Morning Briefing

TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2022

In today’s newsletter, what you should know about one of November's ballot items, Michigan saw a small business boom in 2021 and a look at health news throughout the state.

Before you dive in, here's a story we wanted you to see.

As a baby formula shortage continues in the U.S., parents of infants (and those who are expecting) are in need of the latest information. That's why we put this story up top today.

Abbott, a maker of baby formula, has entered into an agreement with the FDA to re-open its infant formula plant in here in Michigan. Once the FDA confirms the initial requirements have been met, it could restart the site in Sturgis within two weeks, Abbott reported in a statement.

We hope you find this information valuable, along with the rest of the Michigan news we have in today's newsletter.

Curated by Jessica Shepherd

Plan out the rest of your week with a look at the forecast.

A bit of rain and a couple summery days: A look at weather in Michigan this week.

What's the forecast, Mark? Now that nicer weather has arrived, everyone is dreaming of all the ways to spend time outside. MLive Chief Meteorologist Mark Torregrossa has a look at this week's forecast, so you can enjoy spring to the max.

The best way to get the latest forecasts: According to Mark, "The best way to get the weather breakdown for each day is to join me on Facebook for my MLive Facebook Live. Like the MLive Facebook page and allow notifications."

Fire danger: The threat of fire in Michigan has been extremely high in recent days. Lightning caused a large fire in Northern Michigan that was first reported on Friday. As of Monday afternoon, firefighters said the blaze was 75% contained.

Read more

Here's what you should know about a ballot initiative to reform term limits in Michigan.

On the Nov. 8 ballot: Michigan voters will consider a ballot proposal that would change the state’s constitution by reforming term limits for lawmakers and increasing financial disclosure requirements in Lansing.

What proponents say: Those in favor say the proposal would bring “sweeping reforms” to a broken Lansing legislature by ensuring lawmakers are working on behalf of constituents rather than using their elected position as a stepping stone for higher office.

What opponents say: Those in opposition say the term limit reforms in the proposal would actually increase the number of years lawmakers can spend in either the state House or the Senate, which would only benefit lobbyists and special interest groups – not the people.

Read more

Small businesses saw a boom in 2021, with the highest new job count in two decades.

Michigan's small-business boom: Despite a labor shortage and a wave of resignations defining the first year after coronavirus arrived in the state, Michigan saw a spike in small business job growth.

Big numbers: The first three quarters of 2021 saw the fastest start to small business job growth in 23 years, according to the Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information. Small businesses, with fewer than 50 employees, created almost 170,000 jobs last year.

Small distilleries might be getting a break: One specific genre of small business -- distilleries -- could be getting a tax break, if this bill is passed in Michigan.

Read more

Michigan is spending $100M to open 1,000 new child care facilities by 2024.

Caring for MI Future plan: Michigan is investing $100 million to help open 1,000 new child care facilities over the next two years in an effort to expand access to quality, affordable child care across the state under a new plan.

What's included: The plan includes $51.1 million in grant funding for child care businesses to renovate and upgrade their facilities to meet licensing and quality standards and $11.4 million for businesses to recruit and retain more staff.

Child care deserts: It’s estimated that 44% of Michigan’s population lives in a child care desert where there are not enough options.

Read more

A look at the latest health-related news from across Michigan.

Too few are getting HIV drug: There are highly effective drugs, pre-exposure prophylaxis, to prevent HIV. But people are still contracting the virus because, at least in part, too few among at-risk populations have access.

Mask mandates return to some GM, Ford facilities: With the risk of COVID-19 transmission rising, Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Stellantis have announced mask mandates at facilities in counties where the transmission risk has surged.

PFAS found in park: A moderate level of PFAS has been detected at Kent County's Millenium Park. Officials are holding a public meeting tonight to discuss the situation with local residents.

Read more

You’re all caught up.

Enjoy that lovely spring weather today before the expected rain tomorrow.

Don't forget, you can always find the latest Michigan news by visiting MLive.com. If you value the hard work of Michigan journalists, consider becoming an MLive subscriber.

We'll see you right back here in your inbox in 24 hours.

— Jessica Shepherd

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