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Morning Briefing

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2024

In today's newsletter, Michigan liquor sales increased in 2023, lake-effect snow is coming to Northern Michigan, and the RNC recognizes Pete Hoekstra as the state's GOP chair.

Have plans this weekend?

We have officially reached the end of another work week. As we ready for the weekend, check out this roundup of events happening across Michigan. 

 

In mid-Michigan, listen to a David Bowie tribute in Saginaw or celebrate Black History Month at the Saginaw Art Museum's African-American Art Legacy & Literacy Class. Croon along during a special candlelight tribute to Adele in Grand Rapids. 

 

Enjoy glow-in-the-dark yoga and warm up by a big bonfire at Winterfest in Pentwater, a U.P. destination town. In Muskegon, check out a dinner extravaganza to benefit a local animal shelter, axe throwing or a chili cook-off at Pigeon Hill.

Curated by Cara Hackett

Bob Campbell, a patient who went through proton therapy, speaks about his experience.

Bob Campbell, a patient who went through proton therapy, speaks about his experience during a celebration of their 1000th cancer patient at McLaren Proton Therapy Center on Thursday, February 15, 2024. (Julian Leshay Guadalupe | MLive.com)

Michigan liquor sales up slightly in 2023; see what counties sold the most

Drinking up: Michigan sold more than $1.88 billion dollars worth of liquor to distributors across the state in 2023, exceeding 2022’s total by $20 million, according to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

 

Facing criticism: A Southwest Michigan restaurant is experiencing "cancel culture" and disputing online claims after a waitress was fired days after receiving a $10,000 tip on a $32 tab. 

 

Also in business: Shoppers searching for savings fueled Michigan overstock chain, B2 Outlets, in the last decade. But overhead costs and bargain hunters killed profit margins, forcing all 30 locations to close.

Read more

Read Kamala Harris’ letter on Flint's first-of-its-kind cash prescription program

Helping hand: The launch of Rx Kids, a first-of-its-kind citywide cash prescription program in Flint, has caught the attention of Vice President Kamala Harris. The program aims to improve maternal and infant health outcomes by providing cash prescriptions to pay for rent, diapers, formula, transportation and more.

 

Treated: In just over five years since opening, the McLaren Proton Therapy Center in Flint, part of the Karmanos Cancer Network, has reached a milestone of treating its 1,000th cancer patient with innovative technology.

 

Declining: Michigan is on pace to have the lowest flu shot coverage of the last five years. In January 2024, the state health department reported about 2.75 million administered doses. That's more than 300,000 doses shy of the coverage at the same time last year.

Read more

Finally some cold air, lake-effect snow for Northern Michigan, up to one foot in a few spots

More snow: This week's widespread snow burst is over now. Colder air is going to filter in behind the storm and will make some accumulating lake-effect snow. Here’s a look at where and when lake-effect snow will pile up.

 

On the road: Thursday's whiteout conditions caused a 30-car pile up on US-23 near Baldwin Road in Genesee County. Two people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

 

Measuring up: See early measurements of how much snow fell in your area with the help of NOAA's accumulation reports. 

Read more

 

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Michigan signed new OC Kirk Campbell to lucrative, three-year deal

Pay day: We now have the first million-dollar assistant on Sherrone Moore’s Michigan staff. As part of his promotion, new offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell signed a three-year, $3.05 million contract that runs through January 2027, according to employment agreements obtained by MLive.

 

Finally happening: Backers of Mundy Miracle Commons, the largest inclusive and accessible recreational area in Michigan, have found the funding they needed to create a barrier-free baseball field of dreams.

 

After a 55-38 victory over Tawas, the Bay City Central Wolves have won their first game of the season, breaking a 22-game losing streak. 

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RNC recognizes Pete Hoekstra as Michigan GOP chair; Karamo ignores decision

In politics: A special committee convened by the Republican National Committee named former ambassador Pete Hoekstra as the rightful chair of the Michigan Republican Party, even as rival chair Kristina Karamo’s faction vowed not to recognize the decision.

 

Historic: Registered lobbyists of state government officials reported spending $52.9 million in 2023, setting a new record as Democrats took trifecta control of Michigan state government for the first time in 40 years.

 

Be aware: A recent scam involves an apparent attempt from Attorney General Dana Nessel to help you with a problem involving your tax refund. Except it comes from a fake Gmail account, Nessel warns.

Read more

 
 

That's all for now. 

Thanks for starting your day with the Morning Briefing. We'll see you back here on Monday. 

 

You can find the latest Michigan news anytime at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a subscriber .

 

Have a safe and fun weekend!

 

— Cara Hackett

 

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  • How 15 minutes of backyard birdwatching this weekend can help protect wild birds
 

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