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Patrons of Bella Notte Ristorante enjoy sidewalk dining at a summer event.  JTV file photo. (April 28. 2021 10:37 AM) Area residents will soon have a new way to support downtown businesses and socialize safely. At their Tuesday, April 27 virtual meeting, the Jackson City Council voted 6 to 1 to create a social district for Downtown Jackson. Once the district begins later this summer, permitted businesses will be able to serve alcoholic beverages to customers, who can enjoy those drinks in the outdoor public spaces of Downtown Jackson. With bars and restaurants significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, this new legislation helps establishments by giving them more space to serve customers and encourages residents to safely return to businesses. The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) worked with City officials to set up the social district’s guidelines. The State of Michigan passed legislation last year that allows local governments to create their own social districts. The district is located in the center of Downtown Jackson, bound by Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Washington Avenue, Blackstone Street, and Louis Glick Highway. In this area, there will be designated common areas where people can distance and enjoy drinks in specially-marked plastic cups provided…

(April 27, 2021 3:30 PM) Michigan reported 3,676 coronavirus (COVID-19) positive test cases today, with the state reported total now at 829,520. Michigan is reporting 105* COVID-19-related deaths today with the state total at 17,429.  *The deaths announced today includes 48 deaths identified during a Vital Records review. See cumulative data page for more information. State Cumulative Total of Recovered COVID-19 Cases (as of 4/24/21): 626,254. This information is updated Monday through Saturday at 3 p.m., with COVID-19 results included as of 10 a.m.  Monday reports include Sunday data.