| November 30, 2021 
 The World Health Organization has added a new COVID-19 strain to its list of variants of concern. Omicron, also known as SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.529, became the latest coronavirus mutation to catch the attention of global health officials after the first cases were discovered in South Africa. It has several mutations that health officials say could have an effect on how easily it spreads and/or how severe of illness it causes, but more research is needed to better understand the omicron strain. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, said it’s likely to be more transmissible based on what’s currently known about the strain. While there are no known cases in the U.S. as of Monday, Nov. 29, Fauci said he wouldn’t be surprised if it was already in the country. READ MORE  A Grand Rapids morning radio host who was raised in Portage now wears the crown of Mrs. America. Jackie Blankenship, 36, of Grandville, was crowned the 45th Mrs. America on Nov. 20, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino in Nevada. Blankenship, who co-hosts “The Gray & Green Show” with Rachael Gray on 105.3 HOT-FM is the first woman from Michigan to ever be crowned Mrs. America. Blankenship will return to Las Vegas this January to compete for the title of Mrs. World, something she calls “just surreal.” READ MORE  A semiconductor shortage continues to hobble the state’s automotive industry. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo was in Michigan yesterday to meet with U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, the UAW and others. Raimondo is urging congressional support of the Chips Act, which would authorize $52 billion in subsidies for domestic semiconductor research and manufacturing. The bill passed the Senate but is waiting for approval from the House. “The truth is every single day we wait for the full passage and implementation of this bill is a day we can’t afford to fall further behind,” Raimondo said. “And by the way, other countries aren’t waiting. Other countries are moving forward with large investments.” READ MORE  It's a Big (Ten) week for the Wolverines! As the University of Michigan football team prepares to take on Iowa for the conference championship, there is plenty to discuss (and read). Here are some of our latest Wolverine headlines to get you pumped up for the weekend.  'Tis the season for holiday light displays. Sure, everyone has that neighbor who goes all out, with decorations covering their house, trees and anything else touching their property. That's always fun to check out -- but it can't compare to the kind of winter magic you'll see if you head to Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo. It features a whopping five million twinkling LED lights illuminating dozens of buildings and hundreds of trees and sculptures. We have a video peek at the fun: CHECK IT OUT Get your local news 24/7 Connect with MLive
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