FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2023 |
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In today's newsletter, Michigan drivers will have a new license plate option, associates of ex-Michigan House speaker charged with embezzlement, and the Detroit Lions are expected to secure their first division crown since 1993. |
'Twas the Friday before Christmas🎄 |
Hopefully your holiday shopping is done and stockings will soon be hung with care as we close in on Christmas Day. As we await Santa's landing, check out our roundup of festive, family-friendly events across Michigan. Pick up those last minute gifts at Grand Rapid's Christkindle Markt or grab your skates for Patterson Ice Center's Christmas Eve Ugly Sweater Open Skate. Enjoy Christmas Eve at the Frauenthal Theater and lighting of 1,600 luminaries in the Glenside Neighborhood in Muskegon. From Flint boxing legend Claressa Shields's annual toy drive to a Cosmic Light Christmas show, Flint has several fun events this weekend. In Ann Arbor, sing carols at the Michigan Theater before watching the classic Christmas movie, “It’s A Wonderful Life”. |
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A person dressed as Santa Claus greets families inside Santa’s Workshop located at 1810 Court St. in Saginaw on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com) |
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Michigan bringing back vintage green plate, changing driver’s license |
On the bumper: Starting next month, Michigan drivers will have a new green-and-white license plate design to select. The 2024 revamped plate is based on a design from 1963 and pays tribute to the civil rights advancements of the same year. More to explore: A slice of land hailed as the largest remaining unprotected, undeveloped shoreline from Charlevoix to the Mackinac Bridge is now part of a new nature preserve set to open to the public next year.
Increase: Residents will pay more for year-round access to Michigan's state parks, recreation areas and more, starting on Jan. 1. The new cost of a Recreation Passport for a vehicle will be $14 – an increase of $1. This is the second price jump in less than a year – it went up by $1 in March 2023. |
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Michigan needs to redraw 13 House, Senate districts, orders federal judges |
In politics: Thirteen of Michigan’s House and Senate districts require new maps after a new federal court order, which also orders no more elections in the current districts until maps are redrawn. The three judges from the U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan ruled the recently-redrawn maps are in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution, according to the Dec. 21 order. Felonies: Associates of ex-House Speaker Lee Chatfield, the husband and wife duo of Anné and Rob Minard, are collectively facing more than a dozen felony charges for their alleged roles in misappropriating funds tied to the former lawmaker, Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Thursday. |
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Northern Michigan town showcases 29 holiday light displays on driving route |
| Sight to see: This year, 29 businesses, nonprofits and residents are competing for prizes and bragging rights during the Manistee County Community Christmas. The festive displays include lights, blow-up characters, Christmas trees, wreaths, window hangings, garland and other creative decorations. Preserving: Ann Arbor is limiting heavy clusters of lights on trees to reduce tree damage. While some trees still have heavy clusters of decorations, others now have fewer lights just strung around the outer edges.
Speaking of Christmas displays, here are five places around Kalamazoo to take in the festivities.
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Lions-Vikings predictions: Detroit expected to secure first division crown since 1993 |
High expectations: When the Lions take on the Minnesota Vikings for their Week 16 matchup, they’ll have a chance to secure their first division crown in 30 years with a win over one of their longtime rivals.The Lions are also coming off a dominant performance last Saturday, crushing the Denver Broncos 42-17. New episode: What are the main takeaways from Jonathan Smith’s first Michigan State recruiting class? That’s the topic reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel spend time discussing on episode 132 of MLive’s Spartan Confidential podcast. Peacock is set to give NFL fans a Christmas present. NBC announced that its exclusive holiday broadcast of the Buffalo Bills vs. Los Angeles Charges will include the league’s first-ever commercial-free fourth quarter. The matchup between longtime AFC foes begins at 8 p.m. on Dec. 23. |
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Nearly 800 kids received toys for Christmas thanks to Little Miss Flint |
Filling a void: The University of Michigan's Maize and Blue Cupboard aims to fill a gap for its food insecure students, and has restocked its shelves before the holiday weekend for anyone in the university community still in Ann Arbor who needs nutritious food. Hundreds of children received Christmas gifts on Wednesday, Dec. 20 at Santa’s Workshop in Saginaw. Children had their photograph taken with Santa, told him what they wished for and received a bag full of candy, a coloring book, stickers and a wrapped toy. 5 fun things: Celebrate Christmas in mid-Michigan by visiting a National Historic Landmark, taking a holiday tour of the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio, and or some shopping in Frankenmuth. |
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That's a wrap for this week. |
Thanks for starting your Friday with us. We're taking a break on the Morning Briefing for Christmas Day, but we'll be in your inbox bright and early on Tuesday. Catch up with the latest news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a subscriber. I hope you have a safe and merry Christmas! — Cara Hackett |
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