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Morning Briefing

TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2023

In today's newsletter, Section 8 housing voucher waitlist opening in 61 Michigan counties, Tom Izzo sets record with 25 straight NCAA Tournaments and self-driving I-94 lanes could connect Ann Arbor and Detroit.

What does the weather look like this week?

Oh you know, a little bit of everything, but we expect nothing less from March. Get ready for cold wind chills today and tomorrow. It’s going to feel like winter continues to hold on tightly for as long as it can.

A storm from California will arrive in Michigan later this week. Our meteorologist Mark Torregrossa says we're probably on the warm side of that storm, bringing slightly higher temps and some spring-like rain. Then it looks like we're in for some snow over the weekend. 

Love discussing weather? Join MLive's Michigan Weather group on Facebook. You'll get updates from Mark himself and have a place to discuss the forecast all year long with other weather fans.

Curated by Jamie Rewerts

Lake Superior State University will set a snowman aflame on Monday, March 20, 2023, at the 52nd annual Snowman Burning. The event ushers in spring in the eastern Upper Peninsula. (Photo provided by Lake Superior State University)

Wayne State to offer no-cost tuition for qualified new students

Removing a barrier: Wayne State University will begin fully covering the cost of tuition for certain income-qualified families, the university announced. Families who report an income of $70,000 a year or less and have less than $50,000 in assets on their federal student loan application would qualify. Students must be entering fall 2023 at WSU as a full-time freshman in their first degree program.

Speaking of post-secondary education: The Michigan Attorney General’s Office is investigating a complaint that alleges Albion College is violating state law over its use of its endowments to cover budget deficits.

Out of this world: Ferris State University students will be sending off a mini satellite into Earth’s orbit to learn about space cybersecurity as part of a unique new course the university is offering this spring.

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Gambling addiction is rising in Michigan after legalization of online sports betting and gaming

Plan to bet on March Madness? You’re not alone. Since online gambling and sports betting were legalized in Michigan in January, 2021, Michiganders have wagered billions. But while it’s a lot easier to place bets, it’s also a lot easier to get addicted. MLive reporter Justin Hicks has a look at the numbers.

During fiscal year 2022,  Michigan’s Problem Gambling Hotline received 4,306 gambling-related calls. It’s an 18% increase from the fiscal year 2021, and up 171% from the fiscal year 2020. Michiganders wagered a total of $4.6 billion in 2022, up from $3.7 billion a year ago.

Stay alert: While the vast majority of adults can gamble responsibly, it’s important to be aware of the indicators of an underlying problem. Here are some signs to look out for.

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Section 8 housing voucher waitlist opening in 61 Michigan counties

Happening soon: The Michigan State Housing Development Authority is opening the housing choice voucher waitlist in 61 counties later this month. The federally funded program, also called Section 8, provides rental assistance to families and individuals who have low incomes.

The state housing authority said joining a waitlist does not guarantee rental assistance. Only one in four eligible households receive assistance due to funding limitations, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, with Michigan households waiting an average of 26 months to get a voucher. Then obstacles like landlord resistance and high costs can make it difficult to find a place to live.

More in public interest: Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in a backyard poultry flock from Eaton County. This is the first detection of HPAI in a Michigan domestic flock in 2023, and the first case in Eaton County.

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‘It means the world to me’: Tom Izzo sets record with 25 straight NCAA Tournaments

Let's hear from the coach: Tom Izzo now has the most consecutive NCAA bids of any coach in tournament history. Here's what he had to say about the huge accomplishment. Izzo also commented on how he thinks USC is a good NCAA Tournament matchup for Michigan State. Speaking of coaches, Michigan State women's basketball will have a new one for the first time in 16 years with Suzy Merchant stepping down.

The Wolverines: Michigan basketball is motivated for the NIT. “We get a chance to play for a championship. That means something,” head coach Juwan Howard said in a statement emailed to media members.

For the Lions: The Lions have resigned Alex Anzalone, Craig Reynolds and Isaiah Buggs. They also have reportedly agreed to terms with former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton. Lions beat writers Ben Raven and Kyle Meinke have you covered for free-agent news from Detroit and around the NFL in this live tracker.

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Self-driving I-94 lanes could connect Ann Arbor and Detroit. Officials seek public input.

Share your opinion: A project designing Michigan’s first roadway for self-driving vehicles is moving forward, and Ann Arbor-area residents will have a chance to weigh in during two open house sessions in March.

About the mission: The effort, announced in 2020, envisions connecting Ann Arbor and Detroit with dedicated lanes for connected and automated vehicles, with an initial segment along I-94 stretching roughly 25 miles.

Be aware: A portion of eastbound I-94 and an overpass in the Ann Arbor area will be closed for several days due to a truck hitting the overpass on Monday morning.

Read more

You're all caught up.

Thank you for joining me today on the Morning Briefing. 

As always, you can get the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a MLive subscriber.

Have a great day!

— Jamie Rewerts

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• National Park Service sells Great Lakes lighthouse so small it only ‘fits about 4 people'

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