In today's newsletter, teen charged in mass shooting, Michigan Republicans to probe Chinese influence and you can buy a vintage chunk of the Mackinac Bridge. |
Big events happening on both sides of the state |
The 2025 Detroit Auto Show opened to the general public on Saturday at Huntington Place and will run through Monday, Jan. 20. Here are our favorite front-end photos, some famous movie vehicles and the weird and wonderful cars we saw. Ahead of the auto show, Ford’s Detroit Proud event showcased a fleet of new vehicles with Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Goff rode onstage in a one-of-800 special edition Lions-themed F-150, then tossed footballs to attendees. On the west side of the state, the largest winter festival in the U.S. kicked off over the weekend. World of Winter in Grand Rapids runs through March 10 with over 100 art installations, live performances and activities for the public. |
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1970 vs. today: High school, college attainment rates in every Michigan county |
Now vs. then: Barely half of Michigan adults had a high school diploma in 1970. Only 53% of Michiganders age 25 and older had finished four years of high school, according to 1970 Census data. That topped the U.S. average of 52%. Meanwhile, 9% of Michigan adults and 11% nationally had completed four years of college in 1970. In the past half-century, educational attainment has risen significantly. Today, more than 90% of adults have a high school diploma or a GED equivalent. The percentage with bachelor’s degrees has more than tripled. Unauthorized access: Hackers might have accessed student information nationwide in a cybersecurity breach targeting one of the largest education technology companies in the country, PowerSchool. Cutting ties: The University of Michigan is ending its partnership with the Chinese university linked to national security concerns this past fall. |
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Teen charged in Michigan’s largest mass shooting that killed 2, injured 19 |
A teenager is facing dozens of charges in connection to a July shooting at a Detroit block party that killed two people and injured 19 others – making it Michigan’s largest mass shooting in recent history. Demitrus Tiwan Shaw, 19, was charged and arrested with two counts of first-degree murder, 19 counts of assault with intent to murder and 21 counts of felony firearm. Fraud: A Van Buren County family hired Gordon Leighton to build a new home in 2022. Now, they’re out $95,000 for the remaining construction. The builder is facing charges for contractor fraud and operating without a license, according to a Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office release. An update: The foster father who was injured during a home invasion and shooting that killed his wife and father-in-law has been on the mend, according to his pastor. |
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Michigan Republicans to probe Chinese influence, Democrats’ use of power |
From the “weaponization” of state government by top Michigan Democrats to Chinese influence in the state, the newly in-power House Republicans are looking to launch a series of investigations this year. House Republicans, led by House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, will augment their investigatory powers by granting the House Oversight Committee the permanent ability to issue subpoenas. By doing so, the committee will be able to compel witnesses to testify and departments to produce evidence under threat of law. Receiving $: More than $34 million in federal funding is coming to Michigan to support infrastructure projects across the state, the Michigan Infrastructure Office announced. The bulk of the funds will be used to replace the East Beltline Bridge in Grand Rapids – a $25-million project, according to a news release from the state. |
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Michigan reports historic organ and tissue donations in 2024 |
Michigan had a strong year of organ and tissue donations in 2024. The state had 533 people donate organs, which was the second highest annual total, according to Gift of Life Michigan. The 1,960 tissue donations was the highest in a year, marking a 5% increase from the previous state record. Also in health: Former MSU interim president Teresa Woodruff, who helped pioneer an entirely new field of science - oncofertility - that combines the study of cancer (oncology) with reproductive health, was awarded the National Medal of Science. Could be a good fit for your front yard: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ January Tree of the Month is the Osage orange. It grows an iconic fruit that’s often referred to as a “spider ball.” |
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You can buy a vintage chunk of the Mackinac Bridge – but there’s a catch |
Pieces of Michigan history are up for sale: The Mackinac Bridge Authority is auctioning off seven 60-year-old chunks of original steel grating from the Mackinac Bridge deck. But there’s a big condition - each 5½-foot by 38-foot piece weighs about 2 tons, or 4,000 pounds. Hop on: Michigan has more than 6,000 miles of state-designated snowmobile trails, and it’s all free to ride next weekend. The 56th running of the International 500 Snowmobile Endurance Race is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 1, at Soo I-500 Race Track in Sault Ste. Marie. The ice track will be more than a foot thick for the 9-hour race. |
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Thank you for joining me on today's edition of the Morning Briefing. As always, you can catch the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a subscriber. Have a good day! — Jamie Rewerts |
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