who are regular Purple Walrus Press readers know that Flint is my hometown, and that I have a vested interest in the charges brought against Snyder. I hope justice prevails.

Vice President Pence Will Be Called Upon Monday to Invoke 25th Amendment.

 Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

In the aftermath of the attempted coup on the U.S. Capitol  in Washington D.C. Wednesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has stated that the House will attempt to pass a resolution that will call on Vice President Mike Pence Monday to invoke the 25th Amendment in order to remove Trump from office. If this resolution doesn't pass, Pelosi stated, "We will proceed with bringing impeachment legislation to the floor." The 25th Amendment states that if the President  becomes unable to do his/her job, the Vice President becomes President or Acting President.

Fasten your seats everyone, it's gonna be a bumpy ride.

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell Statement On the Congressional Certification of Electoral College and License To Invade U.S. Capitol.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

 

Editor in Chief & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) released the following statement after the House and Senate officially certified the votes of the Electoral College.

 

“Yesterday, our democracy bent, but it did not break. Though these Republican-led efforts to overturn our election were unsuccessful in this moment, the cracks they caused in the foundation of our democracy gave domestic terrorists license to invade the United States Capitol. Now, as we move towards the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, we must begin the difficult work of restoring faith in our government, uniting this nation, and holding those responsible for yesterday’s attacks accountable.”

Eastern Michigan Basketball Schedule Changes Due to COVID-19 Pandemic.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

 Editor in Chief &  Publisher Jeff Brown.

According to the Eastern Michigan University Athletic Department, changes have been made in the basketball schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Todays game against the Golden Flashes of Kent State University has been postponed. The game will be rescheduled for a yet to be determined date. Further, the game that was scheduled for January 5 against Akron has been pushed back to January 9.

According to President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee, "We continue to use an abundance of caution, as we have throughout the pandemic. The health and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff associated with the men's basketball program is of the utmost importance to us."