TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2024 |
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In today's newsletter, 2024 could end with Northern Lights for parts of Michigan, Michigan restaurants brace for tipped worker pay increases and remembering former President Jimmy Carter's legacy. |
Another win is in the books for the Lions🏈 |
The Detroit Lions are ending 2024 on a high note after defeating the San Fransisco 49ers 40-34 in an NFC title game rematch at Levi’s Stadium on Monday Night Football. This marks the first time the NFL will have its first 14-win wild-card team. It also represents the second time in league history with three 14-win teams (Lions, Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs) to end the campaign. The Lions will now face off against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football during winner-take- all game for the NFC North. The Lions-Vikings game from Ford Field will feature the most combined wins in a regular-season game in NFL history, per Elias Sports. Here’s what’s being said nationally after the Lions’ 14th win of the season. |
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Former President Jimmy Carter speaks at Grand Rapids Community College's Ford Fieldhouse as part of the Diversity Lecture Series Monday, Sept. 22, 2014. (Cory Morse | MLive.com) |
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Strong Geomagnetic Storm Watch could mean Northern Lights on New Year’s Eve |
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Michigan restaurants brace for tipped worker pay increases after lawmakers fail to act |
In the service industry: Restaurant owners and some servers are concerned the changes to tipped wages could lead to higher menu prices, fewer tips for workers and, eventually, restaurant closings after Democratic lawmakers’ inaction this year to address the impending removal of the sub-minimum wage for tipped workers. The details: Due to a contentious Michigan Supreme Court ruling this summer, the base pay for tipped workers will gradually increase, starting Feb. 21, until it reaches the standard minimum wage in 2030. That same ruling will see the minimum wage gradually increase to $15 by 2029. Tipped workers in Michigan currently make $3.93 an hour but are paid full minimum wage by their employer if their tips don’t meet or exceed minimum wage. An update: The task of managing short-term rentals has been under consideration by many West Michigan communities, with some changes taking place this year. Here are changes that took place regarding short-term rentals in 2024 in Lake Michigan towns. |
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Rethinking Jimmy Carter’s legacy with his call to action in Michigan |
In remembrance: Former PresidentJimmy Carter, whom scholars say was one of the most principled presidents, shared a lasting message of human rights in his final visit to Michigan in 2014. As one of America’s foremost humanitarians, Carter led negotiations to stop wars in North Korea and Haiti, and his work with Habitat for Humanity helped grow the organization into the largest nonprofit housing builder on Earth. On the day after the death of former President Jimmy Carter, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered U.S. and Michigan flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff. Carter was 100 years old when he died Sunday, Dec. 29, more than a year after he entered hospice care. Whitmer ordered flags should be returned to full-staff on Jan. 28. Remembering the legends: From the iconic voice of “Star Wars” villain Darth Vader to the beloved “Harry Potter” actor who portrayed Professor Minerva McGonagall, 2024 was a year of big losses when it came to celebrities and A-listers. The Associated Press compiled a month-by-month tally of the deaths, which you can see here. Ringing in the New Year: From a big cherry drop to champagne toasts, Michigan will not have a shortage of fun events to bring in 2025. Check out these events in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Traverse City, Genesee County, Washtenaw County, and Charlevoix. |
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There's still time to pen those 2025 resolutions before the clock strikes midnight. Whatever your goals may be for the new year, I have confidence that you will succeed! As always, you can catch the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a subscriber. Happy New Year! — Cara Hackett |
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Subscribe today to get exclusive insights and bonus content from Detroit Lions writers Kyle Meinke, Benjamin Raven and Kory Woods. Dungeon of Doom is your home for entertaining and informative analysis and discussion of the Lions. Get your 14-day free trial and then keep the conversation going for only $4.99 per month. |
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