In today's newsletter, a recap of Michigan's state politics, rent prices across the state keep rising, and there won't be much snow left after this week's warmup. |
We're less than 10 days away from Valentine's Day and Cupid is likely readying his heart-shaped arrows for the holiday. If you don't have a special someone to spend the day with, Bookmarks, an independent bookstore in downtown Midland, is hosting Blind Date With a Book on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. Participants can enjoy a wrapped book, snacks, the chance to mingle with new friends, and more. Feeling scorned this Valentine's Day? Muskegon's Heaven Can Wait Animal Haven will name a feral cat in honor of your ex before it’s spayed or neutered. |
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Donatella during “Winter’s a Drag” performance at World of Winter on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024 at Calder Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids. Donatella is a member of the MI Drag Brunch. (Photo: Joel Bissell) |
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Biden in Michigan; Whitmer, Democrats raise big bucks this fundraising quarter |
Recap: From President Joe Biden visiting members of the United Auto Workers just after their endorsement of his reelection campaign to state-level Democratic politicians raking in big bucks ahead of November, here’s what you may have missed this week in Michigan politics. Also in politics: Former Detroit Police chief and Michigan Senate candidate James Craig raised less than $61,000 in donations last year, while his most prominent rivals in the Republican primary each have roughly $1 million in the bank. Crisis: Flint City Council’s Gaza ceasefire resolution, approved on Jan. 22, is sparking hope among the area's Arabic community. |
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Michigan’s double-digit rent increase ranks third highest in the nation |
Renters across Michigan are feeling squeezed as housing costs keep going up. Despite rent costs stabilizing across the nation, the state recorded a 12.5% increase last year. Michigan now ranks as the third highest state for yearly rent increases, according to research from Rent. Out of budget: The Michigan State Housing Development Authority estimates the state is short about 190,000 units to keep up with demand. And access to affordable housing is a key issue with about half of Michigan renters paying too much for housing. Also in housing: Michigan had 19 homes that sold for $4 million or more last year, per records from Redfin. That’s significantly higher than the state’s median sale price of $229,700 in December. |
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Michigan won’t have much snow left after this warm spell |
Melting away: A very warm period continues in Michigan this week, causing the snow on the ground to shrink rapidly. Temperatures will get into the 50s over a lot of Lower Michigan by Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Despite harsh winter weather during the early and middle portions of the month, the Upper Peninsula had one of its warmest starts to the year on record. Since about Jan. 15, the temperatures have consistently warmed to the point of 15-20 degrees above the normal high and low temp. Save the date: February kicks off another month full of stargazing. Mark your calendar for planetary pairings, the full Snow Moon, and a chance to see a distant galaxy with a black hole at its heart. |
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Michigan State gymnastics beats Michigan in Ann Arbor for first time in 33 years |
Triumph: Michigan State's gymnastics team beat Michigan, 198.050 to 197.625, to mark the program’s first win over the Wolverines in Ann Arbor since 1990. With the win, the Spartans remain in first place in the Big Ten standings. Pistons: Former Michigan standout Franz Wagner had little issue scoring on Sunday afternoon at Little Caesars Arena, drilling four three-pointers as he led the Orlando Magic to a 111-99 victory over the Detroit Pistons. Muskegon coach Shane Fairfield is the first Michigan-based high school football coach to be named the NFL National Coach of the Year. |
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U.P. town’s zany ‘Outhouse Classic’ event includes outhouse races, mullet contest |
For more than three decades, the U.P. town of Trenary has been beating the winter blues by racing outhouses. The tradition continues this year as the 31st annual (or, as organizers have coined it, “Turdy First Annual”) Trenary Outhouse Classic returns on Saturday, Feb. 24. Showtime: Drag performers took over Calder Plaza in Grand Rapids for “Winter’s a DRAG" during the World of Winter festival. The World of Winter kicked off in January and includes outdoor art installations, activities and dozens of free events. Coming soon: Country music star Luke Bryan is returning to Michigan twice in 2024. His "Mind Of A Country Boy" tour is slated for Thursday, June 27 in Grand Rapids and in Clarkston on Friday, June 28. |
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Have a happy Monday, Michiganders! |
Hopefully you're feeling renewed as we get ready to take on a new week. Stay in the know with the latest local news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a subscriber. I hope you have a great start to the week. — Cara Hackett |
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