Plus, a look at Michigan's 300+ snowplows

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Morning Briefing

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023

In today's newsletter, UAW launches campaign to unionize 13 automakers, Michigan farmers brace for another migrant worker wage hike and Northern Michigan’s beloved Christmas Tree boat is back with 3,000 twinkling lights.

Making a gift list and checking it twice

We're in full swing of the holiday gift giving season. While there's still time to grab those must-have items from the store, consider adding crafts from local Michigan artists this year.

 

West Michigan shoppers have an opportunity to find creative holiday gifts this week while supporting students at the Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD) through the inaugural Student Art Market. While in West Michigan, check out these 10 places to shop for local holiday gifts in Grand Rapids.

 

In Southeast Michigan, shop the night away during three Ann Arbor events. Midnight Madness, Moonlight Madness and Kerrytown Kindlefest are kicking off the holiday season across all three downtown neighborhoods on Friday, Dec. 1.

Curated by Cara Hackett

A Christmas tree floats on a boat

The floating Christmas Tree Boat is back on Big Glen Lake. (Photo provided by Frank Siepker Jr.)

UAW launches campaign to unionize BMW, Honda, Tesla and 10 other automakers

The United Auto Workers launched an organizing campaign to bring on board nearly 150,000 autoworkers across 13 non-union automakers: BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Lucid, Mazda, Mercedes, Nissan, Rivian, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo.

 

"Historic wins": Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has reached a tentative agreement with the United Auto Workers union after members walked out on strike 11 weeks ago.

 

More jobs: The city of Grand Rapids is beefing up its economic development, planning and engineering departments as officials contend with “high volumes of capital projects.” A request to add 10 new jobs was approved by Grand Rapids City Commission to keep up with the demand.

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Michigan farmers brace for another migrant worker wage hike

Feeling strained: Wages for migrant farm workers are expected to jump again next year – putting a pinch on Michigan growers who have already seen visa labor costs go up 28%, or about $4 an hour, since 2019.

 

In Webster Township: A nearly $1-million conservation deal has led to permanent protections for an 144-acre farm north of Dexter, creating a block of conserved land now stretching more than 846 acres. 

 

On the lookout: Whether you own property or simply enjoy spending time outside, Michigan officials are encouraging you this winter to check for signs of the hemlock woolly adelgid: a tiny insect that threatens millions of Michigan’s trees.

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Yooper Scooper and The Big LePlowski: Meet Michigan’s 300+ snow plows

Clearing the way: From Austin Plowers to Yooper Scooper, Michigan has more than 300 uniquely-named snowplows that will patrol roadways this winter. The state Department of Transportation (MDOT) released its roster of trucks Monday, Nov. 27, as the season’s first significant flakes stuck to roadways in lower Michigan. 

 

Adding up: Now that we’ve had some winter weather move through the state this year, we’re starting to stack up some snow totals for different cities across Michigan. Here's a look at snowfall levels so far this season.

 

The more you know: A Snow Squall Warning, the little-known winter weather warning, could save your life. The National Weather Service officially defines a snow squall as a burst of snow with gusty winds that reduces visibility to one-quarter mile or less and lasting less than one hour.

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Michigan president Santa Ono: ‘I trust’ Jim Harbaugh amid sign-stealing probe

In his first public comments since the NCAA began investigating Michigan football over sign-stealing allegations, school president Santa Ono called head coach Jim Harbaugh “a man of honor” and praised the team for winning in his absence.

 

Losing continues: Wednesday night at Little Caesars Arena was historic, as the Detroit Pistons’ losing streak extended to 15 games, this time losing 133-107 to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Pistons are now enduring the longest single-season losing streak in franchise history.

 

In hockey: The Detroit Red Wings faltered in the third period Wednesday against the New York Rangers, squandering a chance to beat one of the best teams on the road, and had their three-game winning streak snapped.

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Northern Michigan’s beloved Christmas Tree boat is back with 3,000 twinkling lights

All lit up: A beloved holiday tradition is making waves in Northern Michigan. The floating Christmas tree boat and its 3,000 twinkling lights has returned to Big Glen Lake. It can be seen from The Narrows bridge that separates Big Glen Lake from Little Glen Lake.

 

Hit the slopes: Six of Michigan’s big resorts and ski areas in the Lower Peninsula have announced they will open this week for skiing. Treetops, Boyne Mountain, Nub’s Nob, Crystal Mountain, The Highlands at Harbor Springs and Caberfae Peaks have said they’ll all have limited runs open.

 

Kate Kelly schooner: The U.S. Coast Guard’s Christmas Tree Ship made a brief stop Tuesday on Lake Michigan to return an anchor to the site of a shipwreck. The ceremony Tuesday returned the anchor to the ship and paid respects to the six men who lost their lives when it sank in 1895.

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You're all caught up.

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I hope you find something that sparks joy today.

 

— Cara Hackett

 

OTHER TOP STORIES

 

  • Ankle-deep snow system should sneak into highly populated part of Michigan

  • Kent County man charged after 10 dead snakes, 27 live animals removed from home

  • Bay City’s Santa House is open for the 2023 Christmas season. Here’s when you can see Saint Nick

  • U.S. Coast Guard renames two Great Lakes command sectors

  • Dispute over Ottawa County health officer and $4 million settlement headed toward mediation
 

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