FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2024 |
|
|
In today's newsletter, bill aims at conserving nearly a third of Michigan land and water by 2030, lawmakers want to give cities the option to decide on concealed carry and whooping cough is on the rise. |
Walking in a winter wonderland |
Parts of Michigan have seen quite the snowfall this week as heavy lake-effect snow blanketed the state. The National Weather Service at Grand Rapids made a map of the snowfall totals through Thursday morning. Antrim County in Northern Michigan has a few spots that likely received more than 18 inches of snow. In Elmira, located in Lower Michigan just west of Gaylord, received up to 17 inches. If the recent snow has inspired you to partake in a few winter activities, fat-tire biking at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes opens Sunday, Dec. 15. |
|
|
The S.S. Badger car ferry is decorated with holiday lights. The 410-foot historic ship is docked in Ludington for the winter. (Todd Reed | Todd & Brad Reed Photography) |
|
|
Disease known to hospitalize children is continuing to spread in Michigan |
What to know: Michigan is seeing its highest number of pertussis infections in a decade. As of Dec. 8, the state health department reported more than 1,500 cases, which is more than twice as much as the 596-case average from 2017 through 2019. More than half of infants who contract pertussis require hospitalization. Once their condition has deteriorated enough to require medical care, there isn’t much physicians can do to treat them or speed up recovery. Symptoms: Pertussis is also known as whooping cough because of the sound its uncontrollable coughing fits can make for months following an infection. The disease can look like a common cold in the early days after infection. Babies and young children may not cough at first and instead have pauses in their breathing that can make their skin look bluish and cause shortness of breath. Within days that can develop into uncontrolled coughing fits. An update: On Tuesday, Dec. 10, the Michigan House passed legislation that would update rules governing renovation in buildings with lead paint and lower the threshold for what’s considered an “elevated” lead level in a child’s bloodstream. |
|
|
Bill aims at conserving nearly a third of Michigan land and water by 2030 |
Save the trees: Michigan Democrats have advanced a bill that calls for 30% of the state’s land and water to be subject to conservation measures within five years time, aligning it with an international goal to protect nature in the face of global climate change. For the first time in at least a decade, fees associated with hunting, fishing and boating could jump in Michigan. Democrats are looking to shore up the state Department of Natural Resources’ budget in the weeks before the close of the hectic lame duck session when they lose their governing trifecta. They’re proposing increasing the cost of boat registration fees and hunting and fishing licenses — in some cases more than 50%. A petition opposing the development of an Upper Peninsula copper mine saw a swell of support in the last week after a climate activist with a large TikTok following posted about the controversial project. The video, which has more than 4 million views, is about Quebec-based Highland Copper planning to build a $425 million copper mine near the border of the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Gogebic County. |
|
|
Ontario premier threatens to withhold electricity exports to Michigan, US over Trump tariffs |
"Last resort": Canadian officials are threatening to withhold electricity exports to a handful of states including Michigan in response to tariffs being proposed by President-elect Donald Trump. Ontario Premier Doug Ford confirmed on Thursday is he considering the move after Trump proposed a 25% tariff on all products entering the U.S. from Canada, according to the Associated Press. The world’s longest-running bird census is about to get started for the 125th consecutive year. For more than a century, bird enthusiasts have participated in this community science project. Tens of thousands of bird-loving Michiganders are expected to volunteer for the Christmas Bird Count this year. The count runs from Dec. 14 to Jan. 5 in designated areas across the Western Hemisphere with dozens of places in Michigan included. In case you missed it: Federal wildlife authorities announced a proposal to list the monarch butterfly as a threatened species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants public feedback on a plan to list the migratory insect as threatened, which comes with both federal protections and conservation funding. The proposed rule would build on already underway habitat conservation efforts, officials said. |
|
|
Should open carry be banned in public buildings? Lawmakers want to give cities the option |
Democratic lawmakers have taken the first step in allowing local governments to ban the open carry of firearms within their publicly owned buildings. Bill sponsor State Rep. Carol Glanville, D-Walker, said the legislation would allow counties, cities, townships and villages to create ordinances that ban people from openly carrying a firearm within buildings owned and leased by local governments. It wouldn’t allow local governments to ban concealed carry. Beware of scams: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reminding citizens to be vigilant when it comes to scammers’ efforts, particularly when it comes to puppy scams and phishing. Elsewhere in the Midwest: The wife of a Wisconsin kayaker who faked his own drowning so he could leave her and their children and meet a woman in Eastern Europe filed court documents Thursday seeking to end their marriage. A hearing in the case has been set for April. |
|
|
Mackinac Island freezes ferry ticket prices for 2025 |
Mackinac Island officials voted Wednesday to freeze next year’s ferry ticket prices at the 2024 rates for both Shepler’s and the newly-rebranded Arnold Transit Co. The two ferry groups had requested a $2 increase on ticket prices for next year, saying the Florida-based private equity firm that now owns both boat services has invested millions into their equipment and maintenance this year - and even more pricey projects are on deck. Decorated: The S.S. Badger is decked out with 1,100 feet of twinkling lights, 32 red and green LED bulbs and a Christmas tree. The display will stay up through the holiday season. The 410-foot car ferry, which transports passengers and vehicles across Lake Michigan during the warmer months, is docked in Ludington for the winter. Saving money: If the recent cold and snow has you dreaming about summer adventures, this deal is for you. Get gift certificates for Manistee’s “Boatel” at 15% off now through Dec. 20. The Boatel on the historic S.S. City of Milwaukee railcar ferry is a one-of-a-kind bed and breakfast, inviting guests to step back to the 1930s. What once were the passenger areas of the 360-foot ship now serve as the B&B. |
|
|
Thanks 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. Have a great weekend! — Cara Hackett |
|
|
Ready for positive, feel-good coverage of life in the Mitten? Curated from our best travel, outdoor, food, entertainment, photos and videos - immerse yourself in the place we love and the place we call home. Explore new dining, cabin rentals or how to view the next meteor shower. Join MLive․com's Tanda Gmiter and the Life & Culture team every week. Your next adventure is waiting! Sign up here. There's one caveat: This is an exclusive newsletter for MLive.com's loyal subscribers. Not a subscriber? That's OK. You can receive a few weeks of the newsletter as a free trial. Click here to sign up. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
WANT TO SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER WITH A FRIEND? |
Did someone share this newsletter with you? Click here to never miss a day! |
|
|
To contact the newsrooms for any of our publications regarding technical support, news tips, classified ads and other inquiries, please click here. |
|
|
Unlimited Digital Access. |
|
|
$5 for first month (cancel anytime) |
| |
|
$5 for first month (cancel anytime) |
| |
|
INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING
OR SPONSORING OUR NEWSLETTERS? |
|
|
You received this email because you opted in to the newsletter. To ensure receipt of our emails, please add [email protected] to your address book or safe sender list. MLive Media Group 169 Monroe NW #100Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Contact us | Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy |
|
|
|
