| THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025 |
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In today's newsletter, Blizzard Warning issued for part of Michigan, where to see dawn redwoods in Michigan and five ways Gov. Whitmer’s $83.5B budget proposal would impact Michigan schools. |
Want to test out Michigan’s world-class fishery? Try fishing for free this month |
If you'd like to try fishing in Michigan for free, thanks to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, mark your calendar for the upcoming biannual Free Fishing Weekend. During President's Day weekend, fishing is open on both inland waters and the Great Lakes. All fishing license fees are waived and Recreation Passport will not be required for entry into state parks and boating access sites from Feb. 15-16. Speaking of getting outdoors, the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex is looking for certified ski patrollers to volunteer their time on the slopes. |
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In this DNR file photo, an angler pulls a sled full of ice fishing equipment across the frozen Higgins Lake. The 2020-2021 ice fishing season is coming to a close with ice shanty removal dates beginning on Sunday, Feb. 21. (David Kenyon | Michigan Department of Natural Resources) |
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Black babies in Michigan face triple the mortality rate of white infants before first birthday |
Michigan continues to grapple with high infant mortality rates, particularly among Black babies, who are disproportionately affected. The state’s annual infant mortality report from the Department of Health and Human Services shows 12 of Michigan’s 83 counties with the highest population of Blacks reported higher death rates for babies in 2020-22. Socioeconomic barriers: In Michigan, the overall Black infant mortality rate increased from 13.4 in 2011-2013 to 14.2 in 2020-2022, while general infant mortality decreased from 5.3 to 4.5. Socioeconomic disparities, such as low income, housing instability, and limited access to healthcare, contribute to higher rates of SIDS and other infant deaths among Black families, said Family Medicine Physician at CMU Health and Saginaw County Health Department Medical Director Dr. Delicia Pruitt. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports Pruitt’s belief, stating in an academic journal “Structural racism and unequal access to health, social and educational resources further amplify these risks.” In the midst of a contested federal funding freeze authorized by President Donald Trump’s administration, head start programs —or those providing early education and family support services to low-income families—have been assured they’re exempt. But across the country, including Michigan, many of these programs are still seeing continued delays in receiving funds. |
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Blizzard Warning issued for part of Michigan, treacherous travel expected |
A Blizzard Warning has been hoisted for a portion of the western Upper Peninsula, and other counties along Lake Superior - from Munising to Grand Marais to Newberry - are under a Winter Weather Advisory. The details: Anywhere from 2 to 6 inches of snow paired with wind gusts as high as 55 mph are forecast to create blizzard conditions and dangerous travel conditions across Keweenaw, Houghton and Ontonagon counties, according to the National Weather Service in Marquette. The Blizzard Warning will remain in effect from 11 a.m. Thursday to 1 p.m. Friday. Road hazard: Be prepared for an icy commute on Thursday. As the freezing rain exits and the temperatures warm on Thursday into the 30s, the winds are forecast to increase. Some wind gusts could reach 55 mph by Thursday afternoon and evening. |
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Once thought extinct, dawn redwoods are the smallest sequoia; where to see them in Michigan |
In the wild: A tree species once thought to be extinct is thriving in Michigan. The dawn redwood was rediscovered in the 1940s. Since then, dozens – perhaps even hundreds – have been planted throughout Michigan. Eleven are listed on the Michigan Big Tree Register. Where to see it: One of them continues to shine as a “symbol of conservation” at Michigan State University, said Katie Fry, collections manager for the Beal Botanical Garden. “We grow rare plants local to Michigan and across the world to preserve biodiversity, raise awareness, and share how we can all be good stewards of our planet.” Dwindling: The number of monarch butterflies spending the winter in the western United States has dropped to its second-lowest mark in nearly three decades as pesticides, diminishing habitat and climate change take their toll on the beloved pollinator. Monarchs across the continent face mounting threats, chief among them vanishing milkweed, the host plant for the insect’s caterpillars. |
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5 ways Whitmer’s $83.5B budget proposal would impact Michigan schools |
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office last week revealed early details of her 2026 budget proposal, including promises to Michigan schools like historic per-student funding levels and intensified transparency measures tracking academic improvement. Here are the five ways the governor’s budget would affect schools across Michigan. However, the list of recommendations unveiled to state lawmakers Wednesday, Feb. 5, would largely uphold existing priorities and programs for 1.4 million public school students. If approved, it would double-down on free universal pre-kindergarten schooling and continue free school meals and mental health and safety funding. "A chilling effect": Recent changes to federal immigration law have prompted dips in attendance at some Michigan schools, and some students are requesting virtual attendance options, according to several of the state’s immigration advocacy groups. |
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Michigan’s minimum wage increases Feb. 21. Here’s what to know |
Pay bump: Minimum wage workers in Michigan will receive an 18% increase in their hourly pay starting later this month unless lawmakers stop or amend the changes. The state’s minimum wage is set to increase Feb. 21 from the current $10.56 an hour to $12.48 thanks to a Michigan Supreme Court ruling last summer. It’ll be the second minimum wage increase this year, with the wage having increased by 23 cents on Jan. 1 as previously planned. That same ruling will also see the base pay for tipped workers increase Feb. 21 from the current $4.01 an hour to $5.99. Tipped workers receive the full minimum wage if their base pay plus tips do not reach the standard minimum wage. Need a summer job? Cedar Point is set to hire 7,000 seasonal employees for its 2025 season, which begins in May. Numerous positions are available and the park plans to start filling those roles during a week-long hiring blitz during Feb. 15 – 22. |
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Thank you for starting your day with the Morning Briefing. I'm glad you're here. As always, you can catch the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a subscriber. See you tomorrow! — Cara Hackett |
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