| TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2025 |
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In today's newsletter, a look at Gov. Whitmer’s $3B Michigan road plan, Michigan and 22 other states sue to block Trump medical research funding cuts and climb a frozen waterfall at an U.P. Ice Fest. |
A new pie shape is coming to Buddy's Pizza |
Buddy's Pizza has been creating square-shaped, Detroit style pies for almost 80 years. But the famous pizza maker is rolling out round pizzas, named Rendezvous Rounds, for the first time in its history. The round shaped pizzas are only available in at locations in Grand Rapids and Portage. To celebrate the launch of the new menu item, Buddy's will give away a free 10″ round cheese pizza to the first 46 customers in line in Grand Rapids and Portage when stores open at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 17. While you're in Grand Rapids, grab a mouthwatering burger from Wishes Food-Snacks-And More. This neighborhood spot serves up made-to-order burgers, loaded fries, chips and cheese, and candies. |
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For the first time in its 79-year history, Buddy's Pizza will serve round pies on its menu at its restaurants in west Michigan. (Photo provided by Buddy's Pizza) |
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Snowstorm finally on track for large part of southern Michigan |
On the way: It looks like a large part of southern Lower Michigan is in line for a substantial snow this week. The storm system center will track from the southern Plains to northern Ohio Tuesday to Thursday. This should mostly be a snow, but far southeast Michigan could also have some sleet and freezing rain. The snow will start midday Wednesday for all of us and peak in intensity late Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday night. The precipitation should be ending early Thursday morning. Be aware: A winter storm watch has been issued for much of the southern half of Lower Michigan for the high likelihood of more than five inches of snow. The winter storm watch goes into effect at 1 p.m. Wednesday and continues through to 7 a.m. Thursday. As the forecast becomes more clear for an incoming storm slated to bring up to 8 inches of snow, one detail should be highlighted early: Driving conditions are expected to deteriorate on Wednesday, putting the evening commute and Thursday’s morning commute in the danger zone. |
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Whitmer’s $3B Michigan road plan: Higher corporate tax, new marijuana tax |
A new plan: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to fix Michigan’s roads by adding about $3 billion in additional infrastructure funding each year without commuters paying more. Whitmer unveiled the plan Monday, Feb. 10. It would generate long-term road funding by increasing the corporate income tax, taxing wholesale marijuana sales, cutting unspecified programs and shifting all taxes at the pump to road funding. Objections: But the road funding plan is bad for business, according to the Detroit Regional Chamber. Officials say Whitmer’s proposal would increase the corporate income tax to 8%, putting Michigan among the states with the highest corporate income taxes in the nation. In public interest: A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit over insurance payments for five artworks destroyed in a 2022 house fire in west Michigan, among them three paintings by the French impressionist Claude Monet collectively worth more than $45 million. |
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Michigan, 22 states sue to block Trump medical research funding cuts |
The latest Trump administration move to cut congressionally-approved spending threatens millions in research funding to state universities, said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who joined counterparts in Massachusetts and Illinois in a lawsuit attempting to block the cuts. On Monday, Feb. 10, Michigan and 22 states sued to stop cuts to certain cost reimbursements through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which announced a new policy late Friday to cap funding which supports overhead costs at research institutions. The move threatens $226 million out of $1 billion in total NIH grants going to Michigan research institutions, Nessel said. That total includes $181 million at the University of Michigan, $27 million at Michigan State University and $18 million at Wayne State University, she said. If not halted, the sudden NIH funding cuts threaten to disrupt clinical trials and research programs and will cause layoffs and laboratory closures, she said. Youth STEM program: Three Michigan Starbase programs suddenly shut down Friday, Feb. 7 due to a lack of federal funding. Starbase, a nonprofit, is supported by the U.S. Department of Defense, but its funding recently ran out as lawmakers are still negotiating the 2025 budget. |
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Why a Super Bowl halftime performer was detained, banned from NFL events after unfurling a flag |
"Banned for life": A performer in Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show was detained on the field and could face charges after unfurling a combination Sudanese-Palestinian flag with “Sudan” and “Gaza” written on it. The NFL confirmed the person was part of the 400-member field cast. The New Orleans Police Department said in a statement that “law enforcement is working to determine applicable charges in this incident.” In baseball: Detroit Tigers prospects Thayron Liranzo and Hao-Yu Lee are among 18 non-roster players who will receive invitations to big-league spring training this week. The Tigers released their full camp roster, including 18 non-roster players, on Monday. There’s still room for potential additions in the coming days. Javier Baez was one of the least productive players in baseball in 2023 and he followed it up with an even worse 2024 campaign that ended with hip surgery in August. But he’s still here, and if he’s healthy, he’s likely to have a spot on the Tigers’ Opening Day roster. Baez is 32 and is owed $73 million through the 2027 season. The Tigers haven’t reached the point of cutting their losses and cutting him a check, but they might not be far away. |
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Are you brave enough to climb a frozen waterfall? Learn at U.P. Ice Fest. |
Try it out: Thrill seekers of all skill levels are invited to climb frozen waterfalls at Michigan Ice Fest. Three decades in and the wild, winter festival is still drawing thousands of outdoor enthusiasts to watch the spectacle of ice climbing. Set in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising, the Michigan Ice Fest kicks off Wednesday, Feb. 12, with scheduled activities stretching out through the weekend. There’s more to see once the lights go out in Rochester's Meadow Brook Hall. The estate is bringing visitors in after-hours for a flashlight-lit tour of the historic 1920s mansion. This winter, participants will be taken "behind ropes, under tables and inside cabinets" on their after-dark tour of rooms and architectural pieces you may have missed in a daylight tour. Join the Tuesday night tours on Feb. 18 and 25 or March 4, 11, 18 and 25. For the last few years, the Enchanted Trail has been an early winter and holiday staple at The Highlands at Harbor Springs. This four-season resort invites overnight guests and visitors to walk a colorful trail through the woods, illuminated by thousands of little lights and featuring some creative interactive displays. |
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I'm glad you decided to start your day with the Morning Briefing. We'll be back in your inbox bright and early tomorrow morning. Until then, 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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