Morning Briefing

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023

In today's newsletter, what to expect during Thursday morning's winter storm, more Michiganders could be eligible for food benefits and Michigan's U.S. Senate race has early entrants.

Bundle up, Michigan. The temperatures are dropping again.

We're on day two of a winter storm that brought freezing rain, sleet, heavy snow and gusty winds to parts of Michigan. The heaviest icing is done but another freeze is expected this evening as temperatures plummet.

While snow and ice blanketed streets, snowplows are hitting the roads across the state, some of them have quirky names like “Snowbegone Kenobi” and "Ice Force One." Here's where roads are still icy and they have been plowed.

If you have to drive today, be careful and pack a winter emergency kit in your vehicle. Some roads in Bay County were impassible last night and Washtenaw County officials warned of icy conditions after multiple crashes were reported on U.S. 23. MLive's Chief Meteorologist Mark Torregrossa will have the latest weather updates as the winter storm rolls on.

Curated by Cara Hackett

Post-it notes with positive messages are stuck to a wall at Michigan State University

Ice covered trees surround Shaver Road in Portage, Michigan on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023. The area is under an ice storm warning until 4 a.m. Thursday morning. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

What to expect Thursday morning from ice storm and snowstorm

The wintery weather conditions continue into Thursday as northern parts of Lower Michigan received additional snowfall overnight. Keep those shovels out—another area of snow in northern Wisconsin will move across northern Lower Michigan today. The good news? The heaviest icing is done. Here's a quick rundown of what's to come.

Lights out: Freezing rain and ice caused widespread electricity outages across a large swath of lower Michigan late Wednesday. As of 11:25 p.m. Wednesday, DTE Energy and Consumers Energy were reporting a combined 495,000 customers without electricity.

Capturing the moment: Businesses, schools and local governments across the state closed their doors in anticipation of Wednesday's snow and ice storm. MLive photographers across Michigan ventured out into the icy weather to gather the images of yesterday's winter storm.

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More Michiganders could become eligible for food benefits.

Increasing eligibility: State lawmakers are looking at removing a requirement from the state’s food assistance program to help more of Michigan’s low-income families meet their nutritional requirements.

Asset testing is axed: Senate Bill 35 introduced in January would delete the asset testing requirement used by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to determine eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

How does it work? SNAP is federally funded, but it’s up to the state to decide who receives it. To qualify for food assistance benefits, applications are filtered by a household’s income, expenses and assets. Proponents of the legislation believe removing the asset test would give low-income families greater financial stability, while also reducing paperwork for MDHHS caseworkers so they can give greater attention to the individuals and families receiving assistance.

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Almost 18 months from the primary, Michigan’s U.S. Senate race has early entrants.

Early birds: Nearly a year-and-a-half from the August 2024 primary, Michigan’s State Board of Education member and former congressional candidate Nikki Snyder was the first candidate to declare she’s seeking the seat being vacated by U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow. Multiple Democrats, too, are laying the groundwork for campaigns.

In public interest: Advocates and state officials are pushing the U.S. military to build more stopgap systems to clean up groundwater contamination around the former Wurtsmith Air Force base while a slow-moving investigation continues.

A retired professor who promised to give public comment at every meeting of the new Ottawa County Board of Commissioners for two years, after calling them fascist, must now break that vow.

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‘They’re everybody’s mom today.’ MSU students feel healing power of mothers’ embrace.

Free mom hugs: When Michigan State University students were welcomed back to campus on Monday, Feb. 20, a group of mothers from across the state stood at The Rock to ensure anyone who wanted or needed that embrace — it was there.

“It’s heartwarming to have all of these mothers embrace us as students. It’s very nice because for those of us who can’t see their moms, it’s nice to be able to hug someone and have someone who is there for you in this moment,” said Cora Fuller, a 19-year-old sophomore from Macomb.

Michigan State hopes Tuesday's big win aids the healing process for students and the community. Amid an emotional night, the Spartans delivered by pulling off an 80-65 win against No. 17 Indiana in front of a raucous crowd of 14,797 fans.

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This Northern Michigan scavenger hunt can earn you a slice of pie

Traverse City Tourism’s Northern Michigan Scavenger Hunt is tempting visitors to explore the region with the promise of a free slice of pie from Grand Traverse Pie Company. The scavenger hunt pass includes a free mobile “passport” of attractions across the region where visitors can check in to earn prizes.

Family-friendly fun: Scavenger hunt locations are activity-focused and include family-friendly stops such as Grand Traverse Lighthouse, Michigan Legacy Art Park, the Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and the Great Lakes Children’s Museum.

Speaking of sweet treats: Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 300 pounds, Bob Love Jr. chowed down five paczki (and one bite) in three minutes, and took the crown at the Flushing paczki eating contest.

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You're all caught up.

We're almost to the end of another week.

You can always get the latest updates at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming an MLive subscriber.

Stay safe and warm today!

— Cara Hackett

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