| TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024 |
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In today's newsletter, looking at the odds of a white Christmas, bird flu detected in West Michigan commercial poultry facility and where the Lions go from here after losing starting RB to season-ending surgery. |
Some of the best gifts don't come in a box. |
With Christmas roughly a week away, the rush is on to whittle down the holiday gift list and check it twice. Wish lists are typically filled with the latest tech gear or games. But every once in a while you will come across a magical experience that can't be gift wrapped. One Michigan grandmother had her ultimate holiday gift wish granted this month after she won Jeremy Bloom’s Wish of a Lifetime, a charitable affiliate of AARP that grants life-changing wishes to older adults and inspires people to redefine aging in America. Beth Booth, of Bangor Township, won a trip to New York City through the program and says she is "really blessed" after the experience. If seeing the ball drop and counting down to midnight also feels magical and brings you a bit of holiday joy, consider heading Up North for Ludington’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. |
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The New Year's Eve Ball Drop in downtown Ludington, Mich., attracts about 10,000 attendees every year. (Photo by ToddandBradReed.com) |
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White Christmas for Michigan? There is some hope |
Snow day: Northern Michigan usually doesn’t struggle to have a white Christmas while Southern Michigan historically is on the verge of having one. The weather late this week and a weather system right around Christmas Eve day can give Southern Michigan a halfway decent shot at a white Christmas. Temperatures look to be just a few degrees above freezing on Christmas Day. It won’t be warm enough to rapidly melt the little snow we will have on the ground. Winter weather: It will feel and look more wintry this week with storm systems moving in. We are actually going to have our first Alberta Clipper storm system also by the end of the week. The northern half of Lower Michigan should be in a steady light to moderate snow Thursday night and Friday. The southern half of Lower Michigan will only get skimmed by snow during both snow systems. Looking up at the skies: In case you missed the Geminid meteor shower peak over the weekend, there's still a chance to see them this week. They’ll hang around until Christmas Eve, their numbers dropping a bit every night between now and Dec. 24. |
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Reforms before lawmakers may grant relief for Michigan prisoners, human trafficking survivors |
Lawmakers are pushing to pass a trio of criminal justice reforms that could aid Michigan prisoners and offenders who are survivors of human trafficking. One reform would allow prisoners to request a reduced sentence after serving 20 years, and another modifies sentencing for prisoners convicted of murder committed when they were younger than 19 years old. In crime: Eleven children have been confirmed as potential sexual abuse victims of a former Washtenaw County youth pastor charged with 33 felonies, according to court records. In case you missed it: Guns turned over to the Michigan State Police through buyback programs could no longer legally be resold if a bill package becomes law. The three bill package would require the state police destroy all firearms turned in through buyback programs. |
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Bird flu detected in West Michigan commercial poultry facility |
A Michigan poultry farm has been hit by the highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as bird flu. Veterinary researchers detected the disease in a commercial poultry facility in Ottawa County during an investigation conducted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, according to a Dec. 16 news release from the state agency. The state did not disclose the name of the Ottawa County farm or the number of birds affected. On the agenda: Federal nuclear regulators will hear about plans to repair damaged steam generator tubes at the Palisades nuclear plant during a meeting next month with facility owner Holtec International. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will host the meeting at its headquarters in Maryland but will provide an online option for the public to observe. Also in business: A local garlic bread empire known for its invention and distribution of frozen garlic bread has been sold to a family-owned Ontario bakery. Mississauga-based Furlani Foods announced last week the company has signed an agreement to acquire Cole’s Quality Foods, creating production, innovation and supply chain advantages for the brands. |
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Where the Lions go from here after losing starting RB to season-ending surgery |
Sidelined: David Montgomery needs season-ending knee surgery, per Dan Campbell. It’s another crushing blow for a Detroit Lions team dealing with a long list of injuries and missing pieces. Montgomery’s MCL injury represents a challenge on the offensive side of the ball, with most of the existing injuries on defense. Take a listen: The Detroit Lions (12-2) had their 11-game winning streak snapped, losing 48-42 to the Buffalo Bills (11-3) in Week 15 action from Ford Field. In the latest Dungeon of Doom podcast episode, Ben and Kory dive into three things we learned in the team’s first loss since mid-September. Back on top: A week after being bumped out of the top spot in the national rankings, Michigan State hockey reclaimed it. The Spartans returned to No. 1 in the new USCHO rankings released on Monday. They received 31 of 50 first-place votes following a huge weekend on the road. |
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See if your after-school group is set to receive Michigan grant funding |
More support: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a $75 million grant initiative split among 177 organizations that provide before-school, after-school and summer programming. Many of the groups receiving funding for the 2024-25 school year are based in Detroit or West Michigan, with others located in Lansing, Midland and Flint. Check out the list of 31 programs receiving awards. In higher ed: A top University of Michigan administrator accused of making antisemitic comments has been fired. Rachel Dawson, who directed diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives as the former director of the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives, denies making the comments and might sue the university, according to her attorney. In housing: Clearshore Property Management Company cut the ribbon on a new $4 million apartment complex development on the southeast side of Grand Rapids. Rents are priced to serve the “missing middle,” or households making 80% of Kent County’s median income or below, and range from $1,395 to $1,695 per month. |
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Thank you for joining me on today's edition of the Morning Briefing. Stay in the know with recent stories by catching the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a subscriber. See you tomorrow! — 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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