In today's newsletter, financial relief after a natural disaster would be sped up with proposed bill, student homelessness rises, program aims to house 150 families by summer and how Michigan plans to reduce HIV infections by 90%. |
Another win is in the books for the Lions |
The Detroit Lions have done it again. After a thrilling fourth quarter, the Lions (12-1) won, 34-31 against the Green Bay Packers, on a 35-yard field goal by Jake Bates, keeping their perch atop the NFC and officially clinching a spot in the postseason. Last nights win over the Packers isn't the only thing the team is celebrating. Jake Bates won NFC special teams player of the month for November after a couple of big and clutch kicks. This marks the first time in team history the Lions have had an offensive, defensive and special teams player of the month winner in a single season. Take a look at what's being said nationally after the Lions' win. |
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Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff throws a pass under pressure by Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker during the second half on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 at Ford Field. The Detroit Lions defeated the Green Bay Packers 34-31. (Jake May | MLive.com) |
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When tornadoes, other disasters hit, financial relief would be sped up with proposed bill |
Disaster relief: Communities hit hard by natural disasters and seeking state assistance could receive dollars faster if a funding cap is removed, Michigan Senate Democrats say. Legislation voted out of a Senate committee on Wednesday, Dec. 4 would seek to speed up the process of municipalities receiving state disaster assistance by removing the $10 million cap on money in Michigan’s emergency assistance fund, called the Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund. Also in politics: Michigan lawmakers have proposed a trio of options to increase road funding during the legislature’s lame duck period. On Thursday, Dec. 5, Democrats in the state House introduced three bills to address Michigan’s annual road funding shortage. The move comes after Republicans proposed their own change late last month. End of an era: Democratic U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow delivered her farewell speech Wednesday, closing out a political career spanning 50 years of service and calling on Americans to find common ground. Stabenow, 74, declined to seek reelection this year after having represented Michigan since 2001 in the U.S. Senate. |
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Rarest type of thundersnow just occurred in Michigan |
What's that? The powerful winter storm that swept across the state Wednesday night had a little something extra packed inside of it: Thundersnow. Thundersnow, which is a thunderstorm that produces snow instead of rain, can happen with a large-scale widespread snowstorm. It’s quite rare because the processes that make thunderstorms don’t happen often in cold situations. The snow just keeps piling up in Paradise, burying Tahquamenon Falls State Park in 4 1/2 feet of fresh snow. Since Thanksgiving, the state park has received 54 inches of snow. Since data collection started in the 1970s, the park has historically averaged a little over 20 inches in November. Hazard: I-94 was shut down eight separate times over nine hours on Thursday, Dec. 5, as drivers crashed while passing through waves of winter weather in Southwest Michigan. The crashes started racking up Thursday morning as snow fell, blowing across roads and reducing visibility. |
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As student homelessness rises, program aims to house 150 families by summer |
Helping hand: A new program in Kalamazoo County aims to help 150 families out of homelessness by the end of this school year. The program, led by Integrated Services of Kalamazoo, is specifically helping families with school-aged children get housing. For many, the solution is as simple as finding a willing landlord, getting help with a deposit and a few month’s rent. For the future: More housing, safer roadways and thriving local business districts are among the goals outlined in the City of Grand Rapids’ new master plan, a blueprint that will guide the city’s growth and development over the next 20 years. Related: A new housing development is being planned for Pinconning’s former "Northern Tube" site. The plans currently include 18 three-story apartment buildings. Apartments will range from one- to three-bedroom options, and prices will range from $900 to $1,350 per month. |
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How Michigan plans to reduce HIV infections by 90% |
In health: Michigan is setting an ambitious goal to significantly reduce new HIV infections among its residents. Officials have a plan to cut new infections 90% by 2030, the Department of Health and Human Services announced this week. The state’s plan—titled Ending HIV Together: Michigan’s Equitable Plan—aligns with national and global initiatives. Looking at the numbers: In 2023, Michigan reported 696 people were diagnosed with HIV. There were another 18,437 people living with the virus by the end of the year. Last year’s total new HIV infections detected (696) was the highest since 2018, but remains far lower than the 1,000 to 1,500 range from the 1990s. Only 19% of detections were late stage -- a rate that has also been declining over time. Recommendation: It’s the perfect time to get a flu vaccine before the holidays. Health officials from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services say it takes two weeks after getting the annual vaccine for your body to build up enough immunity to protect itself from severe illness from the flu. Getting a shot within the next week will allow for max protection for the end-of-year holidays. |
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Michigan Democrats advance bills to restore water protection authority |
A Michigan House of Representatives committee advanced legislation this week that would restore the state’s ability to develop rules to prevent chemical spillage and limit the discharge of pollutants from farms and factories. The legislation is opposed by agriculture, business and municipal groups, who say it will drive up costs for businesses and local governments, while environmental groups consider restoring the state’s rule-making authority one of their top priorities. "Pro-nuclear" state: Michigan would declare itself “open for business” to the nuclear industry by passing legislation that would aid development of small reactors and establish research and training programs, lawmakers argued this week. Under construction: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has taken a big step towards construction of a $1.15 billion project to block invasive carp from reaching the Great Lakes. On Nov. 27, the Army Corps Rock Island District awarded the first construction contract in the multi-year rebuild effort at the Brandon Road Lock & Dam near Joliet, Ill. |
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You're all caught up on the top stories from around Michigan. Stay in the know with the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a subscriber. Have a great weekend! — Cara Hackett |
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