| February 17, 2021 
 There are some glimmers the COVID-19 pandemic is finally winding down. The major indicators -- case numbers, positivity rates, hospitalizations and deaths -- have been dropping for weeks and are now at their lowest levels in months. There’s hope those trendlines will continue downward as winter weather ebbs, allowing people to spend more time outside, and as the state’s vaccination program continues to ramp up. But the danger isn't over, especially as the threat of new COVID-19 variants loom, as well as the potential Michiganders drop their guard too quickly, creating another surge. It’s also becoming increasingly clear that herd immunity likely will prove elusive, at least in the immediate future. MORE ►Gov. Whitmer urges President Biden to coordinate federal COVID-19 vaccination distribution with state  Whether or not you follow gymnastics, you have to see this. Junior Natalie Wojcik already had a long list of accomplishments during her Michigan gymnastics career. Then, she added another accomplishment during Monday’s competition against Nebraska, and it's a big one. The Pennsylvania native scored a perfect 10 on the balance beam, becoming the third gymnast in program history to do so and the first since 1997. You can check out the footage of her perfect performance here: MORE  A Flint native and owner of 14 McDonald’s franchises in Ohio is suing the world’s largest franchisor, alleging it has shown more favorable treatment to white owners and denied him the opportunity to buy restaurants in more affluent communities. Herbert Washington filed a civil rights lawsuit Tuesday in the Northern District Court of Ohio. The suit alleges racial discrimination and retaliation against Washington. “In his four decades in the McDonald’s system, Mr. Washington has suffered deplorable treatment as compared with White franchisees,” the lawsuit reads. MORE
 More than 18,000 workers are employed in Michigan’s marijuana industry, nearly double the number of cannabis jobs in the state a year ago, according to a new cannabis industry jobs report. “There are now more cannabis workers than cops in Michigan,” said the fifth annual Leafly jobs report, released Tuesday. “In a state known for its auto industry, the number of cannabis workers is now roughly equal to the number of auto repair mechanics.” Michigan has also surpassed Oregon in the number of jobs in the cannabis industry. MORE  Sure, winter can be cold (okay, really cold 🥶), but it can also be stunningly gorgeous. Grand Haven’s iconic pier is especially gorgeous at the moment. While always photogenic, the lighthouse and catwalk are particularly ready for a photoshoot right now. The area is covered in ice, making it a much different scene here on the shores of Lake Michigan than the one beachgoers get during the summer months. Since we suggest you don't head out there yourself, we have this incredible drone footage for you to enjoy: MORE Get your local news 24/7 Connect with MLive
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